Table of contents for 2025-09-23 in Cape Times

Canal+ has taken effective control of South African television and streaming company MultiChoice, marking the French media giant’s biggest acquisition and a big step in its plans to become the leading pan-African pay-TV operator. The acquisition of control of MultiChoice, which already operates in 50 African countries, means the group will now be present in nearly 70 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia. “Today marks an important step for Canal+, as we begin to integrate MultiChoice to create a group with enhanced scale, reach, and creativity,” said Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada in a statement. The deal was first announced in March 2024, but many regulatory hurdles needed to be crossed. The companies said in a joint statement that the combined group will have a workforce of 17 000 employees and…

regional airline says contested route was marked by high re-establishment costs, not predatory pricing Regional airline Airlink has defended its operations on the Johannesburg–Mthatha route, telling the Competition Tribunal on Monday that its presence on the contested route was marked by losses, high re-establishment costs, and difficult operating conditions rather than predatory pricing. The Tribunal this week resumed hearings into allegations that Airlink abused its dominance on the route between 2012 and 2016, when new entrant Fly Blue Crane (FBC) briefly competed before exiting the market. The case follows a referral by the Competition Commission, based on complaints lodged between 2015 and 2017 by business executive Khwezi Tiya, the OR Tambo District Chamber of Business, and FBC itself. The complainants accused Airlink of imposing excessive fares when it held a…

The boardroom has often been described as the table where the future of organisations is shaped. Around it, critical decisions are taken that affect employees, customers, communities, investors and society at large. Yet an often-overlooked question is this: who sits at that table, and why does it matter? The legitimacy of governance rests not only on policies and processes but also on the people entrusted to lead. Their mix of skills, experiences, perspectives and integrity determines whether governance delivers value or falls short. Boards poorly composed risk becoming echo chambers, where decisions reflect narrow thinking and familiar interests. By contrast, boards that bring together diverse expertise and perspectives are more resilient, adaptive and trusted. The composition of the governing body is therefore not a technical formality, but a fundamental test…

Imagine how our lives would change if South African banks were to launch new home loan pre-approval processes over WhatsApp. Customers could submit details, receive personalised offers, and upload supporting documents without ever logging into a website or downloading an app. In less than a month, banks would see their response times double, lead drop-off rates fall substantially, and customer satisfaction scores rise significantly—simply because they chose to engage with potential customers through conversation, via a messaging channel they already trust and use daily. WhatsApp. While the case study promises great results for financial institutions, the benefits for consumers are just as compelling. With faster, easier access to finance, streamlined pre-approvals cut down on paperwork and waiting times, giving buyers clarity within minutes on whether they qualify, which is crucial…

A fired LVMH executive - accused of misconduct including giving a colleague the middle finger - is suing Moët Hennessy for €1.7 million ($2 million), saying he was really ousted for flagging sanctions-busting sales to Russia, not his management style. Kenneth Kralick, who led online sales for the wines and spirits division of LVMH, says his boss turned against him after blowing the whistle in April 2023 on an alleged parallel distribution system channeling products through the US to Russia. “That’s when the real difficulties began,” his lawyer Marine Le Conte told the Paris tribunal on Thursday. She argued he was harassed in the run-up to his dismissal a year later. His remit was cut back and his boss deliberately ran meetings in French - a language Kralick doesn’t speak.…

The Gauteng Department of Education says it will enlist the help of law enforcement agencies to prevent Operation Dudula from disrupting the province's academic programme in the new academic year. This comes as Operation Dudula visited some Soweto schools, with allegations that they prioritise undocumented illegal foreigners in their system. Yesterday, the movement and its leader, Zandile Dabula, who have been criticised for their nationwide campaign aimed at preventing illegal foreigners from accessing health care, delivered "warning letters" to 11 Soweto schools ahead of the next academic year. The movement is calling on public schools in townships to prioritise South African learners over foreign nationals, and added that this initiative is part of a broader campaign ahead of next year’s local government elections. "We have been to four schools now,…

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is making drastic changes to its operations through investing in new infrastructure and worker incentives aimed at improving efficiency and reducing waiting times at the ports. Jabu Mdaki, CEO of Transnet Port Terminals, briefed Cape Times sister publication The Mercury on the changes at the port during the KZN Business Futures Executive Breakfast hosted in Durban, Umhlanga, yesterday. He described the changes as a “game-changer”. The breakfast was attended by several business dignitaries, including H.E. Nilvana Darama, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli delivered a message of support via a pre-recorded video message. Around 100 senior executives, policymakers, and investors convened to engage in trade, logistics, and investment opportunities within the province. However, the Road Freight Association said their members still experience…

National police commissioner Fannie Masemola told the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry that he reached out to President Cyril Ramaphosa, seeking intervention over what he deemed an "unlawful" directive by suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team. However, Masemola said while the matter was discussed between Ramaphosa and Mchunu, he did not get clear details on their conversation. Masemola was testifying yesterday at the Commission probing allegations of political interference in the criminal justice system at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria. He told the Commission that he approached Ramaphosa, given the fact that Mchunu was “instructing and not soliciting views” from the police leadership regarding the task team’s disbandment. “I spoke to the President on February 1, 2025. During this meeting I…

