Table of contents for 2025-01-21 in Star

Donald Trump’s newly created cryptocurrency soared on Monday to nearly $11 billion in market value, drawing in billions in trading volume, while bitcoin hit a record high just hours ahead of the US President-elect’s return to the White House. Launched on Friday, Trump's meme coin, also known as $TRUMP, stood at $52.71 by 1230 GMT on Monday, giving it a market capitalisaton of about $10.7 billion, according to CoinMarketCap, which ranked it as the 18th biggest cryptocurrency. The coin rose to as much as $74.59 on Sunday, having risen from less than $10 early on Saturday morning, while 24-hour trading volume reached $52.5 billion. Trump had on Friday launched the digital token with branding including an image from his attempted assassination in July, expanding his cryptocurrency interests that already include…

By Dr Lindikaya W Myeki If one begins to count from 1967, the fresh produce market system in South Africa has been in existence for more than 50 years. But the first serious market investigation began in 1995 by the Auditor General (AG), focusing on the Joburg market in response to complaints from farmers and the National Fresh Produce Forum. This was succeeded by an additional report in 1996 from the investigation conducted by the Office for Serious Economic Offences (OSEO). Both reports from the two investigations made recommendations, but lacked information that could substantiate legal action. As a result, three more market investigations into the affairs of fresh produce market system at national level followed, conducted by the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) in 1998, 2000 and 2006.…

In 2024 breakthroughs in technology like AI, redefined industries and how we work, according to Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT). As these technologies advanced sustainability also became a core focus as the need to develop greener, more efficient solutions became clearer. These advancements laid the groundwork for a new era and 2025 promises to build on this momentum, ushering in trends that will further revolutionise industries, enhance personalisation, and simplify complexity across the board. In the new year, the technology landscape will likely be defined by a blend of regulation, innovation, resilience, and a drive for inclusivity and sustainability, addressing both the opportunities and challenges of the rapidly evolving tech ecosystem. The omnipresence of AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) was at the forefront of emerging…

Murray & Roberts (M&R), the South Africa-based international specialised engineering and construction group, has secured R250 million in post-commencement finance for its South Africa operations in business rescue, while its mining businesses retain good prospects into the future, directors said Monday. On November 22, the group shocked its shareholders when it said that its South African subsidiary Murray & Roberts Limited, and its trading division OptiPower, had gone into business rescue, and that the group’s shares were being suspended on the JSE. The shares were suspended at a price of R1.10 each. The group, in an update to shareholders, said Monday that after the appointment of the business rescue practitioners and in anticipation of the Business Rescue Plan, capital markets had expressed strong support for the group and a R130m…

Impala Platinum (Implats) expects the outlook for platinum group metals (PGMs) to remain challenging in the short term, especially as lower prices persist, forcing South Africa miners of the precious metal to cut costs, close non-profitable shafts and limit fresh investment. According to the World Platinum Investment Council, South African (PGM) producers will influence global refined supply which is expected to firm up by 1% next year. This comes at a time Implats and Northam Platinum among others are holding excess inventory. This year, world platinum supply will grow to 7.3 million ounces, with refined mine supply likely “depend heavily on the volume of semi-finished inventory that South African producers” are able to release. However, such measures have not translated to a marked improvement in platinum prices and Implats believes…

MTV's Inside Life is gearing up for an unmissable season launch with its latest season subtitled, City Girls Are Up. Premièring next month, the new season promises to be an electrifying exploration into the lives of three trailblazing South African artists, amapiano vocalist Boohle, DJ, dancer and actress, Thee Buhle and singer, Bontle Smith. With their unique styles and indomitable spirits, these females are not just breaking barriers but also redefining the music landscape for the next generation of female creatives. Viewers can expect to see the music queens turn up the volume on what it means to be women in control, as they navigate the highs and lows of a demanding industry. From studio sessions to live performances, the series delves deep into the personal stories behind their personas,…

THE Judge's clerk who claimed that Eastern Cape High Court Judge President Selby Mbenenge had sexually harassed her, broke down in tears as she testified how Judge Mbenenge called her to his chambers and allegedly “fiddled” with the zip while displaying a "bulge" in his pants. On Monday, Andiswa Mengo was on the witness stand for the sixth day before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal that is investigating the complaints laid by her. She became emotional yet again while she testified about pornographic pictures she claimed Judge Mbenenge had sent her. But she broke into tears when she testified about the day at work when he called her to his chambers. She said she was walking past his chambers when he, in a soft voice, called her. He was standing at…

