Table of contents for 2025-03-04 in Cape Times

PPC’s share price flew up 11.4% on the JSE Monday after the aggregates, cement and ready-mix concrete producer said the positive results from a turnaround plan had continued into the second half of its financial year. In an operational update for the 10 months to January 31, the group said benefits from the turnaround plan, which was started after the appointment a year ago of Matias Cardarelli as CEO and other changes to the executive team, were growing as the plan gained momentum. "In the key areas of commercial, operations, and supply chain, the initiatives are already showing results, namely plant sourcing optimisation, sales product mix enhancement, improved thermal energy costs and logistics management," PPC said. These results had increased the Ebitda margin and cash flow generation, Cardarelli said in…

Naamsa says February was a defining month for new vehicle market, reflecting sector resilience Confidence has returned in South Africa’s automotive industry after new vehicle sales rose by 7.3% in February compared to the same month a year ago on the back of easing inflation, a lower interest rate environment, and improving consumer sentiment. The Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) on Monday reported that aggregate domestic new vehicle sales in February 2025 totalled 47 978 units, reflecting an increase of 3 229 units, compared to the 44 749 vehicles sold in February 2024. The February 2025 new passenger car market at 33 757 units had registered an increase of 4 900 cars, or a gain of 17.0%, compared to the 28 857 new cars sold in February 2024. Car rental sales…

Italtile managed to increase system-wide turnover 1% to R6.1 billion in a tough operating environment and its 211 stores remained profitable in the six months to December 31, CEO Lance Foxcroft said on Monday. The retailer, manufacturer and importer of tile, bathroom ware and other home finishing products in South Africa, increased interim headline earnings per share by 4% to 70.1 cents and the dividend was lifted by the same percentage to 28 cents a share during the period. In an interview with Business Report on Monday, Foxcroft said the balance sheet was healthy, net cash was up 9% to R1.6bn, and there were no immediate large capital expenditure plans so there may be a large cash balance available at the end of the second half for further dividends and…

Bidvest raised revenues by 6% to R64.5 billion in the six months to December although interim normalised headline earnings per share were nearly flat at 1057.7 cents. CEO Mpumi Madisa and chief finance director Mark Holligan on Monday described as tight and challenging the operating environment in which the financial service group went through in the six months. Despite the revenue increase for the half-year, trading profits in Bidvest flatlined at R6.3bn after the trading profit margin for the season fell by 66 basis points despite cash generated from operations firming up by 18% to R4.5bn. Madisa described the company’s performance as resilient while Bidvest said its performance for the first half-year had been “driven by continued demand for everyday essential products” and services. However, a difficult operating environment negated…

The Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) has come under fire after claims of employees facing irrational demands made to them by auditing firms. This was according to the National Employers' Association of South Africa (NEASA), who said they have received numerous complaints from workers. The association said that these firms, acting under the directive of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), issue unrealistic audit requests, followed almost immediately by threats of severe consequences for those who hesitate to comply. "The sheer scale of this bureaucratic nightmare has left businesses scrambling to meet impossible deadlines, with intimidation tactics now seemingly standard practice. In 2020, government-imposed Covid-19 lockdowns almost brought the economy to its knees. To offer relief, the DoEL, funded by UIF reserves, introduced the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) -…

The Department of Health said they have recorded three laboratory-confirmed cases of monkeypox (Mpox) in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. The first case was confirmed on February 21 in a 30-year-old male patient residing in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng with a recent travel history to Kampala, Uganda. “The patient was diagnosed with Clade I mpox virus, which is currently circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and has been reported in travellers returning to many locations around the globe. The other two cases, a 30-year-old male and a 27-year-old female, also from Ekurhuleni, were detected through contact tracing and monitoring conducted by outbreak response teams,” said department spokesperson Foster Mohale. These are the first positive cases of mpox recorded in South Africa this year, and the last case was recorded in September 2024.…

Police have launched a search operation for missing Pretoria-based journalist Aserie Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhuli. Ndlovu, a journalist and founder of an online radio Capital Live SA 99.0 FM, was last seen leaving his workplace at Denlyn Mall in Mamelodi. The two were reported missing on February 18. Ndlovu was wearing blue jeans, a blue and white long-sleeve shirt, and Nike sneakers. The National Press Club, of which Aserie Ndlovu was a committee member, held a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, where his distraught family members made an emotional appeal to the public for assistance in locating him and his partner. Speaking on behalf of the family, musician Vusi Mahlasela said: “Umphakathi (the community) should pray for them that they come back home safe. We are…

