Table of contents for 2024-07-10 in Star

MSC Cruises was on track to hire 2 000 South Africans as crew this year, Ross Volk, managing director of MSC Cruises South Africa said yesterday. “We want to get to 2 000 South Africans on board ships this year; 1 000 next year; and by 2027 to 2028 around 5 000 South Africans on board our vessels.” MSC South Africa has some specific metrics, such as hiring 70% of people from previously-disadvantaged communities, he said. This enabled these employees to earn dollars and then spend that money within South Africa. “We had a bit of a (hiring) gap with Covid-19, but we’re pushing towards those goals. So we are on track at the moment to reach 2 000 South Africans this year,” Volk said. South Africans as crew members…

It is no secret that load shedding has kick-started the solar revolution in South Africa. As it gathers momentum, it is placing strain on a tariff system designed for the past. The monthly fixed prepaid electricity charge of R200 City Power introduced is just the latest symptom. South Africa’s electricity tariffs are designed to be progressive. Our “incline block tariffs” ensure the more electricity you consume, the higher the rate you pay. For instance, in Johannesburg, the first 350 kWh in a month costs R2.36 per kWh, the next 150 kWh costs R2.71 per kWh, and beyond that, it’s R3.09 per kWh. The funds are then used to cross-subsidise free basic electricity for poorer households. However, the advent of solar energy is challenging the model. Wealthier households are increasingly installing…

There is an increasing risk of South Africa being used as a conduit for illegal financing, according to a report published by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) in June. This of course makes getting off the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist, on which South Africa is flagged as a high-risk country due to the ease of illicit financial flows and money laundering, more difficult. Last month, the FATF said South Africa would not be ready to be removed from the greylist. A simple way to reduce the money laundering and illicit financing risk could be by enforcing the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (Rica). Another way would be a simple amendment to the existing Rica legislation, which would require tamper-proof packaging and control…

Earlier this year, the Department Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) now Energy and Electricity, released the South African Renewable Energy Master Plan (Sarem) as a government-led initiative and a strategic framework for the industrial development and integration of renewable energy sources into the country’s energy-mix. Even though the new department in the 7th administration is yet to publicly sign it off, as far as the social partners are concerned the master plan is moot, and its implementation needs to be ramped up. The foundation of Sarem rests on four core pillars: enhancing local capacities, fostering inclusive development, advancing industrial growth, and stimulating market demand. While progress has been made in certain areas feasibility varies, some objectives appear attainable given existing groundwork, while others face significant barriers hindering their realisation. The…

Game, livestock and horse insurer Kuda has announced the strategic joint venture (JV) with SwiftVEE, the largest online livestock and game-trading platform in Africa by integrating the process for a participating bidder to request an insurance quote with ease during a SwiftVEE online auction (live or online). Traditionally, the purchase and insurance of livestock and small-stock has been an extremely manual, paper-based and cumbersome process. The integration enables the information required by Kuda to be pre-populated on the request form, making it easy for the bidder to verify his/her details and select which lots to insure – from all their lots purchased during the auction. Once the bidder has purchased a minimum of one lot, they are able to request an insurance quote from Kuda. “One of the key requirements…

UMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader in Parliament Dr John Hlophe will be among MPs serving as a representative of Parliament in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) despite objections by the DA, Freedom Front Plus and ACDP. Hlophe’s nomination was met with criticism by some NGOs, who then wrote to Speaker Thoko Didiza urging Parliament not to designate him as a member of the JSC. Hlophe, who was found guilty of gross misconduct by the JSC and subsequently impeached by Parliament on its recommendation, was among the four candidates nominated and later voted for by the national legislature yesterday. EFF chief whip Floyd Shivambu said whoever was eligible to be an MP could be delegated to whatever responsibility by Parliament. “Let’s respect that a certain number of people in South Africa…

The South African Weather Service has warned Gauteng residents to expect freezing temperatures this week. Joburg residents woke up to temperatures of -2°C and -3°C in some parts of the province as a cold snap experienced in the Western Cape spreads to the interior. Celeste Fourie, a meteorologist from SAWS, has forecast clear weather for Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo with no rainfall expected for the remainder of the week. She said, of the three provinces, Gauteng was expected to experience the coldest temperatures for the remainder of the week, with temperatures expected to improve afterwards. In the evening and early morning, minimum temperatures are not expected to hit -3°C again, as minimum temperatures for the rest of the week are expected to hit 3°C. She said temperatures are expected to…

