Table of contents for 2026-04-17 in Mercury

In a landscape marked by geopolitical tension, a wave of optimism swept through the global markets yesterday, buoyed by positive developments in peace negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. The potential for a ceasefire has sparked renewed hope among investors, who are now closely monitoring further updates from Iran and the White House regarding ongoing negotiations. Wall Street stocks surged to record highs, with the major indices closing up as strong corporate earnings painted a promising picture for the American economy. The anticipation of a potential deal between Iran and the US catalysed the bullish sentiment, further energising the market. “The positive sentiment continues as peace talks between Lebanon and Israel indicate the potential for a ceasefire,” said Bianca Botes, Managing Director at Citadel Global. “This optimism is not just a…

The Durban High Court has postponed the liquidation case against Tongaat Hulett. This decision follows a last-minute agreement between the company's Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for R200 million in funding. The supplementary affidavits detailing the IDC's proposed R200 million funding were filed two days before the hearing on Thursday, resulting in the temporary halt of the liquidation proceedings on Thursday morning, just before they were set to begin. Advocate Arnold Subel SC, representing the BRPs from Metis Strategic Advisors, informed the court that the new funding arrangement fundamentally altered the situation. “IDC’s funding allows BRP to continue day-to-day operations, but it won’t last till the end of June,” he stated. Subel argued that the funding offered a breather until the end of June to…

South Africa's small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are currently grappling with a severe cash flow crisis, compounded by a staggering R12.4 billion in government invoices that remain unpaid after 30 days. This statistic, reported by the National Treasury, underscored the silent yet devastating impact of delayed payments on the backbone of the nation's economy. Private sector payment cycles can stretch between 90 to 150 days, often jeopardising the survival of SMEs and stifling their growth. “Waiting three to six months to be paid is simply not compatible with running a healthy small business," Daniel Goldberg, Founder and CEO of Bridgement, a South African fintech lender that is rising to the challenge of the ongoing crisis, said. "Our mission is to give SMEs a funding partner that moves at the…

About 70% of South African gig workers are using ride-hailing as a secondary source of income, underlining its growing importance as a dependable side hustle in a constrained economic environment. At the same time, 30% rely on it as their primary source of income, highlighting its role as a daily livelihood for many households navigating high unemployment and rising living costs. These insights form part of the flagship Gig Economy Report released by Bolt in partnership with Ipsos, offering a detailed look at how digital platforms are reshaping the way South Africans earn, spend, and sustain themselves. The findings point to a significant shift, where ride-hailing is no longer viewed merely as a transport solution, but increasingly as a practical pathway into income generation and entrepreneurship. According to Simo Kalajdzic,…

The looming KwaZulu-Natal High Court hearing on the potential liquidation of Tongaat Hulett is being described as a defining moment for South Africa’s sugar cane industry, with thousands of livelihoods hanging in the balance. SA Canegrowers on Thursday raised serious concerns ahead of the hearing, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, warning that the outcome could have devastating consequences for rural economies. The company’s business rescue practitioners filed for provisional liquidation in February after a proposed sale agreement with the Vision consortium fell through. Key stakeholders, including SA Canegrowers, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau, are opposing the liquidation application. At the heart of the concern is the heavy reliance of sugarcane growers on Tongaat Hulett’s milling operations.…

The MK Party has become the latest party to reject the appointment of veteran politician Roelf Meyer, who served as a key National Party minister during the apartheid era, as South Africa’s new ambassador to the US. The party said that while it does not reject individuals based on race or past political labels alone, historical responsibility and political accountability cannot be ignored when determining who should represent the democratic will and aspirations of the people of South Africa on the global stage. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment on Tuesday night. The president confirmed the appointment on the sidelines of the National Local Economic Development (LED) Summit in Boksburg. The appointment sparked significant criticism and debate across the political spectrum. The EFF also condemned the appointment as “deeply offensive”…

The DA’s deputy provincial leader Sithembiso Ngema and current member of the provincial legislature Mzamo Billy, have emerged as contenders for leadership of the party in KwaZulu-Natal. The deadline for nominations closes on Monday and senior leaders such as current chairperson, Dean Macpherson, his deputy Martin Meyer as well as Umngeni Local Municipality mayor Chris Pappas have shown no interest in the provincial leader position. Ngema and Billy are the only candidates so far who have accepted the nominations for the position. Macpherson wants to return to the chairperson position in the province, while Meyer has accepted a nomination for the deputy leader position. Current provincial leader Francois Rodgers, who is also Finance MEC, has already announced his impending retirement from politics. The elective congress will be held on May…