SHORTLY after the delegates convened for the Basic Education Lekgotla at the Birchwood Hotel, Ekurhuleni, on February 27, President Cyril Ramaphosa turned up in the plenary hall, put on his sombre voice and confessed: “The minister is absolutely right when she says we should have started 30 years ago with Early Childhood Development, and if there is any mistake that we have made as a nation and as a government, it is this one … Thirty years ago, we were blindsided. We should have realised that to get this country to be important, on a much higher plane of development, we should have started ECD then.” One of the more startling blindsiding has been to Ramaphosa himself, as he promised to be a developmental-oriented president, to emphasise investments in the…

The Stormers have always been a team that thrives on resilience, and Bulls mentor Jake White's remarks about their injury struggles a couple of weeks ago only seemed to fuel their fire when they faced his side this past weekend. Instead of letting the words of the Bulls’ director of rugby get under their skin, the players turned it into extra motivation ahead of facing their arch-rivals. They used it as a reminder of their toughness and the team's ability to never back down, especially in a North-South derby. Rather than focus on their injuries and who was unavailable, the Stormers focused on proving White wrong - showing that no matter who's playing on the day, they can compete at the highest level. It’s a perfect example of how a…

South Africa's agricultural exports rose to record highs and reached $13.7 billion (R255.5bn) in 2024, marking an increase of 3% from the previous year. Despite this positive trend, the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) on Monday cautioned that the nation faces headwinds from escalating trade tensions, particularly between the US and China, a situation that could have ripple effects on South Africa's export market. The findings reveal a trade surplus of $6.2bn, albeit a slight decline of 2% from the prior year. This fluctuation in figures comes as economists warn of continued volatility in the rand, primarily driven by developments in the US and fluctuations in the US dollar. Prospects of relative strength in the rand loom as upcoming US tariff applications may be less severe than initially anticipated. South Africa's…

Aspen Pharmacare Holding’s share price shot up by as much as 10.6% on Monday after it reported strong performances across all segments of the business for the six months to December 31. The share price of South Africa's biggest pharmaceuticals group traded at R180.61 on Monday afternoon on the JSE. The price was also 10.4% above the R163.50 that it traded at on the same day a year ago. Looking to the second half, group financial officer Sean Capazorio said it was likely to be a period of consolidation and growth, with the focus on their GLP-1 drug for diabetes and obesity, further growth from an already strong performance in only one month in Lilly’s Tirzepatide based product, branded Mounjaro, which was launched in South Africa in December, and strong…

The JSE reported a 10.4% increase in net profit after tax to R918 million for its 2024 financial year, buoyed by a diversification strategy that offset muted equity trading amid geopolitical strains and sluggish economic growth in the first half. JSE Group CEO Leila Fourie said, “We recorded revenue growth across most of our asset classes off the back of sustained positive market sentiment following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Our strategy to build a diversified and resilient exchange group resulted in non-trading income increasing to R1.17 billion and it now contributes 37.8% of operating income (2023: 36.8%)." She added, “I am particularly pleased with the structural reductions in our cost base, which helped restrain total expenditure growth to 6.2%. This performance was underpinned by robust…

PepsiCo South African development fund and local lender Absa Group Ltd are backing a mobile marketplace for farmers that enables them to sell their products as well as source logistics, technical expertise and financing. Khula Pty Ltd’s app has 20 000 users, ranging from emerging to commercial farmers, and targets R200 million in funding by mid-year, co-founder and CEO Karidas Tshintsholo said in an interview. It has raised R126m to date in a funding round led by E Squared Investments, he said. Pepsico - whose Kgodiso Development Fund has backed Khula - is the biggest buyer on a closed trading platform that allows pre-approved farmers to sell to buyers from supermarkets and others, said Tshintsholo. In an effort to redress inequities stemming from apartheid, South Africa’s government requires multinational companies…

