Table of contents for 2024-05-23 in Star

THE LATEST consumer price index (CPI) has confirmed fears that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will continue postponing further cutting interest rates, in spite of inflation falling for the second month in a row in April. Data from Statistics SA (StatsSA) yesterday showed that headline inflation softened to 5.2% in April year-on-year, down from 5.3% in March and 5.6% in February, as general food inflation slowed except for vegetables, fruit and hot beverages. However, inflation remained stubbornly high and well above the SARB’s preferred level of 4.5% of the 3% to 6% target range. StatsSA’s chief director of price statistics, Patrick Kelly, said housing and utilities, miscellaneous goods and services, food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB), and transport were the main drivers behind the headline rate in April. “Annual inflation…

THE BOARD of Anglo American appeared to soften its stance on a complete rejection of BHP’s buyout offer for some of its assets yesterday, after agreeing to continue engagements with the board of the Australian mining giant ahead of a fresh deadline of May 29. Anglo American said it had applied for an extension of the deadline for BHP to make a firm offer which lapsed yesterday, but has now been extended. BHP is bidding for Anglo American minus its South African iron ore and platinum group metals (PGM) units, with the focus now shifting to the boardroom as the two companies engage each other for a potential agreement over the next seven days. “It is frustrating on the part of BHP, but at least they now have an official…

Nontokozo Madonsela IMAGINE the stress and anxiety that comes with working for an entire year and not receiving a salary? This is the reality that confronts most entrepreneurs in their quest to build a successful business. I was recently reflecting on my experience with entrepreneurship: a failure that, while haunting, was also pregnant with many lessons for entrepreneurs – the importance of advice chief among them. Liberation vs Liability I bought an existing business and created Spa88 – and entered the market armed with a solid strategy and a love for customer service. I had a successful track record of establishing and growing some of the biggest brands in the country. Fuelled by determination and faith, I cashed my pension fund and shares to pursue my dreams. I craved…

kykNET’s newest offering, Een keer om die son (Once around the sun), takes viewers on an emotional roller-coaster as it delves into the lives of the Van Wyk family. Shot in Cape Town, the production is spearheaded by Ivan Botha and Donnalee Roberts of 17 Films, who are also responsible for hit movies like Pad Na Jou Hart, Stroomop and Blindelings. It’s the first time the production company has undertaken a TV series. Botha doubles as the show director, while Roberts is a co-writer and she also plays the character, Amé Cloete. The 12-part series revolves around the family and their hardships. Viewers will be drawn into the lives of neurosurgeon Ruan van Wyk, who is married to Lani van Wyk. They have three children, Markus, who is in Grade…

IF WOMEN do not wake up and take positions of leadership, they will continue to be used by male-led political parties like nothing more than a cheap commodity. These were scathing remarks made by South African Rainbow Alliance (Sara) president Colleen Makhubele at The Star’s political dialogue held at the Joburg Theatre yesterday. Makhubele said what South Africans had to understand was that the country’s democracy was one that was run by money and people with influence. She said her party, however, was the only party that had come up not just with hype but with practical policies and funded not by the elite but dependent on themselves and their members. “We may look and feel like them but we are not like them. There’s no Oppenheimer or Stellenbosch…

A recent report by Africa Outlook predicts that Africa will be the world’s second-fastest-growing tourism region in 2024, driven by a resurgence in travel and investment. To meet this demand, the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa, in its seventh edition having undergone a transformation, is set to connect hospitality buyers with a wide range of global suppliers and brands. “The all-new Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa is the ultimate destination for the hotel and hospitality sector in Africa,” says Margaret Peters, event manager: Food & Hospitality at dmg events. “And as part of our commitment to providing more value to the African hospitality sector, the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa is excited to announce the launch of the interiors and fit-out sector within the main event, taking place in South…