Prepare to rub your eyes in disbelief. The world-renowned Museum of Illusions is officially making its way to the East Coast, set to transform the Gateway Theatre of Shopping into a playground of perception starting Saturday, 25 April 2026. Following massive success in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the Durban launch marks a significant expansion for the global brand, which first sparked a visual revolution in Zagreb, Croatia, back in 2015. With outposts in heavy-hitting cities like New York, Paris, and Dubai, the museum has captivated millions by proving that seeing isn’t always believing. Forget the “hushed tones” and “no-touch” policies of traditional galleries. This is a museum designed to be touched, entered, and thoroughly puzzled over. The Durban location will feature the brand’s signature “edutainment” approach, blending science and art…

The Durban High Court has postponed the liquidation case against Tongaat Hulett. This decision follows a last-minute agreement between the company’s Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for R200 million in funding. The supplementary affidavits detailing the IDC's proposed R200 million funding were filed two days before the hearing on Thursday, resulting in the temporary halt of the liquidation proceedings on Thursday morning, just before they were set to begin. Advocate Arnold Subeal SC, representing the BRPs from Metis Strategic Advisors, informed the court that the new funding arrangement fundamentally altered the situation. “IDC’s funding allows BRP to continue day-to-day operations, but it won’t last till the end of June,” he stated. Subeal argued that the funding offered a breather until the end of June to…

The Chery Group is no stranger to the “value luxury” space with brands such as Omoda and Lepas, which led me to question whether the core brand should have a large and luxurious flagship like the Tiggo 9 in its portfolio. Then the newcomer rolled silently onto our driveway, its hybrid electric motor humming softly and its mammoth 20-inch wheels attracting instant attention. I must admit that I was struck by its imposing presence. Stately, sporty and very Germanic, but without being an obvious copy of any premium “rivals”. The Tiggo 9 sits at the top of Chery’s price catalogue, with the 2.0T petrol variation costing R689 900 in Pinnacle trim and R779 900 in Vanguard AWD guise, while the CSH plug-in hybrid equivalents range from R839 900 to R989…

Kaizer Chiefs’ chances of finishing in the Top 3 have gathered momentum after winning five games in a row this week. However, given the high spirits in camp, the team is not ruling out a potential runners-up finish in the Betway Premiership. Chiefs thrashed Magesi 4-1 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night to secure five consecutive league wins – their best run since winning eight in a row during the 2019/20 season under Ernst Middendorp. The victory cemented Chiefs’ third place on the log with 45 points after 23 rounds of matches. They trail second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have played one game more, by 10 points. With Chiefs set to face Pirates in the return leg of their league clash at FNB Stadium on April 26, Amakhosi…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that sub-Saharan Africa’s recent economic progress is under increasing strain, as global shocks, rising debt, and declining external support threaten to derail growth and development across the region. In its April 2026 Regional Economic Outlook titled “Hard-Won Gains Under Pressure,” the IMF on Thursday painted a mixed picture of the continent’s economic trajectory. While 2025 was described as a relatively strong year for many African economies, the outlook has since darkened significantly after global instability, particularly the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has pushed up fuel, food, and transport costs. The IMF downgraded the region's growth forecast by a cumulative 0.4 percentage point, and is now forecasting growth of 4.3% and 4.4% in the two years, respectively, while in January it…

South Africa’s efforts to contain the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) are showing encouraging early signs, with no new outbreaks reported among vaccinated herds, according to Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. Announcing the latest update this week, Steenhuisen said preliminary data suggests the country’s mass vaccination strategy is beginning to yield positive results. Since February 2026, more than 2 million animals—specifically 2,033,289—have been vaccinated across all provinces as part of a nationwide effort to curb the disease. Steenhuisen said while outbreaks have been reported across all nine provinces, the intensity varies significantly. “We have strengthened surveillance and implemented a centralised reporting system, allowing for earlier detection and faster data capture,” he said. “Furthermore, heightened awareness has helped identify “sub-clinical” cases – where animals carry the virus without showing…

April is Financial Literacy Month, a dedicated time to build essential skills in budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It’s a reminder that building long-term financial security doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require informed decisions. Whether you’re saving for your child’s education, planning for retirement, or simply wanting your money to work harder, understanding your investment options is the first step. One of the most accessible and transparent tools available to everyday investors is the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), an investment vehicle that is steadily democratising access to markets. ETFs are a powerful way to start investing because they offer affordability, transparency, and diversification all in one product. Whether you invest R100 or R10 million, you get access to the same fund, on the same terms, with…