We exist in an image-conscious world where weight loss has become a common goal that most people wrestle with at some point in their lives. Whether it’s shedding a few kilos for health reasons or gaining confidence in your body, the journey of weight management touches every aspect of life including your libido. With the rise of weight loss injections like Ozempic and Mounjaro, many South Africans are turning to these much-talked-about options for help. On platforms like TikTok, influencers rave about their weight loss transformations, but there’s one topic that doesn’t get as much airtime: how these treatments can affect intimacy and sexual health. Research shows some people have reported changes like increased fertility, sagging skin, and excessive sweating. It’s not just about fitting into smaller clothes; weight loss…

THE EFF in the City of Joburg marched to Joburg Water to demand of a clear plan from the water utility on how it plans to resolve water supply problems. The city has blamed its water issues on old and decaying infrastructure. Ahead of the anticipated march kicking off the party's resolution to make 2025 a year of the picket line, the party warned that water challenges in the City have reached a critical point, and without urgent intervention, a humanitarian crisis would be inevitable. “This crisis is a product of systemic failures resulting from, among other things, decades of neglect of the City’s infrastructure, orchestrated corruption, sheer incompetence among those operating the water utility, Johannesburg Water, electricity cuts, tampering with water infrastructure, a growing population, and, to some extent,…

Ingredients: 500g self rising flour (approx 4 cups) 1 cup castor sugar 3 large eggs 125g soft butter or margarine 1/2 cup cooking oil 2 teaspoons baking powder 300 - 350ml ml orange juice to mix To complete: 500 ml smooth apricot or mixed fruit jam 250ml water 300g desiccated coconut Method: Cream together the butter and the castor sugar. Add the oil. Add the eggs one by one mixing well. Add the self rising flour, baking powder and the orange juice to make a smooth batter. Grease a round based patty tin well with oil and fill the holes 2/3 full with batter. Bake at 180C for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Turn out onto a cooling rack until completely cooled down. To complete: Simmer jam and water…

It is important that spaces like King David Mowbray Golf Course (KDMGC) and its surrounding vacant land in Pinelands works for everyone, not just a privileged few, says Reclaim The City (RTC). The activist group's comments come as the City’s Economic Growth Directorate has opened public comment and participation which it says will be used to inform the concept development plan. The Pinelands site, located just north of the N2 Freeway, is approximately 42,8 hectares. “The redevelopment of KDMGC is more than a change in land use; it is a reimagining of what public space can be in a city that continues to suffer from uneven distribution of green space and community facilities,” RTC said. “This site presents the City with an opportunity to include Langa and the Athlone…

The inclusion of their returning injured star players will take centre stage over the next couple of weeks as the Stormers eye a place in the top six of the United Rugby Championship (URC). While still in 12th on the official log, the Cape side will tour for two weeks in the middle of March, before returning to the Mother City for four home games in which they eye full points to boost their knockout bid. Stars Damian Willemse, Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are tipped to return in the next few days to full squad training. They are also expected to be available for both the overseas games. Winger Suleiman Hartzenberg (broken hand) and utility back Jean-Luc du Plessis, alongside lock Connor Evans, should also come into the picture…

Short-term insurer Santam on Monday delivered a stellar set of results for the year ended December 31, 2024 with earnings up 51% despite footing millions of rands in underwriting losses from big weather events. Tavaziva Madzinga, Santam’s Group CEO, characterised 2024 as "a difficult year with tailwinds and economic constraints". Despite this the group showed steady growth, with headline earnings per share rocketed 51% to 3 477 cents from 2023. Santam posed a final dividend of 985c per share, up 9% from last year, bringing the total dividends for 2024 to 1 520c. By 1.35pm the share price on the JSE was 1.31% lower at R398.06 Liam Hechter, a fund manager at Anchor Capital said, "The Santam results were good from what I have seen, they were slightly ahead of…

Manufacturing activity in South Africa continued to struggle and remained in contractionary terrain in February on the back of global trade tensions and the return of crippling electricity supply. The seasonally adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), conducted by the Bureau for Economic Research and released on Monday, lost a further 0.6 of a percentage point in February and fell to 44.7 in February, down from 45.3 in January. This is the fourth consecutive contraction as activity remained subdued. Absa said the manufacturing sector has seemingly not picked up following its poor performance towards the end of last year. Both the business activity and new sales orders’ indices declined in February. The business activity index fell by 2.9 points to 40.6, from 43.5 previously, reflecting weaker demand and ongoing…