South Africans love bakkies, almost as much as they love complaining about how expensive they’ve become. And that’s with good reason, of course. The recent discontinuation of Nissan’s NP200 hasn’t helped matters for those seeking an inexpensive workhorse, although Suzuki’s Super Carry has kept the flame burning for those on a budget. And soon there will be a Chinese presence at the bottom end of the market again with the reintroduction of the DFSK brand locally. It’s set to be imported by WilGin Holdings, which recently took over the parts and servicing responsibilities of the JMC brand after it pulled out of South Africa. The importer will initially offer two products in South Africa, with the K01S compact bakkie and the larger C35 panel van set to arrive in about…

LIVING in an uncertain world, the many hiccups of life that are not always smooth sailing come to light. Too many people succumb to the misconception that mental strength comes from superpowers that exist only in larger-than-life characters. In reality, mental strength may not be as grandiose and visible, yet it is a reality. This article outlines the key behaviours that mortals avoid while navigating life’s tough waters smoothly. Mortals often set themselves apart from others by committing to behaviours that create a magical life to look forward to. They are aware that the brain is a heat-seeking missile that attracts whatever you focus on with the highest level of passion and emotion. Mentally strong people avoid wasting time feeling sorry for themselves. It is easy to slip into a…

South African gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz has qualified for her second Olympic Games, and she will continue her quest to break boundaries for her country as she sets her sights on an all-round final when the games kick off in Paris in July. The 22-year-old Johannesburg-born athlete represented South Africa in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, and became her country’s first gymnast to qualify for the Games without a continental quota, while also becoming one of only two gymnasts of colour ever to represent Mzansi. Rooskrantz expects Paris to be different from the Tokyo Olympics, where she finished 61st, believing that she has improved significantly since then. She is a lot more confident, and feels that the trust she has developed in her abilities will enable her to give it her…

Kaizer Chiefs’ last game of the DStv Premiership season will be crucial in determining whether they finish in the top eight or not. The mere fact that Chiefs find themselves in a top-eight discussion is embarrassing for the club, who should be fighting for the title. However, Chiefs need to do what they have to finish the season on a high and play in the MTN8 next season. We profiled three players who must step up in their last clash against the relegated Cape Town Spurs at Athlone Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off) ... Bruce Bvuma – Goalkeeper Bvuma has hit a downward trajectory in recent weeks, having kept only two clean sheets in the past 10 games in the league. However, he remains one of the key players…

Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell and Gloucester coach George Skivington have agreed on one issue ahead of tomorrow night’s Challenge Cup final – victory will turn a season of doom and gloom into a success. The Sharks and the English Premiership side have won through to the London final, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (9pm kick-off, SA time) after very similar seasons. Gloucester finished second-last in the Premiership after a disastrous start that included nine successive defeats, and the Sharks finished 13th in the United Rugby Championship after losing nine of their first 10 games. But both teams have found a lifeline in the Challenge Cup and for the victors in the UK capital, the season will be saved and they will earn a spot in the Champions Cup,…

PICK N PAY Stores yesterday said it would report big losses in its year to February 25 results due to write-downs and large once-off costs, but its shareholders appeared surprisingly upbeat as the share price gained up to 8% at one stage yesterday. The iconic South African grocery chain said in a trading statement yesterday its earnings would be impacted by a R2.8 billion non-cash asset impairment of its core Pick n Pay Super- markets stores. The group forecast that diluted headline loss per share would be between -280.39 cents to -227.75c, massively down compared with 263.2c the previous year. The results are expected to be released on Monday. With regard to the share price, Umthombo Wealth equity analyst Nomtha Ngumbela said much of the…

SPEAR real estate investment trust (Reit), the only regionally focused Reit listed on the JSE, yesterday announced that its full-year distributable income per share (Dips) increased 1.04% to 82.99 cents over the prior financial year compared with the prior financial year. With cash collections robust at 98.92% for the year, the board declared a final distribution per share (DPS) of 40.53c based on a payout ratio for the final six months of 96% of Dips. The total DPS came to 78.86c, up 3.8%. It marked the first year in which annual gross revenue surpassed R600 million, after increasing by 5.92% through the year. Spear’s assets were valued at R4.62 billion, with a diversified portfolio of industrial, commercial, retail and mixed-use assets in the Western Cape. Its…