The Road Accident Fund must reimburse a Western Cape woman for the laser treatment she received to her face, as it was “horribly disfigured” when she was hit by a car while jogging in Hout Bay. The woman, only identified as JA, told the Western Cape High Court that she works in the tourism industry and her appearance is vital for her job. As she was left with prominent facial scarring that significantly affected her self-esteem, and her ability to return to the tourism industry, she needed extensive laser treatment. In February 2018, the plaintiff was running with friends along the shoulder of Northshore Drive, Hout Bay, when she was struck by a vehicle. The collision was caused solely as a result of the negligence of the insured identified driver,…

THE Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) appeared before Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) yesterday to provide a clear account of progress made on its previous commitments to advancing gender equality and transformation in the workplace - specifically, focusing on addressing concerns surrounding sexual harassment. In October 2024, the commission initiated an own accord investigation in respect of policy failures and structural gaps in managing sexual harassment within DWS in the Western Cape. The focus of the investigation was on the broader issues relating to the DWS failure to create a safe and harassment-free workplace, as mandated by the Code of Good Practice and the Commission's previous recommendations following its Transformation Hearing in 2021/22 and then follow-ups made in 2023. The accountability session dealt with the DWS's over-reliance on an…

Milk South Africa (Milk SA) on Monday revealed in its annual report for 2024 that while the dairy industry has encountered significant challenges over the past year, it is also witnessing noteworthy growth. Chairman of Milk SA, Dr Bonile Jack-Pama, said the sector plays a dual role in nourishing the country’s growing population and stimulating demand for dairy products. “Our milk producers and manufacturers of dairy products in particular, are at the coalface of the enormous challenges that every new day brings in our beloved South Africa, especially in terms of infrastructure and government services - and an unfriendly business environment overall.” He highlighted structural shifts in the sector over the past 25 years, noting that while the number of milk producers has dropped by 85% since 2000, output has…

It’s easy to see Heritage Day as a break from school or work, or an excuse to braai with friends and family. But its significance is much greater. It’s a day to remember the foundations of our society – and the way they retain their value as the basis for a more equitable future. South Africa’s multifaceted heritage has been shaped by thousands of years of human history and the convergence of diverse cultures, languages and traditions. And as we celebrate Heritage Day on 24 September, the country is still grappling with how to honour this complex inheritance while building a more inclusive future. This is a challenge for communities, businesses, governments and development agencies such as Kagiso Trust, which traces its foundations to the apartheid era. The Trust is…

As the global oil market continues to exhibit minor fluctuations, South African drivers may face a slight increase in petrol prices next week, according to experts. The Brent crude oil price has recently stabilised around $66.54 (R1 144) per barrel, raising discussions about the potential effects on the local petrol market. Professor Waldo Krugell of North-West University noted that Brent crude was trading within its recent range, saying that while concerns about sanctions on Russia persist, oversupply fears continue to offset them. Krugell added that the key factor for us will be the rand-dollar exchange rate over the next week. “On Friday's data, there is an under-recovery of 2 cents to 10 cents on petrol, but if the rand stays strong, the fuel price may end up virtually unchanged,” he…

Renergen on Monday warned of a bigger interim loss and announced it has ended a legal dispute with Springbok Solar Power Plant (RF) as the parties have agreed to “mutually beneficial operations in the Free State.” Renergen’s share price slipped 1.55% to R14.27 on the JSE in the morning, but the price remains substantially higher than only R3.63 in March this year, before the onshore helium and liquid natural gas producer reached an agreement to merge with Nasdaq and JSE-listed ASP Isotopes, which will ultimately lead to Renergen’s delisting from the JSE. Following a period of protracted legal proceedings and regulatory review, Renergen and RF said jointly that they have agreed to settlement terms that ensure the protection of Renergen’s subsidiary, Tetra4’s rights to natural gas extraction, and the continued…

With exams coming up, many South African students are busy with past papers and late-night study sessions. But there’s another factor that can quietly get in the way of revision: low iron levels and anaemia, which are often overlooked. Research shows these issues don’t just affect your health; they can impact memory, focus, mood, and how well your brain handles stress. If you or someone you know is studying hard, paying attention to iron levels can really help, and there are steps you can take. Anaemia refers to a condition where there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells (or enough haemoglobin) in the blood, which means less oxygen gets to your brain and muscles. Low iron stores, even before full anaemia develops, can have similar effects. For adolescents, whose bodies…

DA Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille has drawn sharp criticism after sidestepping questions about Israel's atrocities in Gaza, where widespread destruction and mass civilian deaths have led many international observers and rights groups to label the assault as genocide. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Zille, 74, was pressed on her position regarding the escalating crisis but avoided taking a clear stand on whether Israel’s actions amount to genocide. "Genocide is a very big word and I haven't been to Gaza, and I don’t know," she told the broadcaster. "But I certainly know that Hamas has spent all its energy to obliterate the state of Israel." Political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela said her remarks are consistent with the DA's position of siding with Israel over Palestine. "Just because the DA is…

