Table of contents for 2025-01-10 in Star

South Africa’s ability to implement policy reforms, especially those aimed at the ailing infrastructure, will be key to bolstering economic growth and creditworthiness for one of Africa’s top economies, Moody’s said today. Logistics constraints such as rail and port bottlenecks as well as high costs of electricity and water supply challenges are hobbling South Africa’s industry, mining and manufacturing sectors among others. Companies such as ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa) have had to close steel manufacturing plants as a result of the logistical bottlenecks, among other reasons. Moody’s analysts expect the logistics challenges faced by the SA economic to persist for longer. However, South Africa has now exited electricity load-shedding that cut productivity in the past few years. “For South Africa, structural bottlenecks – particularly in logistics – will take time…

RFA says association estimates daily losses at Lebombo border to be above R10 million South African businesses with export interests through Mozambique have been cautioned to tread lightly as the week-long lull in protests is likely to resume with the return of opposition leader, Venacio Mondlane, who has indicated a fresh wave of protests were on the cards. This is as Mondlane suspended protests last week after that country’s Constitutional Council reaffirmed the ruling Frelimo as the winner of the contested October polls. However, during his fanfare return to the country today Mondlane hinted at announcing more targeted protests on his return from self-imposed exile. Road Freight Association (RFA) CEO, Gavin Kelly, yesterday said the about week-long calm after Mondlane postponed protests had seen a decline in the volume of…

Networth Investments’ offer to buyout a controlling stake in beleaguered ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) from its parent ArcelorMittal Holding AG remains valid and it can make the group profitable rapidly, without job losses - stakeholders take note. In November 2024, Networth, with the support of the government through the Department of Trade and Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) backing, extended an enquiry and offer to buyout ArcelorMittal Holding AG’s 70% shareholding in AMSA at R4.7 billion and a commitment to invest around R16bn to fund upgrades and decarbonisation, with the aim of avoiding the now impending disastrous shutdown of Newcastle, Vereeniging and Highveld AMRAS Steel mills, which is poised to result in approximately 3 500 job losses, as announced by AMSA on 6 January…

A new year is always exciting because it is accompanied by new shows. Coming to the small screens this January is Rëenboogrant, a series based on the iconic 90s books. The Tshwane-set teen series centred on the Brink family. Minke Marais and Mila de Villiers co-star as Grade 10 sisters, Shani and Sunette, with Paul Strydom as their older brother, Dolf, who is in matric. Desiré Gardner, who played Magda Louw in the series of the same name, is the head writer on this new Showmax telenovela. Speaking about her role, she said it was exciting writing for the series because it evoked some nostalgia, bringing back some childhood memories. “When I was initially approached, I got all the books and read them. I have to say, it was like…

NORTH West premier Lazarus Mokgosi has promised to intervene and help settle the standoff over the R2 billion debt owed by the troubled City of Matlosana to non-profit the Midvaal Water Company (MWC), a non-profit company (NPC). Mokgosi and Matlosana mayor Fikile Mahlophe this week met MWC chief executive Matshedisho David Dikoko to discuss the municipality’s indebtedness to the company. According to the MWC, the debt currently stands at about R2bn and is increasing, not only threatening its financial viability but also hindering its capacity to open access to water for those in need in the North West and across the country. Mokgosi and Mahlophe have both committed themselves to intensify ongoing efforts to resolve the unfortunate impasse by ensuring that the City of Matlosana sticks to the payment arrangement…

Analysts are suggesting that the ANC’s potential decision to disband its KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng provinces could ultimately lead to a merger with the DA. Political and Governance analyst, Sandile Swana argues that disbanding the two provinces would accelerate an exodus of ANC members to the uMkhonto weSizwe (MKP) Party, led by former president Jacob Zuma. This, combined with the ANC’s declining voter support, would leave the party with no choice but to seek external partnerships to remain relevant. Swana’s assertions come after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s revelation that the ANC was still discussing whether to disband the two provinces’ executive committees (PECs) due to their poor election performance last May. Ramaphosa was speaking on the sidelines of the 25th annual Joe Slovo commemoration this week, where he said the ANC’s…

The two men of seven accused of killing Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend, chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, have told the Durban Magistrate’s Court that their circumstances have changed and therefore are seeking bail based on new facts. The accused were refused bail last year by this court and their appeal was also dismissed by the Durban High Court. They are applying for bail again. Accused four Mziwethemba Gwabeni, the first respondent, through his counsel, advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, claimed that St. Benedict School had given his family a letter of breach of contract since R100 000 had not been paid by December 10, 2024, as a result of his incarceration. There is another Grace Place school charge that is past due. He said his other minor child is attending counselling,…