GOLDWAY Capital has kick-started the compulsory buyout of the remaining shares it does not currently control in MC Mining, with the South African coal miner advising of the cancellation of the admission of its shares on the London AIM market. MC Mining, formerly Coal of Africa, mines for thermal coal in South Africa, with its Uitkomst Colliery raising output for the quarter to March 2024 by 14% on a year-on-year basis to 115 909 tons. The US-based Goldway Capital’s compulsory buyout of MC Mining brings to an end a bitter takeover process in which the boards of the two companies had heated exchanges amid counter accusations of falsifying corporate information. Goldway Capital said yesterday that it was intent on buying “out the remaining ordinary shares” in MC Mining. “The…

THE CHALLENGES that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face in South Africa may be even greater than elsewhere. From infrastructure to the economic climate, SME owners carry extra burdens when it comes to ensuring that their businesses not only work, but thrive. Central to any SME are its people, but more importantly an SME that cultivates a working environment that supports its staff means that long-term success of the enterprise is considerably more likely. Creating a culture of well-being in the workplace is no longer just a trend reserved for technology companies with sleep pods, but is a key principle that SME owners need to implement if their businesses are to survive. Ensuring the well-being of yourself as an owner and your staff is different for every SME. It…

The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is returning with an exciting line-up of local and international films. The event will be staged at various venues in Cape Town and Johannesburg from June 20 to 30. This year’s festival focuses on amplifying diverse voices with insightful perspectives and compelling narratives. Film-makers Miki Redelinghuys and Pearlie Joubert’s captivating Mother City has been selected to open the premier documentary festival. The hard-hitting film grapples with the rights for access and fairness for people to be able to participate in an urban economy. It exposes the hardships of those who are frequently vilified for attempting to legitimately assert their right to a place of residence with their families. The exquisitely shot documentary offers a personal and devastating look at the politics of urbanism.…

THE people who broke the system can never be trusted to fix it. This was one of the sentiments shared by Rise Mzansi chairperson and Gauteng premier candidate Vuyiswa Ramokgopa during her address at The Star’s political dialogue presented at the Joburg Theatre yesterday. Ramokgopa emphasised that despite the nation commemorating 30 years of democracy, a stark reality persisted: for 70% of young people, the promise of democracy remained unfelt as they grappled with unemployment, languishing at home, disillusioned, and succumbing to alcohol abuse. That democracy had not been felt either, she said, by the millions of women who suffered under the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in the country on a daily basis, as well as the 26% of children under the age of five afflicted by insufficient…

ANC activist and daughter of former state president Jacob Zuma, Thuthukile Zuma, has urged young people to vote and defend their democracy. Zuma was speaking during The Star’s political dialogue at the Joburg Theatre yesterday. “We will get a mandate from the people. We will need no coalition. We will certainly win the elections outright,” said Zuma confidently. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) by Statistics SA indicates that the number of unemployed persons increased by 330 000 to 8.2 million during the first quarter of 2024. According to statistics, unemployment has increased to 2 565 000 for the fourth quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year. The majority were youth. Zuma said the ANC was prioritising the issue of jobs and that they had already begun implementing it. She said…

After a four-year hiatus, South Africa has triumphantly returned to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, which was opened on Monday by King Charles and Queen Camilla. The event, hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society, attracts thousands of international visitors and celebrities annually. It represents the pinnacle of horticultural excellence and attracts around 200 000 visitors from across the world. Since their debut in 1976, South Africa has won an impressive 37 gold medals over 43 years of participation. This year continues that tradition of excellence. Achieving gold for this year’s floral display was a momentous occasion for Franschhoek horticulturist and floral artist Leon Kluge. He led South Africa’s comeback to the prestigious event, supported by a dedicated private sector team that ensured the country’s continued participation. This…