Cultural expert Dr Gugu Mazibuko has called for the amendment of the Customary Marriage Act, especially the clauses that recognise a man and woman as a couple soon after lobola is conducted and gifts are exchanged. The expert was reacting to the Pietermaritzburg High Court decision on Monday which dismissed the application of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s first wife, Queen Ntokozo Mayisela to interdict the king’s traditional wedding to his third wife-to-be, Nomzamo Myeni. Dismissing the application, the court said there is no proof that what has been announced as the wedding ceremony between the king and Myeni at the weekend is in fact a wedding in terms of the law. The judge agreed with the king, who in his opposing affidavit denied that what he planned to do on Sunday…

The EFF has announced plans to report Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over his recent remarks on social media. Kunene's comments, which allegedly suggested that illegal miners should be slaughtered, skinned, and hung, have been widely condemned by the EFF and other organisations. Kunene, who is also the City of Joburg’s MMC for transport, took to social media in the weekend in response to the Stilfontein tragedy that saw more than 85 illegal miners dying following rescue attempts by the government. Despite having vowed to take Kunene to the SAHRC, EFF MP Sinawo Tambo said the party had not yet reported the matter as they were “finalising a few things.” Kunene has since hit back at the party, saying he…

THE Anglican church has defended itself against allegations that it ignored sexual abuse allegations against one of the members it appointed to examine the activities of serial abuser John Smyth in South Africa. Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, on Saturday confirmed that he had “accepted an offer” from Advocate Jeremy Gauntlett SC KC to step down from the inquiry panel he set up to examine Smyth’s activities. Smyth is accused of having committed sexual abuse against at least 85 boy victims in various countries, and had lived in Cape Town until his death in 2018. Late last year the church appointed a three-person panel to review the Anglican Church of Southern Africa's handling of reports of abuse committed by Smyth in South Africa. The panel also included South African civil society leader,…

A LEADING TV presenter apologised on-air yesterday to Novak Djokovic after mocking the 24-time Grand Slam winner and his Serbian fans at the Australian Open, saying it was meant to be banter. The 37-year-old tennis great refused to do a routine on-court interview after beating Jiri Lehecka in three sets on Rod Laver Arena to make the quarter-finals on Sunday evening. Afterwards he said it was in protest at Tony Jones, a top sports presenter with host broadcaster Channel Nine, who he accused of “insulting and offensive comments” towards him and Serbian fans. Djokovic said he would boycott interviews with the TV station until he received an apology. Considered to be banter “The comments were made on the news on the Friday night, which I considered to be banter. I…

No South African team will contest the Champions Cup play-offs in May and while this is not a good reflection on the country’s participation in Europe, it illustrates that our locally based players are over-extended. Since South Africa joined the European competitions – while keeping one foot in the southern hemisphere for the Springboks – it has meant that the top players from our major franchises play from January to December. Much talk has been about the travel factor, but that is nonsense because the overseas teams tour South Africa. The simple reason that our teams are failing in the Champions Cup is that the opposition participates at their optimum. At the same time, the SA coaches juggle stressed resources across the United Rugby Championship, the Champions and Challenge Cups,…

Yet, as Wapenaar said: “Trump would not be Trump if we didn’t get something controversial.” The rand strengthened by 0.9% to R18.59 against the US dollar ahead of US President Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on Monday while Bitcoin surged to unprecedented levels despite the jitters in markets with volatility expected. The local currency was at R18.53/$1 (6pm) after reaching R19.23/$1 last week, but the US dollar softened as the markets were focusing on Trump’s plans to raise tariffs, tighten immigration, lower taxes, and ramp up deregulation, which are expected to have inflationary effects. Investec chief economist, Annabel Bishop, noted that the rand had been highly volatile ahead of Trump’s inauguration but added that it had gained as the US was seen to be…

One of the key takeaways from the recent Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s Initiative on the Digital Economy Annual Conference (2024) is that “human favouritism leads people to prefer content created by humans to that created by artificial intelligence (AI).” But it’s getting harder and harder to discern AI from the human touch. And when it comes to the scientific development of technology tools ostensibly to grow access to financial services across Africa, the bots cannot be trusted to singularly churn out viable and truly transformative tools for Africa’s banks. The opportunity to transform Africa’s developing economies by providing greater financial inclusion to underserved populations is an obvious one. Over 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, and this young, tech-savvy demographic is increasingly digital-first, ready to…

The TikTok ban and shutdown marked a historical event on the internet, comparable to the Wikileaks ban. The popular social media platform was banned due to unverified claims that it was collecting US citizens' data for the Chinese government. Although the platform is now back, the ban demonstrates the fragility of building digital platforms as commercial entities. The platform was no small player in the digital ecosystem. At the time of the ban, it boasted 170 million users in the US and billions worldwide, yet on January 19, it disappeared without a trace (in the US). It was an economic enabler for content creators. Young people relied on the platform to access information. The value of this platform is not debatable. So, how was it possible for it to be…