A new international partnership between Heraeus Precious Metals and Sibanye-Stillwater is set to reshape the economics of glass fibre manufacturing, with a strong focus on reducing costs while unlocking new demand for palladium. The two companies on Thursday announced the joint research and development initiative, which will focus on creating a new generation of glass fibre bushings using platinum-palladium (PtPd) alloys enhanced by Heraeus’ proprietary dispersion hardening (DPH) technology. The collaboration brings together Heraeus’ advanced materials engineering capabilities and Sibanye-Stillwater’s expertise in platinum group metals (PGMs), aiming to deliver more efficient and cost-effective industrial solutions. It also builds on previous joint efforts between the two companies, including the development of a ruthenium-based catalyst for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water electrolysis. That breakthrough significantly reduced dependence on iridium, another costly and…

Former Minister of International Relations, Dr Naledi Pandor, has issued a scathing critique of recent legislative movements within the Israeli Knesset, drawing direct parallels between a proposed death penalty for Palestinians and the judicial mechanisms of South Africa’s colonial and apartheid past. Pandor highlighted a draft bill discussed during a March 30 session of the Knesset that seeks to mandate the death penalty for Palestinians involved in attacks resulting in the loss of Israeli life. According to Pandor, the legislation bypasses traditional judicial safeguards, representing a “mandatory” sentence dictated through a legislative act rather than a standard court hearing or trial. Pandor, who has long been a vocal figure in South African political communications and international strategy, likened the bill to laws enforced under British colonial and early South African…

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi is accused of dispatching two metro officers to commit an armed robbery involving precious stones worth R14.9 million. The stones went missing from a private property in Rosebank in February 2023, allegedly after the officers raided the property. This emerged during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry yesterday, when he was questioned about the legitimacy of the law-enforcement operation outside Ekurhuleni’s jurisdiction. On Wednesday, he testified that the operation was jointly executed by the EMPD, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), and Gauteng Traffic Department. He said the operation followed a complaint from the late Gauteng Traffic Department deputy chief inspector Guzuzu Gerald Maseko about suspects allegedly selling fake stones on social media and defrauding people. He told the…

Just two months ago, South Africans were enjoying the lowest fuel prices in four years. How times have changed. The war in the Middle East has sent global oil prices spiralling, and a weaker rand has also piled pressure on South Africa’s fuel price structure, together leading to record fuel price increases in April, with petrol rising by R3,06 per litre and diesel by up to R7,51. Prices could spike further in May, unless the imminent ceasefire negotiations prove successful and oil prices fall below current levels for the remainder of April. Although the government has given South Africans a temporary tax reprieve, with the General Fuel Levy having been reduced by R3, from R4,11 to R1,11, for the month of April, there is currently no indication of whether this…

YOU have got to love South Africa’s relationship with Kaizer Chiefs; it is often said that when the Mighty Amakhosi are in a slump – which has been the official state of affairs in recent seasons – the country’s football following takes a knock. It has been also said that when Amakhosi hit a purple patch, Mzansi’s happiness index shoots up so much that even opposition fans find themselves engulfed by a sudden rush of enthusiasm for football in general. And so it is that, currently, Amakhosi ajabulile (Amakhosi are ecstatic). How can they not be? Their 4-1 drubbing of Magesi in Polokwane on Wednesday night handed them their fifth Betway Premiership win in a row. The last time Chiefs won five consecutive league matches was during the 2019/20 season,…

The Stormers enter the United Rugby Championship’s last block of four games before the playoffs, knowing that they have an excellent chance of finishing top of the table. If they can hold their nerve and win their remaining games, they could well knock Glasgow Warriors off top spot, given that the Scotsmen have the tougher run-in, including next week’s visit to the Cape Town Stadium. In fact, as soon as tomorrow, the Cape team could reclaim the No 1 position they held earlier in the tournament should the Lions do them a big favour by beating the Warriors at Ellis Park, and the Stormers get past tricky Connacht. It is a weekend where, if the Stormers win, their top-four position can be strengthened by other results. For instance, in an…