The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa (TCCFA), which has been offering children suffering from congenital heart disease in South Africa, life-saving procedures, has reached a monumental milestone. Since its inception in 2019, the foundation has now successfully performed its 100th life-saving surgery, marking a significant achievement in its mission to alleviate the burden of paediatric cardiac conditions in Africa. Nkanyezi Khanye was the 100th survivor to receive life-saving treatment at the Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa. Nkanyezi’s grandmother, Sonto Khanye, who lives in Vryheid near New- castle, expressed her gratitude to the doctors who ensured that baby Nkanyezi would live a healthy life. “There are no words to say how I feel… Our baby is our light and today Nkanyezi is healthy and happy thanks to the doctors and staff…

Two bogus traditional healers have been sentenced to an effective 10 years behind bars for defrauding a man by promising to increase his pension payout. Kiseka Rashid, 46, and Tony Lubenga, 34, were convicted and sentenced by the East London Regional Court recently on charges of fraud and contravention of the Immigration Act. The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (known as Hawks) said Rashid and Lubenga were arrested by the East London Hawk’s Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team on March 18, 2021. “On July 1, 2019, the complaint went to visit a traditional healer at East London CBD where he was taken to a consulting room and then attended by the accused whom introduced themselves as a traditional healers,” explained Hawks spokesperson Warrant-Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana. “During the consultation, the complainant…

FORMER Kaizer Chiefs, TS Galaxy and Bafana Bafana striker Bernard Parker was at Mams Mall in Mamelodi last week where he spoke with community members about the growing number of young people who use drugs and are involved in criminal activities. Parker, one of the ambassadors of the Clinix Health Group, said when the company asked him to be part of this initiative, he signed up immediately as he saw it as the perfect opportunity to inspire young people. “No matter their background and circumstances, this initiative will help them to invest in themselves mentally or emotionally. I am grateful to be part of this initiative as it aligns with my values and principles,” he said. Parker said the initiative speaks directly to his upbringing; his mother invested in his…

INGREDIENTS 60ml butter 1 onion finely chopped 1 large carrot, finely chopped 2 – 3 garlic cloves, crushed 5ml salt Pepper to taste 2.5ml paprika Pinch of ground nutmeg 60ml flour 500ml vegetable stock 500ml full-cream milk 750ml broccoli florets, cut into small pieces 500ml Clover Cheddar Cheese Parsley to garnish METHOD In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onion and carrot until soft and the onion is transparent. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, paprika and nutmeg and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 5 minutes until slightly golden brown, then pour in the vegetable stock and milk and stir well. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 15 minutes until soft. Lastly, add the Cheddar cheese, keeping a…

THE Mzansi Magic series, Queen Modjaji, is set to air on Sunday despite an urgent application launched by the Balobedu Royal Council which disapproves of it because it was never consulted by the producers of the show. The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, yesterday struck the matter from the roll, due to a lack of urgency. Acting Judge Jacques Minnaar asked the parties to first address him on the issue of urgency, before he decided whether to hear the merits of the application. Without hearing arguments on the facts of the case, the judge ruled that the matter lacked urgency. The judge said he could not comprehend how the legacy, dignity and constitutional rights of the applicants would be infringed as the series was based on fiction. At the start of…

The recent electoral outcome in South Africa has led to a new era of coalition governance, drawing intriguing parallels to the Weimar Republic period in Germany. As political theorists and commentators examine the similarities, important lessons emerge that can guide South Africa through its phase of transition. A new chapter in history The Weimar Republic was born after World War I. Seeking to establish a democratic government, German politicians modelled the Weimar Republic after the victorious Allied powers. Named after the city where its constitution was drafted, the Weimar Republic symbolised Germany’s first attempt at democracy, much like South Africa’s Government of National Unity marks a significant new chapter after the recent elections. Time of creativity and anxiety The Weimar era was characterised by two contrasting moods: excitement and creativity…