The Lotus Gardens, Atteridgeville and Saulsville Civic Association has called into question the City of Tshwane's decision to let Kekana Gardens residents in Hammanskraal use water for free without meters to track their consumption. Organisation leader Tshepo Mahlangu expressed concern about the methods the municipality would use to bill residents in the absence of meters. He warned consumers to prepare themselves to receive estimated and inaccurate bills, which may lead to disputes over payment. Tshepo Mahlangu, a vocal advocate against inaccurate billing by the municipality, criticised the decision for allowing free water consumption without first addressing the metering issue. “It means there was no proper planning. We hope this is not an electioneering campaign for the 2026 local government election. We will be closely monitoring the process of meter installations…

THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is calling for an investigation into the awarding of contracts valued at over R1 billion to a single company. Public Works MEC Martin Meyer plans to enlist the Hawks to investigate how this company secured multiple tenders from the department. The unnamed company has been providing professional consultancy services, among others. “It is not just one contract involved; there are many contracts. This has been happening over a period of time,” said Meyer. This issue came to light as the department conducted an investigation into the activities of its Supply Chain Management (SCM) unit following several complaints. The department revealed that it had dismissed one official as a result of that investigation, which uncovered wrongdoing on his part. The official was a…

Cape Town City coach Mushin Ertugral had high praise for title-chasing Orlando Pirates despite losing 1-0 at the Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday. Pirates had done more than enough to win their match, but failed to score, even when they were gifted a penalty by last season’s “PSL Referee of the Year”, Sikhumbuzo Gaza. On top of that, the visitors hit the woodwork twice, and the resultant defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for the Soweto giants, who were wildly cheered on by the crowd of 21 000 mostly Buccaneers fans. The Turkish-born coach Ertugral has always been a keen student of the game, and though he’s been absent from the PSL for the past six years, his quest for football knowledge has been relentless. He’s been attending Premiership…

Shell is still looking for further opportunities in Namibia despite writing off $400 million from exploration activities offshore of the southern African country. The company told Business Report today that although it had discovered hydrocarbons in the PEL0039 block, the discoveries “remain challenging due to resource mobility and permeability, and a high gas- to-oil ratio” that makes “extracting oil and gas harder” at the moment. Moreover, “current market conditions, have not yet enabled clear commercial pathways that meet Shell’s investment criteria” and requirements. Nonetheless, Shell and its partners in Namibia were now exploring other opportunities and pathways towards development of oil and gas offshore of Namibia. “Together with our partners, we are continuing to explore potential commercial pathways to development, while actively looking for further exploration opportunities in Namibia,” a…

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has found that several sectors of the economy continue to be dominated by a handful of companies, despite amendments to the Competition Act in 2020 and interventions made to increase diversity by the Competition Commission. In a recently released report, Stats SA said the ocean fisheries sector was the most concentrated industry in the country out of 14 sectors recently surveyed. This comes as the five largest companies in the sector accounted for just more than two-thirds of total income. Stats SA also noted that several transport and storage industry activities exhibited high ratios of concentration, including transport via pipelines, railway transport and cargo handling. Air transport held the ninth spot in the list of concentrated sectors. However, retail sales of fuel in the motor…

Liam Payne’s medical cause of death has been confirmed as polytrauma. The former One Direction singer died in October 2024 aged 31 after falling from a third floor balcony at the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A UK inquest opening has confirmed he died from polytrauma, which is a medical term used for a person suffering multiple traumatic injuries to their body and organ systems. The hearing – which Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court said took place on December 17 – was told it could take “some time” to determine how Payne came to fall from the balcony. During the hearing, coroner Crispin Butler said: “While there are ongoing investigations in Argentina into the circumstances of Liam’s death, over which I have no legal jurisdiction, it is anticipated that procuring…

While speculation is still rife as to whether Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi remains a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) following his “voluntary” resignation from his position in the National Assembly, political commentators believe that the writing is on the wall that he will not enjoy his stay or any form of influence within the EFF. Ndlozi, who resigned on Thursday, has spent the past five months, since the departure of Floyd Shivambu to the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP), in isolation after he was barred from taking part in the recent EFF elective conference of the red berets. His resignation alongside another MP, Yazini Tetyana, has once again set tongues wagging as the party continues to show signs of decline following the recent poor showing at the elections. Reacting to…

The Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has come under fire after racking up a staggering R10 million travel bill in just five months. The ministry, led by Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, has been accused of extravagant spending on international and domestic travel, with some trips costing taxpayers millions of rand. According to a reply to a parliamentary question, Minister Hlabisa’s international and domestic travel since assuming office totals R3,462,238.03, while Deputy Minister Burns-Ncamashe’s international travel totals R3,959,611.60. Deputy Minister Dickson Masemola’s international and domestic travel totals R2,620,586.26. The sheer scale of the travel bill has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the necessity of such expensive trips. Cogta spokesperson, Legadima Leso, could not be reached for comment, nor did he respond to questions by Thursday afternoon. ActionSA, the opposition…