Khulumani Ndamane is living the dream by competing in the CAF Champions League, which is why he has embraced the challenges that come with the competition as he looks to help Mamelodi Sundowns succeed. Sundowns have one foot in the Champions League final, as they need just a draw at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow (3pm) to progress, following their historic 1-0 win over Espérance in the first leg in Tunis last Sunday. Reaching the semi-finals of the competition for the second time in a row has already been a milestone for the team and some individuals, including Ndamane. The towering left-footed defender is playing in his first season in the competition, having arrived at the club from TS Galaxy in January. His stint so far has been impressive, as he has…

Richards Bay FC are staring down the final stretch of the PSL season with one thing on the line that still matters to them, and that is to finish in the Top 8. In a season of inconsistency, playing the MTN 8 next season would be some form of conciliation. There’s no comfort zone left now. No hiding or margin for error. The Natal Rich Boys have shown flashes of their ideal self this season. There's also been stubborn defensive spells, moments of structure, and the kind of grind-it-out football that keeps you afloat when quality alone won’t carry you. Their recent match against Orlando Pirates could be described as one of those gritty and thrilling matches. Goalkeeper Ian Otieno will surely be looking for redemption after his slippery performance…

The “quasi-equity” €75 million investment will also enable an additional $20m senior loan Biovac, based in Cape Town, will become Africa’s first multi-vaccine manufacturing site after a R1.47 billion investment by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, the financing arm of the European Union, the European Commission and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The “quasi-equity” €75 million investment will also enable an additional $20m senior loan, as well as further senior financing from the IFC, a statement said Thursday. The investment is backed by a European Commission EFSD+ guarantee under the Human Development Accelerator (HDX), part of the EU's Global Gateway strategy. The EFSD+ guarantee acts as a safety net for lenders, covering potential losses if projects fail. In blended finance operations, the EU combines a small grant contribution with…

The world is witnessing more than a geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. It is witnessing a profound reconfiguration of global talent flows. Wars have always shifted borders. Today, they are shifting brains. The current conflict, centred around the escalating tensions involving Iran and the Gulf, has triggered not only a humanitarian crisis, but a silent, strategic migration of skills. Tens of thousands of professionals are reassessing where they live, work, and build their future. Entire ecosystems of talent are being disrupted, relocated, or redeployed. This moment presents both a warning and a once-in-a-generation opportunity for countries like South Africa. From brain circulation to brain flight Historically, globalisation enabled what we called “brain circulation”—talent moving fluidly between hubs like Dubai, London, Singapore, and New York. Today, that model is…

What may start out as a seemingly harmless “side hustle” can quickly spiral into serious financial consequences,including frozen bank accounts, fraud listings, and long-term damage to one’s financial standing. The Banking Division of the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa (NFO) has raised concern over a sharp increase in complaints linked to the misuse of personal bank accounts. This growing trend is fast becoming one of the most significant risks facing South Africa’s financial sector. According to Nerosha Maseti, lead ombud for the NFO’s Banking and Credit Division, there has been a notable rise in cases where ordinary consumers are drawn into scams or informal financial arrangements. These often involve individuals allowing third parties to use their personal bank accounts to receive and transfer funds, typically in exchange for small…

PSG Financial Services’ headline earnings per share increased by a strong 33% in the year to end-February after it benefited from positive markets, improved investment income, and a rise in performance fees. The return on equity for the group that provides financial services for investments, retirement, stockbroking, and insurance came to 317%. Considering the strong cash position, a final gross dividend of 45 cents a share (2025: 35 cents) brought the dividend to 65 cents for the year, up 25% from 52 cents in 2025. “Against a demanding backdrop, the group delivered solid growth, reaffirming that our advice-led model and diversified businesses provide consistent increases in earnings and a clear competitive advantage,” said CEO Francois Gouws. CFO Mike Smith said in an interview gross net inflows came to R25 billion,…

EFF leader Julius Malema has claimed that his prosecution is politically motivated, alleging that a “hidden hand” was influencing the judicial process against him. He said this was part of a broader and orchestrated campaign to disrupt his political career and stifle the EFF’s influence ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Malema was addressing his supporters outside the East London Magistrate’s Court following his sentencing for the unlawful discharge of a firearm during a 2018 rally. Malema was sentenced to five years of direct imprisonment yesterday. However, he was released on warning following his immediate appeal against the sentence. This was after he was found guilty in September last year on five charges under the Firearms Control Act, including discharging a firearm in a built-up or public area without…