Belgian Jasper Philipsen finally claimed victory in this year’s Tour de France when he won the 10th stage with a textbook sprint yesterday. Philipsen, who won four stages in the world’s biggest race last year, benefited from a perfect lead-out by Alpecin-Deceuninck teammate and world champion Mathieu van der Poel to prevail after 187.3km from Orleans to Saint-Amand-Montrond. Eritrean Biniam Girmay, who has already won two stages in this edition, took second place with German Pascal Ackermann coming home third. Slovenian Tadej Pogacar retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey after an uneventful day as the peloton gears up for a tricky mountain stage in the Massif Central today. The peloton stayed compact throughout the day through a few rain showers but everyone stayed quiet after Monday’s rest day. Agitation came…

In a landmark move to address South Africa’s escalating water crisis, Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (Nedbank CIB) says it has successfully closed a R4.5 billion term loan facility to the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) for the Mokolo-Crocodile River Water Augmentation Project Phase 2A (MCWAP-2A). “The MCWAP-2A project is a lifeline for the Limpopo province, a region plagued by severe water shortages that limit industrial growth and social development,” Nedbank CIB said in a statement. The programme involved constructing an abstraction weir, state-of-the-art pump stations and a 160km pipeline to channel water from the Crocodile River (West) to Lephalale. Once completed, the project would provide 75 million cubic metres of water a year, benefiting sectors including Eskom power stations, Exxaro mining operations and municipalities. Phuti Mokwatedi, the sector lead of…

Pick n Pay will announce the terms of its R4 billion rights offer underwritten by Absa, Rand Merchant Bank, and Standard Bank tomorrow, as the troubled South African retailer bids to raise capital to turnaround its fledgling business. It said yesterday that it had concluded a standby underwriting agreement with Absa, RMB and Standard Bank. The South African banks have agreed to jointly underwrite the Pick n Pay rights offer in equal proportions. “Pick n Pay is targeting gross proceeds of R4bn through the rights offer which will constitute an offer of renounceable rights to subscribe for new Pick n Pay ordinary shares recorded in the register on the record date for the rights offer expected to be on or about Friday, July 19, 2024,” the company said yesterday. The…

Imagine walking into a restaurant known for its incredible variety of dishes. You could feast on just one item, but the real magic lies in sampling a bit of everything, creating a meal that balances flavours, textures and nutrients. Investing is similar. Instead of putting all your money into one type of asset, diversifying your portfolio through prudent asset allocation is the secret sauce to achieving financial success. Asset allocation, simply put, is the strategy of spreading your investments across various asset classes such as shares, bonds, real estate and cash. The approach could dramatically impact your returns and, more importantly, manage your risk. A lack of appropriate exposure to risk assets (such as shares) could result in inadequate returns to meet your retirement needs, despite saving enough each year.…

THE AFRICA energy market is maturing and becoming more de-centralised as renewable energy projects have surged. While much of the focus has been on infrastructure in the generation and transmission parts of the value chain, power trading companies and power aggregators are emerging as important new role-players. With new business models and opportunities coming to market, the question of how power trading businesses will be funded becomes an important topic. Historically, African energy markets have been very centralised in their structure with a state-owned entity (SOE) effectively responsible for generation, transmission and distribution. This resulted in limited price discovery and consumers were ultimately forced to take the price – and associated increases – from a single supplier. With generation capacity now being extended to private power producers, this creates a…

Stellantis South Africa has been awarded Most Improved in the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) for having the most-improved relationship with their dealer network over the past 12 months. The award was received by Stellantis at a ceremony hosted by sponsors WesBank. The intensive DSI survey forms a vital link in the relationship between dealers and manufacturers by providing a platform for the dealer body to provide robust feedback to manufacturers and importers. The results provide a management tool to address areas of concern and amplify successes to ultimately improve service delivery throughout the value chain translating into customer satisfaction. Stellantis SA MD Mike Whitfield extended his gratitude to the head office team and the dealer network for their dedication in realising how crucial customer satisfaction…