Production costs for aluminium produced by South32 in South Africa and Mozambique spiked during the quarter to December as a result of a stronger rand currency although it expects prices for the manganese ore it produces to be stronger by about 5% for the same period. Although the rand opened this year on a backfoot, it rallied during the quarter to December on the back of a bullish outlook to South Africa’s policy framework and expected improvements in the operating framework. The stronger rand for the quarter to December had a double edged sword impact on South32. “The cost profile of our South African aluminium smelters is heavily influenced by the South African rand, and the price of raw materials and energy,” the company said. “First half operating unit costs…

Neoentle Monakedi, 6, who is better known by her stage name DJ Entledelicious, has began carving her name in South Africa's music scene. Hailing from Atteridgeville, Pretoria, this young talent's journey into DJing began unexpectedly. Her parents noticed a spark in her when, at the tender age of two, she ran inside a DJ school in Pretoria's CBD, climbed onto a chair and boldly approached the mixing equipment. It was a moment to remember; the owner of the school, recognising her natural inclination, proclaimed that she would be the first female DJ to graduate from his institution. Encouraged by his words, her parents enrolled her in DJ lessons when she turned four, marking the beginning of her formal training. DJ Entledelicious has since honed her skills over the past two…

The court matter against Darren Wilken, the man who was recently arrested after he was found in possession of 10 million images of child pornography, has been postponed to January 27 following his appearance before the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Monday. His matter was, however, deferred to next Monday to allow the police to investigate money laundering charges after he was reportedly found with more than R560 000 at his home during a take-down operation last Friday. State Prosecutor Given Mbedzi requested the postponement saying it was important to investigate and ascertain the origins of the money, which has been alleged to be from the possible proceeds of the sale of the illegal visual material. “The State requests a postponement as it needs to investigate this amount of money…

THE main corruption trial of former National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula could kick off soon if her defence and the prosecution can find common ground on further particulars she said she needed in order to prepare for her trial. Mapisa-Nqakula was back in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, on Monday, where her legal team was due to argue for an application for further particulars that were contained in the case docket. The prosecution previously vigorously opposed handing her all the further details her team had requested. But shortly before the proceedings started yesterday, both legal teams met with Judge Papi Mosopa in chambers, where it was agreed that they would meet during the next three weeks to see whether they could find common ground on what further details would be…

DONALD Trump was sworn in for a historic second term as president yesterday, pledging a blitz of immediate orders on immigration. Trump has pledged to start immediate deportations of undocumented migrants. SEE BUSINESS REPORT…

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya has criticised the previous DA-led administration under Mayor Cilliers Brink for failing to address the metro's financial woes, which were highlighted in a qualified audit report from the Auditor-General (AG) for the 2023/24 financial year. For the second consecutive year, the City has received a qualified audit report and is struggling to overcome its financial challenges. The City incurred an adverse opinion in the 2021/2022 financial year, leading to the exit of former Mayor Randall Williams. The AG report revealed the Metro’s staggering R2.1 billion in unauthorised expenditure, which increased from R423 million. In addition, the City's irregular expenditure ballooned to R2.3 billion in the 2023/24 financial year, a marked increase from the R1.9 billion recorded in the previous year. The results emanate from the AG’s…

The court case against Makgotso Mofokeng, widely known as Gogo Maweni, a controversial traditional healer and media personality, has been adjourned to January 27 for a formal bail application. Following her brief appearance in the Protea Magistrates Court in Soweto on Monday, Maweni was remanded in custody while facing charges, including alleged assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) from an incident dating back to 2019. The 39-year-old healer was arrested on Sunday at around 3pm. According to police reports, the Gauteng Province Cold Case Investigation Unit conducted an intelligence operation that ultimately led to her apprehension in the Mondeor area. Officers noted Maweni was not only charged in connection with the 2019 assault but also has a separate pending matter from 2017. Additionally, troubling allegations of murder…

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League in dramatic fashion as two late Darwin Nunez goals beat Brentford before Arsenal stumbled at home to Aston Villa. At the other end of the table, Manchester United and Tottenham are looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone after dismal defeats on Sunday. Bournemouth brought Newcastle's winning streak to a stunning halt to further their case for a first ever European campaign next season. Here, we look at three talking points from the weekend's action. Seismic Saturday in the title race After the 90 minutes had come and gone at the Gtech Community Stadium, it looked like Arsenal could close to within two points of Liverpool with victory over Villa. By the end of the day, the Reds…