The five suspects who were arrested in Houghton, Johannesburg, for the possession of a hijacked vehicle and an unlicensed firearm are set to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court today. Stolen goods, including an unlicensed firearm that shoots only blanks, as well as a white Toyota Corolla, were recovered, with reports suggesting that the stolen vehicle was hijacked from an Uber driver in Norwood at around midnight. The suspects, among them a grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, are reported to have held the victim hostage before dropping him off in Benoni at 6am on Wednesday morning before proceeding to drive and park the vehicle at the Mandela home. Around midnight, a white Toyota Corolla was reported stolen from an Uber driver in Norwood, prompting prompt action from the authorities.…

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is yet to reveal its plan for enforcing a court order to evict King Khoisan SA and his followers from the Union Buildings. The department approached the Gauteng High Court, seeking the removal of the group of Khoisan community members from the Union Buildings, which is deemed a heritage site where no temporary structures are allowed. On December 11, 2024 the court granted the department an eviction order, giving the Khoisan group 30 days to vacate the premises. Despite the looming Saturday deadline for them to vacate the premises, King Khoisan SA has made it clear that they intend to resist removal by authorities, setting the stage for a potential standoff. Since 2018, the small group of Khoisan community members has been camping…

As January signals the beginning of a fresh new school year, children, parents, and teachers are gearing up for the return to school. But beyond the classroom, each country has its own unique back-to-school traditions. From the vibrant streets of Tokyo to the quiet villages of the North Pole, here’s a look at how different cultures celebrate the start of the school year. Japan: a New Year’s resolution for school In Japan, the school year begins in April, but the excitement around back-to-school time feels like a New Year’s celebration. Before heading to class, many families visit a Shinto shrine to pray for their child’s academic success. Afterward, students often celebrate with a seijin shiki, a formal ceremony marking their new chapter in life. This special occasion encourages reflection, goal-setting,…

HEARINGS into the ombudsman investigation against Legal Practices Council (LPC) CEO Charity Nzuza, who is accused of financial mismanagement, are set to go ahead on February 3. Nzuza faces a slew of allegations, which include having refused lifestyle audits for staff and mishandled disciplinary cases. Ombud for the legal profession, Judge Siraj Desai, confirmed this week that a format for the inquiry is also being established. LPC spokesperson, Kabelo Letebele, said: “The LPC confirms that there was a complaint received from our former Risk and Compliance manager in this regard; the manager had also submitted the same complaint to the Office of the Legal Services Ombud at the same time. “The LPC, guided by its national council, resolved to approach the Legal Ombud to investigate the matter independently; we await…

AgriCulture South Africa (Agri SA) and the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) have raised concerns following a sharp decline in South Africa’s agricultural performance in the third quarter of 2024. This comes after a seasonally adjusted quarter-on-quarter decrease of 28.8%. In a joint statement today, Agri SA and Agbiz said that a decline was anticipated due to a challenging mid-summer drought; however, the extent of the decrease was surprising. “We requested the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) to conduct a detailed analysis of the data,” they said. “BFAP, a renowned research organization with extensive knowledge of South African and African agriculture, has been publishing the BFAP Baseline for over twenty years and has recently issued quarterly research briefs on agricultural performance.” The statement added that BFAP…

The manufacturing industry could drag South Africa’s economic growth prospects in the fourth quarter of 2024 if it declines for the second consecutive month in December after output plunged to its lowest level in five months in November. This comes as real gross domestic product (GDP) measured by production decreased by 0.3% in the third quarter of 2024, following an increase of 0.3% in the second quarter. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) showed that manufacturing production declined by 2.6% year-on-year in November 2024, following an upwardly revised 0.9% increase in October. This marked the steepest contraction in manufacturing activity since June 2024, mainly attributed to lower production of motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment. Stats SA further said the largest negative contributions were also made…

Ah, Nelly and Ashanti, the “it” couple of the 2000s who have turned their on-again, off-again relationship into a drama we just can’t look away from. These two started as a sizzling hot duo back in 2003 when they dropped Body On Me and we all collectively thought: “Okay, this can’t just be professional chemistry.” By 2004, they were making it known they were a couple. Ashanti even appeared in some of Nelly’s music videos and the relationship blossomed with every public appearance. Everyone had the same question: Are they or aren’t they together? Well, we all know the answer now: they were a couple before they weren’t and then – surprise – they were back together again. By 2007, the love story hit a road bump when the couple…