BANK of America (BofA) analysts said yesterday that South African equities alongside Türkiye recorded stronger inflows in June, bucking emerging market trends that are largely dominated by outflows. In the last trade session of June, a net of R3 billion worth of equities was purchased by non-residents, with market analysts saying they would be watching these inflows over the next few weeks as investor confidence rebounds following the Government of National Unity (GNU) and appointment of the Cabinet. “(It) will be interesting to see what the figure will be today after the formation of the GNU. We need to see this trend stay in place as foreign liquidity is key to our market pushing up further,” said Marco Olevano, a South African market analyst. According to Vladimir Osakovskiy, emerging markets…

FANS of the hit Showmax series The Mommy Club are in for a treat as the local streaming giant has added a spin-off series. The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice, which will premiere on the platform next month, centres on nine affluent mothers within Durban’s Indian community. The reality show was produced by POP24, which also brought viewers The Mommy Club, This Body Works For Me and Bae Beyond Borders. If the trailer, which was released this week, is anything to go by, streamers are in for a wild ride. The short clip provides snippets of the women’s opulent lifestyles, their extravagant gatherings and their accomplished partners and spoiled children. It also highlights the drama which unfolds as the ladies face health issues, infighting as well as lots of jealousy…

While the weather has Mzansi seeking the home comforts of an electric blanket and a heater, Swingin’ Las Vegas will have you making a beeline for the theatre. The show, which has a limited run of eight performances, features the 18-piece Johannesburg Big Band, along with conductor Adam Howard, supporting vocalists Corlea, Timothy Moloi, Craig Urbani and Harry Sideropoulos. It promises to bring the thrill of Las Vegas with music by legends, from Elvis, Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack, Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones to modern-day names like Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Kool & the Gang. The playlist includes I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Hey Big Spender, Sex Bomb, Fly Me to the Moon, Rolling in the Deep, Quando, Quando, Quando, and many more.…

ANCYL Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member and spokesperson in the Free State, Phiwe Mathe, has stepped aside from participating in any roles within the ANC and the youth league. Mathe’s decision to step aside follows reports that he assaulted the mother of his baby, and he has been charged. Initially, Mathe refused to step down claiming the party’s step-aside rule did not apply to the young lions. He was supported by the ANCYL provincial secretary, Mayibuye Bangani, but after the national leadership’s reported intervention, Mathe relinquished his positions. ANCYL national spokesperson, Zama Khanyase, said Mathe’s decision was in line with the ANC’s resolution on fighting crime and corruption from the party’s 54th National Conference. The resolution mandated that ANC leaders and members who were formally charged with corruption or other…

A female patient and victim of alleged sexual harassment, including fondling of her private parts, has spoken of her trauma after allegedly being sexually assaulted by a male nurse at a Netcare hospital in Pietermaritzburg. The victim, who has filed a charge with police after a male anaesthesiologist allegedly sexually violated her, also accused the hospital of trying to get her to resolve the matter. In a letter to the St Anne’s Netcare branch management, the victim said she was left traumatised by the experience. “I am currently in a very bad state. I cannot eat well or sleep and (am) still very traumatised by what I have gone through. I do not think it is right morally or ethically for any doctor or employee of Netcare St Anne’s to…

FORMER Idols SA winner and singing sensation, Karin Kortje, has broken her silence after nearly 20 years, telling of how the murder of guest house owner, Renate Kellerman, at the hands of her boyfriend at the time, Cheslyn Williams, had impacted her life and career. Kortje has used social platform TikTok to share her life’s story – that of healing and a new lease of life, in a series of more than 100 videos. In the videos numbered 106, 107, 108, 109 and 110, Kortje gives a blow-by-blow account of how she and Jabu Mlotshwa, who was a member of her management team, had stumbled upon Kellerman’s body, and how she outed Williams to police. Kortje rose to fame in 2005 and became renowned as the “apple picker” from…

CELEBRATING its 65th anniversary, the Rotary Club of Pretoria West marked a historic milestone by inducting Rhonda James as the first coloured Club President in the club's storied history. Founded on July 7, 1959, with 26 members – all white men – the club’s changing demographics reflect Rotary International’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The induction ceremony took place at the Premier Hotel in Pretoria on Saturday. It was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including Immediate Past District Governor Riana Pretorius, Past District Governor Stella Anyangwe, and Assistant Governor Thabang Chiloane. The hall was adorned with memorabilia depicting the club's rich history, including a framed Pretoria News article announcing the club’s launch in 1959. James expressed her immense gratitude in her induction speech and outlined her vision…