Orlando Pirates' invasion of Cairo is a clear statement of intent for their domestic and continental aspirations. The capital city of Cairo has a rich history, known as the gateway to ancient mysteries and modern marvels. In the football world, Al Ahly has been a marvel in their own right. With a record 12 Champions League titles and 44 Egyptian league titles to their name, it is no surprise they were named the club of the century by CAF. Goalless in the first leg, the Sea Robbers made the long trip to Cairo having already secured their place in the quarter-finals of the competition that they are attempting to win for the second time following their famous triumph in 1995. It was in the same city, more than a decade…

TeamSA is hopeful that it will manage to attract foreign direct investment at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on the back of stabilising the energy supply and structural reforms. The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, joined President Cyril Ramaphosa who is leading the South African delegation at the 55th WEF today to share significant strides South Africa has achieved in energy stability, regulatory reforms and future energy plans that will enable inclusive economic growth. Key among the highlights that South Africa is showcasing are energy reforms and market transformation, elevating private sector participation, advancing renewable energy investments, and global leadership in energy transition. Unlike in previous WEF meetings where South Africa would discuss the energy crisis at length, the country has successfully eliminated load…

Not to oversimplify it, but there are largely two choices for countries and their policy-makers: find ways to achieve global cooperation or risk the damaging effects of fragmentation. The stakes are high, and the path forward is clear. Collaboration at both regional and global levels is not just desirable – it is essential. It is in the self-interest of nations to ensure that all countries grow and prosper, benefiting their people equitably. Poverty, desperation and inequality do not respect borders. We see this most acutely in low-income countries where systemic challenges often drive people to take great personal risks – crossing treacherous borders and dangerous seas – in search of a better life for their families or, at times, mere survival. As these individuals leave their home countries, those nations…

There's a particular type of cognitive dissonance familiar to privileged Africans living solidly middle-class lives by global standards. We navigate international business circles confidently proclaiming a deep understanding of 'African markets', while simultaneously requiring constant reminders that Africa isn't a country. This paradox hit home recently as I revisited my 2018 podcast conversation with Feyi Olubodun about his book 'The Villager: How Africans Consume Brands'. As the current CEO and managing partner of Open Squares Africa, and former Nigerian CEO of Publicis Groupe (the world's second-largest communications group), Olubodun has guided multinational brands to achieve up to 210% year-on-year growth even during economic downturns. His framework for understanding African consumer behaviour is hitting differently now that I split my time between living in Europe and Africa, forcing me to grapple…

Trustco Group, which aims to be the first Namibian company to be listed on the Nasdaq stock market, said on Monday that its board is considering options to delist the company from the JSE, Namibia Stock Exchange, and the OTCQX Market in the US. A fairness opinion from an independent expert, as prescribed under the JSE listings requirements, is being engaged on the proposed delisting. The company submitted an application for a Nasdaq listing on 11 November 2024. It’s management also intends to engage the JSE regarding the formal delisting proposal and request the suspension of shares trading on the JSE. Three formal audit processes are currently underway at the financial services, real estate, media, and mining company: the South African, Namibian, and PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board)…

The date for the renowned Cape Town International Jazz Festival was announced today and it will take place on April 25 and 26 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), leaving South Africans abuzz with excitement. The annual gathering, which is dubbed “Africa’s Grandest Gathering”, promises to be a memorable occasion as it will feature over 30 local and international artists. If you’re not yet a jazz aficionado but you want to immerse yourself in the energy and magic of this globally renowned festival, we’ve got you covered. Here are seven steps to dive into the world of jazz: 1. Start with the classics Familiarise yourself with legendary albums that have shaped the genre. Essential listens include: l Kind of Blue by Miles Davis. l A Love Supreme by…

​“Drivers and pedestrians must change their behaviour. We must obey the law, we must obey the basic rules of the road,” said Transport Minister Barbara Creecy when releasing the preliminary festive season statistics yesterday. This after she revealed that 1 502 people died from 1 234 fatal crashes during the 2024/25 festive season. “The number of fatalities represents a year-on-year increase of 5.3% (70) compared to the 2023/24 festive season, with a 4.2% (50) increase in the number of crashes. This is most regrettable, more so because it reverses the incremental strides made in recent years,” Creecy said. She said six provinces recorded increases in the number of fatalities in the 2024/25 festive season compared to 2023/24, namely KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West. “The…