In the pursuit of beauty, many people turn to skincare products, make-up, and even cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance. However, one of the most powerful and natural beauty tools is often overlooked: sleep. Often referred to as “beauty sleep,” the connection between rest and radiance is more than just a myth. Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing our physical appearance, and neglecting it can have visible consequences. Here’s why sleep is essential for beauty and how it can transform your skin, hair, and overall glow. During sleep, your body goes into a state of repair and renewal. This is especially true for your skin, the body’s largest organ. While you sleep, blood flow to the skin increases, allowing for the repair of damage caused by environmental…

Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring significant changes, not just physically but mentally too. Many women report experiencing “baby brain” – a term used to describe forgetfulness, poor concentration, and mental fog during and after pregnancy. But is it real, and if so, what causes it? The science behind baby brain Dr Susanna Unsworth, a gynaecology expert, explains that baby brain refers to cognitive changes such as memory lapses and reduced problem-solving skills. Studies, including one from the University of California published in Nature Neuroscience, have shown reductions in grey matter volume in the brain from pregnancy up to two years postpartum. This suggests that the brain is adapting to the demands of parenthood. Nutritional therapist Laura Southern told Cosmopolitan magazine that while baby brain isn’t a medical diagnosis, it’s…

The Durban High Court has slammed the State for trying to introduce new evidence without context in its re-examination in the fraud and corruption trial relating to a R300 million Durban Solid Waste tender. The former mayor of eThekwini Zandile Gumede and 21 others are charged with conspiracy to commit corruption, corruption, fraud, money laundering, racketeering, and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act and the Municipal Systems Act. On Friday, Advocate Griffiths Madonsela, counsel for one of the accused former City manager Sipho Nzuza, presented evidence from a witness, who cannot be identified as per an order of the court, that Nzuza followed all the supply chain management policies in extending the Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender contracts. The state on Friday said it would correct the perspective that…

Civil society organisation Black Sash and trade federation Cosatu have called for a wealth tax instead of an increase in VAT as the Cabinet of the Government of National Unity (GNU) was yesterday locked in a marathon meeting on the budget proposals to fund government spending. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was expected to provide a revised budget to the Cabinet after last month's budget was postponed when GNU partners could not reach consensus on Godongwana's decision to increase VAT by 2%. It is understood that President Cyril Ramaphosa had proposed a VAT increase of between 0.5 and 1% at the Cabinet meeting but the DA remained adamant that VAT should remain unchanged. Black Sash said it would reject any VAT increase, regardless of the percentage that the GNU government suggested.…

The Springboks and the All Blacks play each other every year at least twice. Sometimes even three times if it's a Rugby World Cup year. The Proteas and the New Zealand cricket team not so much. In fact, Heinrich Klaasen, who has played 59 ODI’s, has only faced the Black Caps once before in a 50-overs contest. And he wasn’t even required to do much on that occasion as Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen both struck sublime centuries to steer the Proteas to a mammoth 190-run victory at the last World Cup back in 2023. It would be safe to assume that Klaasen will most likely have more on his plate when the Proteas face the Black Caps in Wednesday’s ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore. The…

Kaizer Chiefs will not have been afforded time to nurse their wounds following their loss to defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, as Magesi lie in wait in the Betway Premiership at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday (7.30pm kick-off). The Glamour Boys have had a season filled with flashes of brilliance, along with a fair share of fumbles, as they continue to settle under the leadership of Tunisian mentor Nasredine Nabi. Amakhosi currently occupy the last of the top eight positions, and in a season where – outside the log leaders – everyone else has been inconsistent, a win for them could strengthen their cause to remain in the top half. Fresh off a 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns this past Saturday, Nabi will take a lot of confidence from the display…

Now that the weight of his historic achievement has finally sunk in, newly crowned SA Open champion Dylan Naidoo got to relive his “surreal” golfing triumph at the rain-battered Durban Country Club at the weekend. The 27-year-old golfer, who grew up in Lenasia, in the south of Johannesburg, became the first golfer of colour to win SA’s national open. He beat England’s Laurie Canter on the first play-off hole on Sunday. It was at the same venue where legendary golfer Sewsunker “Papwa” Sewgolum had to endure the humiliation almost 62 years ago of receiving his prize for winning the Natal Open outside in the rain after he wasn’t allowed in the clubhouse. “I’m very aware of the story of Papwa and what has happened at Durban Country Club. It’s something…