Korea’s culture is storming into the global spotlight in a whirlwind of K-pop, K-beauty, and K-dramas that capture hearts and minds around the world. A Korean Culture Festival was held in Brooklyn, Pretoria, last Friday and Saturday under the theme “Discover the Streets of Seoul”. Visitors were immersed in a vibrant tapestry of Korean culture, entertainment, and lifestyle, further cementing Korean culture’s appeal in South Africa. From experienced K-culture enthusiasts to newcomers eager to discover Korean tradition, the event saw a diverse turnout. The festival offered free admission, but visitors they needed to register online in advance, demonstrating the festival’s commitment to accessibility and community involvement. Visitors indulged in a feast for the senses, sampling Korean street food delights at the K-Street Food Pocha, while the K-Pop Stage & Lounge…

Multi-platinum international DJ-producer Uncle Waffles, real name Lungelihle Zwane, is blazing trails in the music fraternity after announcing her debut show in Toronto, Canada, which saw a comment from internationally acclaimed rapper Drake. Zwane announced on Instagram that she will be headlining a show in Toronto for the first time on August 1, with the Canadian rapper also confirming his attendance. “TORONTOOO00000! For the first time. We have a date! We love Waffles Headline Show on 1st August Tickets linked in bio. Be prepared for a showwww babiess,” said Zwane. “I’ll be there,” he said in response to a post that has subsequently gained popularity on social media. The star, known for her global performances, recently made history by performing the amapiano genre at Coachella, marking the first amapiano DJ…

Dis-Chem company, in partnership with Rhiza Babuyile, launched a new mobile clinic in Midrand yesterday. Dis-Chem CEO Rui Morais said the company’s main aim with the project was to increase the reach of the health-care sector in the country. “These mobile clinics will ease the congestion we have in our clinics and also make sure that our people get quality health care, wherever they are. “The purpose of Rhiya Babuyile is to make sure that these mobile clinics go from school to school,” Morais said. The idea stemmed from the Springboks’ World Cup win of 12 points over Australia, he said. “The idea behind the 12 projects was from the Springbok win during the Rugby World Cup. We have about 12 projects that are running which would cost about R12…

Fifth seed Daniil Medvedev edged out world No 1 Jannik Sinner in a grinding five-set battle to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for the second successive year yesterday. A strange match full of momentum shifts and lulls was absorbing rather than gripping but Medvedev did not care as he triumphed 6-7, (7/9) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 6-3 on a covered Centre Court. It snapped Medvedev’s five-match losing sequence against Sinner and avenged his bitter defeat by the Italian in this year’s Australian Open final when he squandered a two-set lead. Top seed Sinner won the opening set in a tight tiebreak after saving a set point but mistakes began to creep into his game and after losing the second set he needed treatment off the court early in the third after…

SHELL Offshore Upstream South Africa has formed a joint venture partnership that is applying to drill for exploration and appraisal off the West Coast of South Africa, joining a race by global oil majors to expand activity south of Namibia’s Orange Basin. Last year, South Africa gave the nod for TotalEnergies to drill offshore, though environmental and other lobby groups resisted the company’s drilling exploration plans. Fitch Solutions has noted that South Africa’s bid to grow investment into exploration offshore “faces significant downside risk due to the precedents set by previous successful legal cases ruling against oil gas” companies. Despite this setback and risks, Shell Offshore Upstream South Africa “is applying to undertake exploration and appraisal activities” off the country’s West Coast under its partnership that holds exploration rights for…

THE JUDGE who voided Elon Musk’s record-setting Tesla Inc pay package must now make another momentous decision – whether the lawyers who took the case to trial should be paid what may be the largest fee in the history of US litigation. Attorneys from four firms who claimed Musk’s 2018 compensation plan for running the electric-vehicle maker was excessive are asking to be awarded 29 million shares of Tesla stock – worth about $7.3 billion (R132bn). Musk’s lawyers oppose that argument, claiming only a tiny fraction of that amount is justified. On Monday, Delaware Chancery Court Judge Kathaleen St J McCormick heard testimony from experts on both sides, but she isn’t expected to issue an immediate order. That’s because McCormick must tackle an even bigger issue – whether to reinstate…