THE DA came under attack from ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, who blamed the party for failing to resolve the problem of dirty water in Hammanskraal after it assumed power in the City of Tshwane in 2016. Mashaba was speaking during a community meeting hosted at the Ebenezer Bible Church in Temba. He told his audience that the recurring water crisis in the township was attributed to corruption before 2016 when the municipality was under the ANC administration. He then slammed former Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga for failing to fix the water crisis despite several promises made by his party to do so. “In 2016, when the DA took over under Solly Msimanga, I thought that because the DA has always proclaimed that where they govern the government works (it…

THE Pretoria Art Museum this week opened its doors to visitors for free from May 20 until Sunday to celebrate the historic milestone of its 60th anniversary. The Tshwane MMC fpr community and social development services, Nasiphi Moya, who is also the deputy mayor, vouched for the museum as one of the heritage centres that attracted tourists from outside the city and locals. Moya said: “The museum remains a relevant part of Tshwane, attracting tourism not only for people who do not live in the city but for ordinary Tshwane residents as well.” The museum first opened its doors in 1964 and offers a rich historical account of the city’s art collection that dates back to the early 1930s. Moya said: “The museum has a diverse offering that keeps it…

Moses Radebe, a two-time world Morganti ju-jitsu and a five-time national ju-jitsu champion, has graduated with a PhD in radiation science at the North-West University (NWU). Moses also holds a BSc in computer science and physics, and a BScHons and MSc in applied radiation science. His PhD thesis was on “The design, construction, and validation of a radon chamber for the calibration of radon monitors at the North-West University, South Africa”. Besides participating in Morganti ju-jitsu, Moses served in both academic and support structures during his time at NWU. He served as an assistant lab technician, temporary lecturer for nuclear physics, and student assistant in the subject group physics. His roles in sports include being deputy chairperson and equipment manager of the All Sports Chapter and vice-primarius and affairs officer…

IT’S heartening to see that Ford has added the Territory family midsize SUV into its offerings, giving blue oval aficionados an alternative to their traditional bakkie and Everest offerings. It’s a tough segment that they’re playing in with up to 34 other contenders vying for attention, including the Toyota RAV4, VW Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and of course Chinese offerings like the Jaecoo J7, Haval H6, Chery Tiggo 7 and 8 Pro and 8 Pro Max. The Territory has a strong Chinese connection, being manufactured in Nanchang by Jiangling Motors Co, more commonly known as JMC, as part of a joint venture with Ford. We recently had the top-spec Titanium on test for a few days that included a drive to the massively impressive Nampo agricultural show just outside…

Zwartkops Raceway has always held a special place in my heart, so heading there for the third round of the GR Cup driven by Netstar had me fired up and confident of doing well. After the unfortunate brake failure incidents at Kyalami, Toyota installed new Powerbrakes in all our cars. This meant that our first practice on Friday was all about bedding in those new brakes. Sean Nurse (Autotrader) quickly hit his stride, laying down a blistering lap, with Devon Scott (GR Driving Academy) hot on his heels in second place. I was struggling to find my pace, lagging behind the rest of the pack. But just before the final practice session, I called up my old friend Mandla Mdakane, a Toyota Gazoo Racing rally driver. With his invaluable feedback,…

TONIGHT, cricket makes its return to the iconic Sabina Park in Kingston after an almost two-year absence as the West Indies host South Africa in three T20 Internationals at the ground. Many moons ago, Sabina Park was one of the few grounds in the Caribbean that got the fast bowlers itching to lace up their boots and have a full go as the wicket easily carried the tag of ‘hardest and fastest pitch’ in all the islands. However, the ground now tends to favour spin and slower bowlers due to its slow nature, despite the numerous attempts to restore the wicket to its former glory. Slower bowlers including the Windies’ Odean Smith and Obed McCoy, and Kiwi spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, have since enjoyed reasonable success at the…