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) faces an integrity crisis due to widespread abuse, which the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) admits is rife with non-transparent recruitment, inadequate verification, and administrative weaknesses. These flaws facilitate manipulation, patronage, and theft, often by ward councillors controlling beneficiary lists. Sweeping reforms, prioritising robust digital systems over flawed human control, are immediately necessary, the department said. DPWI Minister Dean Macpherson said eThekwini’s case reinforces why the ministry has embarked on wider EPWP reform. “For too long, weaknesses in administration at implementing public bodies, opaque recruitment processes, and weak verification systems have left the programme vulnerable to manipulation. That must end,” Macpherson said on Tuesday. “We are working to modernise the programme through stronger digital systems, better verification processes, and real-time oversight tools…

The SACP’s national leadership says it would not punish any member that campaigns for the ANC in the coming local government elections despite itself contesting the same elections. The party was reacting to the appointment of its senior member James Nxumalo to lead the ANC election campaigns in KwaZulu-Natal. On Wednesday Nxumalo, a former SACP provincial chairperson and eThekwini mayor, was unveiled as the new provincial coordinator of the ANC in the province by Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. He was appointed alongside Mike Mabuyakhulu, who replaced Jeff Radebe as the new provincial convener. The SACP national spokesperson Mbulelo Mandlana said the party respects Nxumalo’s decision to accept the ANC appointment and would not punish him or any member of the SACP that would campaign for the ANC, arguing that SACP members…

It was a brave person who walked into a Kia global executive meeting and suggested that they should build a double-cab bakkie, and when asked to provide a sketch, showed them the Tasman. Kudos to them, though, despite it being the most polarising aspect of their new venture. People either love it or hate it, but the fact remains that it’s a bold move aimed at similar pricing levels to the top-tier Ranger and Hilux. Kia admits they are not looking to take on the big two or compete against the Chinese entry-level offerings, but for a company that produced the Tasman from the ground up, every sale is one they didn’t have and continues to drive their bottom line. Exterior The Tasman makes an immediate impression with its physical…

The IPID investigation into the Phala Phala farm incident reveals critical insights into the alleged misconduct of police officers and the implications for President Cyril Ramaphosa Much of the public commentary on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigation into the Phala Phala farm incident has generated more heat than light. Accusations that IPID “whitewashed” the matter or deliberately shielded President Cyril Ramaphosa by scapegoating Major General WP Rhoode and Sergeant Hlulani Rekhoto are baseless. They overlook the Directorate’s narrowly defined mandate. IPID’s role is confined to investigating serious criminal offences or misconduct allegedly committed by members of the SAPS. It does not extend to investigating the President or making findings on his personal conduct. In this case, IPID was requested by ATM President Vuyolethu Zungula to probe the actions…

Serial Uefa Champions League winners Real Madrid bared their fangs but left Munich staring down the barrel of a second consecutive season without a major trophy, leaving coach Alvaro Arbeloa's tenure looking tenuous. Nine points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, Los Blancos seem destined to end a troubled campaign empty-handed after their dramatic European quarter-final exit against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Arbeloa's side took the lead three times at the Allianz Arena and, until Eduardo Camavinga's 86th-minute red card, had every chance of going through after digging deep and going blow-for-blow with the Bavarian giants in a thrilling clash. A late double for Bayern consigned Madrid to a 4-3 defeat on the night — one on which Arbeloa said his team gave "their souls and their lives" — and a…

So much has happened since the halcyon days of the ICC Women’s World Cup final when the Proteas and India met at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai last November. The focus has naturally shifted from 50-overs to the shorter format with the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup on the horizon. India have flourished in the interim, hosting the Women’s Premier League (WPL), whitewashing Sri Lanka in a five-match series, before an historic 2-1 triumph over Australia on their own soil Down Under. On the other end of the scale, Laura Wolvaardt’s Proteas have lost five of their last six T20Is against Pakistan and New Zealand. The obvious deduction would therefore be that the visitors should start as overwhelming favourites in the much-anticipated five-match T20I series that gets…

Thrice before did the Lions come close to lifting the Super Rugby title, and on all three occasions, "The Pride" suffered heartbreak and anguish. Ah, yes — 2016, 2017, and 2018. These were the years when the men in the famous red-and-white hoops ruled not only South Africa, but arguably the most prestigious club rugby competition in the world. Don’t be deceived by what the Europeans argue regarding their leagues and pan-continental championships; there was a time when Super Rugby was, without question, the best competition on the planet. Every game felt like a season in itself. There were stakes and consequences, and a profound sense of history in every tackle. Admittedly, it wasn't always perfect. It would have been that much better had Australian and South African franchises done…