THIS decade is set to see a large push towards environment, social and governance (ESG) by banks, which are not only taking advantage of the opportunities in Africa to provide sustainable solutions, but also pushing towards ensuring they meet their own developmental goals as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals draw closer. A recent KPMG Southern Africa Banking Survey found ESG is a priority in the global banking environment and this trend is especially important for African banks, which have unique opportunities to integrate ESG into their offerings over the next decade. KPMG noted that Africa was poised to be the second fastest growing regional economy, with more than 10 African countries experiencing substantial economic growth. KPMG’s survey indicated that green financing, offering affordable housing solutions through tailored bonds, skills development,…

There’s trouble in the Government of National Unity (GNU) paradise. It has been just over a week since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the new Cabinet and ministerial line-up. The wheels of the GNU, which has been highly praised by the markets, have started showing signs of falling off. As I predicted in last week’s column, potential ministerial conflict could dim SA’s lights in the fight for control of Eskom. There is a huge clash of egos between Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (ANC) and Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy Kevin Mileham (DA) over the proposed 2 500 megawatt nuclear procurement programme and policy trajectory. Before the end of the sixth administration and the 2024 national general elections, the DA took the National Energy Regulator of South…

The Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has introduced a long-term leasehold ownership model to unlock new opportunities for emerging property developers who often face considerable challenges in getting projects off the ground. Andile Mnguni, head of property investment at the Dube TradePort SEZ, said yesterday that property development should not be confined to big business, especially during tough economic times. Speaking at the South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners conference, Mnguni noted that emerging property developers often faced substantial challenges in getting their deals off the ground, especially in the lucrative commercial and industrial segment of the market, due to unaffordable land and inadequate access to the necessary capital. However, Mnguni said Dube TradePort SEZ has noted a growing awareness and interest in the benefits of the long-term…

Orion Minerals, which is developing copper mining assets in South Africa, said yesterday that there was potential to add more high-grade tons from shallow deposits such as at its Flat Mine project in the Northern Cape. At the beginning of this month, Orion announced that it had completed a R92.3 million capital raise to advance its SA copper and zinc operations. In May, the Industrial Development Corporation approved a R43.7m financing facility for Orion Minerals’s acquisition of a controlling stake in the Okiep copper project in the Northern Cape. Now, Orion has received “outstanding assay results for the first diamond drill holes completed at Flat Mine South”, which it described as “a virgin discovery that is blind” to surface. Flat Mine South will make up “a key part of Orion’s…

The Public Servants Association (PSA) has raised concerns about the large-scale loss of nurses leaving the profession or emigrating to foreign countries in search of lucrative salaries and better opportunities. The PSA represents more than 245 000 public-sector employees. “Government should urgently invest in skills development and better salaries for nurses to foster their retention.” The association said there seems to be an increase in nurses leaving for jobs in Canada, Germany and Ireland based on improved opportunities. “The shortage of nurses across the world creates gaps in the health environment, with more attractive places for nurses to work in. Nurses are forced to look for greener pastures owing to poor leadership in the nursing fraternity, poor and unsafe working conditions, inadequate uniforms, low salaries as well as a lack…

While many feel the pinch of unemployment, the economy hitting a spiral and leaving many retrenched; for a company to succeed and be profitable, it needs healthy and functional workers. Therefore, clinical executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, Dr Themba Hadebe, maintained companies must invest in corporate wellness, from a healthy working environment, to healthy employees, which constitutes a productive and profitable workplace. “Employee health and productivity go hand-in-hand. A holistic approach to corporate wellness, including physical and mental health, makes for a more motivated, creative and productive workforce,” said Hadebe. He cited the Occupational Care South Africa (OCSA) report, revealing that absenteeism costs the country’s economy nearly R12 to R16 billion per year, whereas the Human Capital Review estimates it to be even higher, at R19.144 billion. This equates to…