After almost two decades together, Jessica Alba and Cash Warren are reportedly getting a divorce. TMZ has reported that the couple, who got married in 2008 and have three children, 12-year-old Haven, 7-year-old Hayes and 6-year-old Honor, have recently split. The publication added that the reason for their divorce is unclear and that both of their representatives have not responded to their request for comment. Meanwhile, several other reports have suggested that the 40-year-old actress and the film producer, 45, have been spotted without their wedding rings. This includes on Saturday, when Alba attended a pre-Golden Globes party at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood without Cash and without her ring. Last month, she was also seen in Rome, Italy, without her wedding ring. TMZ said that Warren has also…

Duduzane Zuma has taken over his social media accounts, specifically X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Duduzane is the son of the former president and the current leader of the MK Party, Jacob Zuma. He announced that he has taken over his X and Instagram accounts on Wednesday. His posts read: “Happy New Year, everyone! Wishing you all an amazing 2025. “I am pleased to officially join the conversation! These are my official channels: “X: @IamDuduzaneZuma “Instagram: @iam_duduzanezuma “Stay tuned for updates, insights, and more. Let’s go!” In a 50-second video accompanying the post, Duduzane encouraged the public to follow him, like, interact with him and have some fun. “Just a quick note, anything that was posted or put out before this point is not attributed, cannot be attributed to me.…

THE sharp eye of a judge landed a law firm in a difficult situation when it was discovered that of the nine cases cited in their application as case law, only two could be found, leaving the strong suspicion that they had used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to source their citations. Judge Elsje-Marie Bezuidenhout, sitting in the Pietermaritzburg High Court, not only ordered the law firm to pay the legal costs of the application from their own pockets, but she also referred the matter to the Legal Practice Council for possible investigation into the matter. It had emerged that an articled clerk had “researched” the case law and provided it to counsel in the matter, and that the latter never checked the citations before providing them to the judge. The issue…

King Misuzulu has turned down an urgent request to meet Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso, citing the cultural seclusion he is currently undergoing. This was confirmed by the king’s aide, Prince Simphiwe Zulu, yesterday. Zulu said he could not deny or confirm the letter from the minister requesting a meeting because it was immaterial since the King would not entertain anything until after the Umkhosi Wokweshwama (the first fruit ceremony), which will take place next weekend. “The King is in cultural seclusion until next week, so he is not attending to anyone until the day of Umkhosi Wokweshwama next week. So, whether the minister reached the King’s office or not means nothing because the king is in isolation and would not be seeing the minister,” said Zulu. The ministry had…

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) confirmed that Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, the ‘people’s bae’ and Yazini Tetyana, have resigned from Parliament. The EFF said it had received the voluntary resignations of both Tetyana and Ndlozi. “The voluntary requests to be released from deployment, which were sent to the Secretary General of the EFF consecutively and within days of each other, expressed gratitude to the EFF for the opportunity to serve the organisation and the people of South Africa. “The EFF has accepted the respective voluntary requests to be released from deployment of the two Fighters, who have diligently served the organisation in their respective deployments since the EFF has had representation in the legislative sphere,” the statement reads. Tetyana served in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature and later in Parliament, while…

CONTROVERSIAL anti-immigration group Operation Dudula says it will be deploying its members across the country to schools in a bid to prevent children of foreign nationals from being admitted before South Africans. Operation Dudula deputy national organiser Che Serobedi announced that the organisation has directed its members to go to all schools in their wards to help local parents register. “No foreign learners must be allocated any learning space in our public schools before South African learners are allocated classes,” the group stated. Its plans come as IOL reported that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) informed its officials that undocumented foreign nationals are not required to produce any form of identification before registering for admission at any school in the country. DBE director-general Mathanzima Mweli said the department had…

The Miss Universe organisation released a statement on January 2 announcing the disqualification of the Miss Argentina 2024 entrant, Magali Benejam, from her title due to comments she made about the organisation and Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig. Benejam claimed the November 18 pageant had been rigged and she knew beforehand that Theilvig from Denmark would be declared the winner, as she noticed at least three security guards with Theilvig during the final days of the pageant. “After a thorough review of recent public comments made by Miss Magali Benejam, and based on our core principles, we have decided to withdraw immediately the title of Miss Universe Argentina from Miss Benejam,” the organisation said in the press release. This comes after Benejam was on a livestream with YouTuber King…

There will be room to express themselves with ball-in-hand, but the Bulls believe they need to be street-smart to claim an away win over Castres tomorrow night (10pm SA time start) in their do-or-die Champions Cup encounter. After two losses on the trot in the tournament, Jake White’s team need a full complement of five points in France to keep any chance alive of making it to the playoffs. They are expecting a hostile Castres fan-base, but that won’t put them off as they look to get their European season back on track. Bulls halfback pair Keegan Johannes and flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain both emphasised the importance of staying calm when the going gets tough, and not thinking about their exit possibly looming. “We don’t want to over-think things and put…