LIFE HEALTHCARE CEO, Peter Wharton-Hood, has criticised the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme which was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week, saying it was a missed opportunity to expand sustainable access to healthcare. This comes as the business sector has widely criticised the NHI, with Business Leadership SA saying the scheme was a political gimmick ahead of the general elections next week. Wharton-Hood said yesterday that the NHI had been signed into law without addressing concerns raised over it, including its burden on already strained state coffers from a funding perspective and its impact on private healthcare providers and professionals. He said Life Healthcare was expecting its implementation will be lengthy and bumpy. “We, therefore, expect a lengthy implementation journey of NHI due to operational and legislative…

IN TODAY’S rapidly changing economic landscape, entrepreneurship emerges as a crucial force in shaping markets and societies. Beyond the immediate requirements of business acumen, successful entrepreneurship often depends on a deeper understanding of the societal context in which a business operates. This is where the concept of the sociological imagination becomes rele- vant, offering entrepreneurs a lens through which to view opportunities and challenges. As an emerging sociologist immersed in corporate environments, I have found myself captivated by the intersectionality between sociological imagination and entrepreneurship. The connection unites diverse perspectives, merging the analytical lens of sociology with the innovation and dynamism of entrepreneurship. It creates a wide range of novel ideas and understandings. I first encountered the concept “sociological imagination” during my undergraduate studies at the University of Pretoria. The…

The iconic Elle Woods is set to make an epic return to the screen as a Legally Blonde prequel series is in the works for Prime Video, which is due to be released next year. The new series, called Elle, is set to follow the pink-loving, charismatic Woods in high school during the 1990s. Viewers will learn more of the life experiences that shaped her into the young woman we have come to know and love, ahead of the events that took place in the first Legally Blonde film. The 2001 movie was a hit at the box office with its empowering message and comedic elements. Based on the novel by Amanda Brown, the film is based on Elle as a sorority sister who attends Harvard Law School in a…

Step into the cut-throat world of professional tennis with Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, a movie that serves drama, passion and a love triangle. At the heart of the story is Tashi Duncan, portrayed by Hollywood star Zendaya. The 27-year-old, whose full name is Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, has been dominating the entertainment and fashion world. After her roles in Dune: Part Two and Megalopolis this year, Zendaya shines yet again in Challengers. Her acting skills, athletic physique and star quality make this romantic sports drama an even more alluring watch. She plays a former teenage tennis prodigy whose career was cut short by a brutal injury. Not one to be sidelined, Tashi transitions from player to manager, focusing all her competitive fire on her husband, Art Donaldson, played by Mike Faist.…

The two men arrested in connection with the death of five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane have not been charged with his murder. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the two suspects appeared in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning. Four people to date have been arrested. According to NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, a 29-year-old Mozambican national and a 30-year-old South African are each facing two counts of possession of prohibited firearms and possession of ammunition. The duo were arrested on Monday following an intelligence-based investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. Police arrested the first two suspects on May 16. Mahanjana said they face charges of possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. When asked about the murder charges, Mahanjana said investigations were ongoing. “They are not charged with murder…

Various political parties have sent messages of support and heartfelt condolences to the family of DA leader James Selfe, who died after a long battle with illness on Tuesday. Selfe, 68, leaves his wife Sheila and three daughters, Chloe, Stephanie and Emma. DA leader John Steenhuisen thanked him for his contribution to the party’s success and for fine-tuning its systems and processes. “It is James’s work for his political home, the Democratic Party, and later the DA which solidified his legacy as a true democratic stalwart. Through his service to three federal leaders as the party’s first chairperson of the federal council, James operationalised the establishment and fortification of the DA as South Africa’s formidable official opposition,” Steenhuisen said. ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, a former member of the DA, thanked…

In an era where environmental consciousness is at the forefront of global concerns, businesses are increasingly seeking innovative ways to reduce their ecological footprint. One such initiative involves forging partnerships between companies with shared sustainability goals. Greener Pastures, a leading waste management company, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Emira Property Fund to manage waste. The managing director of Greener Pastures, Thabiso Hlongwane, said he established the company in 2013 after high school as he did not have the opportunity to go to university. “We started the business in the hope of being able to reduce the amount of waste that was seen in the community,” he said. Hlongwane added that people could utilise the waste buy-back centres to make money. He said recycling also created job opportunities and…