THE University of Pretoria (UP) has formed a partnership with the Kresge Foundation, having received about R4 million in funding over three years. The support forms part of the Siyaphumelela initiative to improve student success across South African universities. The foundation has been active in South Africa since 1989 and focuses on promoting post-secondary access and success. This collaboration forms a crucial part of UP’s efforts to support students from diverse backgrounds. Kgadi Mathabathe, Director of Student Affairs at UP, expressed gratitude for the support. “Receiving funding from the Kresge Foundation and joining Siyaphumelela 3.0 as a partner institution is a testament to a commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment. Siyaphumelela 3.0 involves 20 universities including UP, and builds on previous phases to strengthen institutional capacity through data analytics…

Unisa has long been a cornerstone of higher education in Africa, but recent accolades and achievements under the leadership of Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Unisa, have firmly established it as a competitive force on the global academic stage. Through LenkaBula's vision of reclaiming Unisa's place at the top tier of higher education institutions, the university is rapidly evolving and acknowledged globally as a leading university that not only meets but exceeds international standards of excellence in education, research, innovation and sustainability. In its University Impact Rankings for 2024, Times Higher Education (THE) listed universities that excel across multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to THE, the listed institutions stand out in individual areas but also demonstrate comprehensive excellence in contributing to global sustainable development. Affirming…

In a technologically advanced world, the internet has changed how television is consumed. There are more options now instead of sifting through traditional TV channels for the best show. Because Gen Z seeks instant gratification, convenience and options in content, online streaming platforms have become popular. There has been a fast growth of YouTube, Netflix, Showmax and Disney Plus content consumption by Gen Z and young millennials, said Leslie Adams, the sales director of Reach Africa. Such behaviour is consistent with a Market Research Foundation report of a massive decline in TV viewership over the past two years. Adams cited the Broadcast Research Council of South Africa indicating that a third of TV consumption occurs online, with an estimated eight million South Africans having access to a string of streaming…

IN A shocking revelation posted on social media, multi-award-winning journalist Mihlali Ntsabo has accused Media24 of fostering a toxic work environment and failing to address his complaints of intimidation and bullying. Ntsabo, a former employee of News24, detailed his grievances in a candid statement on X, implicating senior figures in the organisation. When contacted to establish if he would take his complaint to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, Ntsabo said he would not comment. “So word got to me that Media24 is considering taking legal action against me, which is fine. I want people to know the kind of toxicity that News24’s editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson has created and fostered at the place. “I’m here to speak my truth,” he wrote on X. Ntsabo’s accusations primarily target Basson and…

Political concepts and analogies have always provided theories that seem to have been well thought of by those who have taken it upon themselves to solve the problems of human co-existence, those who call themselves politicians. No matter how beautiful and modest these theories and concepts appear to be, the reality shows they have been reduced to nothing but formulas and sloganeering that have failed to help improve the lives of the people. We therefore have to ask, will it be correct then to say these socio-economic and political concepts do not work, have never worked or will never work? It has been said many a times, especially by Western intelligence agencies, their media and political analysts, that Communism has failed and will never work. Secondly, we have had many…

It has been just over 12 years since the ‘Happy People’ of Orlando Pirates ruled over South African football and they may just be on the verge of pouring stardust on The Ghost. The days of the former coach Ruud Krol’s famous pink shirt and the historic double-treble-winning team of 2010 to 2012 seem to have happened decades ago as the Buccaneers continue to chase the ultimate prize. The Sea Robbers have won six trophies since 2013, three Nedbank Cups as well as three MTN8 crowns, therefore it’s fair to say they haven’t completely fallen off like their next-door neighbours in Soweto. Now under the tutelage of “The Spanish Guitar” Jose Riveiro, Pirates have claimed back-to-back MTN8 and Nedbank Cup medals and are seemingly on the right track to becoming…

Marumo Gallants president Abram Sello has outlined how they plan to stay afloat in local football’s elite league next season after buying their way back to the top. Gallants bought the status of Moroka Swallows late last month, marking their return to the top flight after their automatic relegation two seasons ago. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa’s return shocked the football masses, considering that their precarious financial position was among the factors that led to their relegation. After reaching the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final, Gallants had a brawl with the players over bonuses, resulting in lacklustre performances in the last two league games. However, the true extent of the club’s financial woes was revealed when two of its officials – Rufus Matsena and Tebogo Dhlomo – were held for ransom in Libya.…