Compounded by habitat loss, climate change, pollution, increased vessel traffic and noise, and the impacts of predation and disease, the African penguin is facing a perilous future. The last remaining populations are now concentrated in only seven colonies across the Western and Eastern Cape provinces. “Should this southern African endemic species be allowed to go extinct, the impact could have far-reaching ecological and socio-economic consequences,” The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) said following the launch of a new report that shows the importance of conserving the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus). The report focused on the role and value of the only penguin species that breeds on the African continent, which is in rapid decline from nearly one million breeding pairs in the early 1900s to just 8 324 pairs in 2023.…

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) official seen in a video in an exchange with grant clients has been placed on leave while an investigation takes place. The incident was recorded by a client who visited the local office and could not immediately receive the desired assistance. In the video, an official is seen exchanging words and shouting at clients. One client says that since their arrival, the official has had a problem. Clients tell the official she will help them. The official replies by saying they should hold her so she can help them. One of the clients said they would report the official and she said go now, she does not care. Yesterday, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga visited the Sassa Dundee local office…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined a strategic approach to address the nation's economic hurdles as he prepares for the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland, scheduled from yesterday to Friday. This forum, a prestigious meeting of global leaders, will serve as a critical platform for Ramaphosa and his delegation to preemptively engage on economic issues facing South Africa in the lead-up to the G20 Summit later this year. In his latest weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa affirmed the government's commitment to collaboration, stating that as his administration took office, it recognised the necessity of partnership across all levels of society to devise solutions to the country’s pressing challenges. “While South Africa has a rich history of dialogue and cooperation, our experience of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the…

The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) in Gauteng has publicly backed five senior City of Tshwane officials who were suspended due to their alleged involvement in the irregular awarding of a R295 million tender. The tender in question was awarded to Edwin Sodi's company, Blackhead Consulting, for the refurbishment of the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant. Despite not meeting the necessary requirements, the company was awarded the contract. However, the City was forced to terminate the agreement due to delays with the quality of the work on the site, exacerbated by continuous stalling of the project. The five implicated officials have been on paid suspension since April last year pending the finalisation of an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which recently announced it has concluded part of its…

The police officer arrested for the rape of an awaiting-trial detainee has made his first appearance in the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court. Constable Naveron Jacobs, 35, was formally charged on Friday, two days after the 41-year-old woman reported the incident to Pollsmoor correctional officers. Jacobs stood emotionless in the dock with his hands behind his back and did not turn to look at the public gallery. Before the court proceedings, the court addressed the media application to take pictures and videos of the accused. The magistrate made a ruling that pictures taken inside the court should not reveal Jacobs’s face. The State confirmed that Jacobs has no convictions. The prosecutor, Brandon Clacher, said the alleged incident was committed while the officer was on duty. Jacobs, an orderly who worked in…

The Lions will head into this weekend’s home United Rugby Champioonship clash against the Bulls buoyed by the weekend’s 60-10 mauling of the Dragons, which salvaged their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign. Coach Ivan van Rooyen’s charges blitzed the Welsh visitors by nine tries to one at Ellis Park on Saturday, while the Bulls were also rampant in their 48-7 Champions Cup win over Stade Francais at Loftus earlier in the day in the Champions Cup. Here, Rowan Callaghan discusses five things the Lions will have to repeat if they hope to secure a URC win over their northern neighbours. Give the ball air The Lions showed that they have the X-factor players who can capitalise on the opportunities when they give the ball air. The elusive Quan Horn has looked…

Novak Djokovic was at the centre of another Australian Open row yesterday while Jannik Sinner needed medical attention in fierce heat to battle into the quarter-finals and Iga Swiatek won easily. But American teenage qualifier Learner Tien's fairytale run is over after he suffered a thigh problem in a four-set defeat to Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in Melbourne. Five-time major champion Swiatek torpedoed another feel-good story as she thrashed "lucky loser" Eva Lys 6-0, 6-1 to set up a meeting with eighth seed Emma Navarro. Poland's Swiatek, who accepted a one-month doping ban late last year, then learnt that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will not appeal in the case. She called it "closure". The 23-year-old has denied knowingly doping, saying non-prescription medication was contaminated. With temperatures rising above 30°C for…

Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso says they need to quickly turn their focus to domestic matters after progressing to the Caf Champions League’s quarter-final. Sundowns reached the Champions League’s last eight for a seventh season in succession after finishing second in Group B with nine points. The Brazilians could have topped the group, but they allowed eventual log leaders AS FAR to equalise during their 1-1 draw in the last group stage match in Pretoria on Sunday. While Sundowns eventually bagged the qualification, some naysayers still bemoaned that Cardoso hasn’t done enough to stamp his authority in the team since arriving. The Portuguese-born coach has had an impressive run in the Betway Premiership, winning three games on the trot, but he endeared a roller-coaster run on the continent. Sundowns won…