AFRICAN economies have become less diversified and the competitiveness of their exports has declined, leaving the continent vulnerable to external shocks. In addition, African countries are not transforming their economies at a consistent or steady rate. These are some of the key findings of the latest African Transformation Index (ATI), a tool used to measure the progress of African countries in relation to economic transformation. The 2023 index was launched during a summit hosted by the African Center for Economic Transformation (Acet), the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and Future Africato mark Africa Day (May 25). University of Pretoria Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Themba Mosia, said: “The imperative for economic transformation has never been more pressing, as underscored by Acet’s pioneering work focusing on diversification,…

The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) has ruled in favour of a consumer who complained about a Mr Price kids advertisement which she found “smacks of objectifying females”. Natasja Oosthuizen lodged her complaint with the ARB against an in-store advertisement for Mr Price Kids. In her written complaint, Oosthuizen said: “A young female child with make-up sitting in a very inappropriately sexualised way with open legs and just inappropriate for a young girl. It smacks of objectifying females.” The ARB said that although given the opportunity, Mr Price chose not to reply. In his ruling, the directorate said it took a great deal of care in the consideration of this advertisement, as complaints regarding children must always be treated with the utmost sensitivity. The ARB further said that it could be…

AMID mounting calls to have forex trader Themba “Grootman” Selahle held accountable for allegedly leaking a sex video of him and his former lover, Gcinile Twala, it has been revealed that the matter was set to be handled legally. Women For Change (WFC), advocating against gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa, has confirmed on social media that Twala is safe, disclosing that legal action has been taken against Selahle. “Do not engage with any ‘Gcinile Twala’ social media account, as Gci has deactivated herself and has no other profiles. Any other account is fake. “Do not engage with any content from Grootman. Instead, report his account! We need to stop giving him attention. Narcissistic men adore attention. Do not engage! “Gci is safe, and she is taking legal steps.…

Mahindra is celebrating its 20th anniversary in South Africa and as part of its celebrations it has unveiled an adventure-ready special edition SUV. The Mahindra Scorpio-N Adventure is kitted out with unique features that make it more capable and user-friendly off the beaten track. Key among these features is a raised suspension, additional underbody protection and unique 18-inch black alloy wheels with off-road-biased tyres. The edition is fitted with unique off-road front and rear bumpers that improve the approach and departure angles. Also part of the deal is a special roof rack made from machined steel, with a black powder coating, and an additional roof-mounted shelf inside the luggage compartment. Priced at R644 499, according to Duoporta, the Scorpio-N Z8 Adventure edition comes at a R71 000 premium over the…

While the Stormers have been rocked by the finger injury to Damian Willemse, it may have even bigger consequences for the Springboks in the first half of the international season. Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said yesterday that utility back Willemse will have an operation on a finger on his right hand, which he hurt in the United Rugby Championship win over Connacht last Saturday. Now he is set to miss the Wales Test on June 22 in London, followed by the Ireland series and possibly even the whole Rugby Championship. Willemse played the entire match against Connacht, having had his finger strapped in the first half as it looked like a dislocation. But it won’t be possible to strap it up again for the Stormers’ next match against…

Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea after just one season in charge by mutual consent, the English club announced on Tuesday night. The Blues finished sixth in the Premier League thanks to a fine run towards the end of the season, but missed out on Champions League qualification and a trophy. “Chelsea FC can confirm that the club and Mauricio Pochettino have mutually agreed to part ways,” the club said in a statement. In just two years under the ownership of an American consortium fronted by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly and private equity group Clearlake Capital, Chelsea have spent over £1 billion on new players. The vast majority of that was spent on rising stars, and Pochettino pointed to a lack of experience and a lengthy injury list for failing…