The parole system in the country is under the spotlight over the next two days, with experts, the legal fraternity and policymakers, identifying shortcomings in the system and stressing that the rights of both victims and offenders - who are released into the communities - should receive more attention. Offenders, according to the experts who delivered their representations yesterday, should receive more support once they are reintegrated into communities. As part of the proposals, it was suggested that there should be a designated call centre to assist them. It was also suggested by some experts that the government should provide offenders with financial assistance so that they could take the skills and trades they have learned while incarcerated, further once they are out on parole. Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald…

“I miss playing for South Africa.” That’s all Proteas Men’s coach Shukri Conrad needed to hear to be interested in the rest of the call coming in at 2am. At the end of the phone was none other than Quinton de Kock, who felt the need to ring up Conrad all the way in Australia at that hour to urgently discuss his future. "We got to Darwin, I just put my head to the pillow at about 2 in the morning when my phone rang, and it was Quinny," Conrad said, about the call on Monday. "He just expressed the desire to play for South Africa again in both white-ball formats. We chatted for a bit and I said I'd come back to him in a couple of days. Then,…

The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) has issued a scathing rebuke of Siwelele FC amid a tumultuous period for the newly-promoted Betway Premiership side. Recent upheavals, including the dismissal of CEO Stan Matthews and assistant coach Andre Arendse, have sparked significant concerns regarding the club’s governance, particularly in relation to player welfare and contractual obligations. Since acquiring top-flight status after businessman Calvin Le John purchased SuperSport United at the end of the previous season, Siwelele FC has encountered a dismal start to the 2025/26 campaign. With only one victory, one draw and five losses from seven matches played, the club has struggled to forge a winning formula, leaving both fans and players wary of the direction in which the leadership is steering the club. Adding fuel to the fire,…

Business Unity South Africa (Busa) has filed legal proceedings against the recently published Employment Equity (EE) Sector Targets, which officially came into effect on 1 September 2025. The EE Regulations are designed to promote equitable representation across all sectors of the economy and apply to all companies with more than 50 employees, setting targets across skilled, professional, and management levels over the next five years. The country’s largest organised business body on Monday stressed that its challenge is not aimed at opposing the Employment Equity Amendment Act or the principle of sectoral numerical targets under Section 15A of the Act, but rather the way in which the current targets were developed and imposed. BUSA CEO Khulekani Mathe said the organisation has engaged with the Department of Employment and Labour…

The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) has hailed the Department of Home Affairs’ newly announced Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system as a landmark reform that will strengthen the country’s competitiveness in global tourism. This comes as the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, unveiled the ETA system at the Tourism Business Council of South Africa’s Leadership Conference on Thursday, positioning it as a key step in modernising South Africa’s visa and border management framework. Brett Tungay, Fedhasa national chairperson, commended Scheiber for driving digital transformation in visa and border control systems. Fedhasa is South Africa's trusted association for the hospitality industry, representing all segments and all establishments under one banner and with one voice. “The introduction of the ETA is a bold and visionary step that will…

In today’s digital economy, access to the right people has become as critical as access to the right technology. Yet, securing top IT talent has never been harder. A Bain & Company survey recently found that 44% of executives cite the growing AI talent gap as a major barrier to innovation, while LinkedIn’s 2025 Workplace Learning Report shows that less than half of applicants for technical roles meet the baseline requirements. The reality is stark: the pace of technological change is outstripping the availability of skilled professionals, and organisations that fail to rethink their talent strategies risk being left behind. Specialist IT recruitment matters A poor hiring decision in IT can result in systems that fail under pressure, spiralling costs, or catastrophic breaches that damage both reputation and revenue. And,…

Google faces a fresh federal court test on Monday as US government lawyers ask a judge to order the breakup of the search engine giant's ad technology business. The lawsuit is Google's second such test this year after the California-based tech juggernaut saw a similar government demand to split up its empire shot down by a judge earlier this month. Monday's case focuses specifically on Google's ad tech "stack" - the tools that website publishers use to sell ads and that advertisers use to buy them. In a landmark decision earlier this year, Federal Judge Leonie Brinkema agreed with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) that Google maintained an illegal grip on this market. Monday's trial is set to determine what penalties and changes Google must implement to undo its…

PPC’s share price surged 3.6% on Monday morning to R5.16 after it reported a “marked improvement” in its financial performance for the four months to July 31, 2025. The JSE-listed cement and aggregates maker for markets in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe said in an update for the four months that their two-year-old “Awaken the Giant” turnaround strategy was gaining traction. This had resulted in further growth and margin expansion, on top of the improvement across key metrics achieved in the 2025 financial year. Their strategy, being implemented in a weak macro-economic environment in South Africa, focuses on increasing long-term leadership and competitiveness, through enhanced profitability and cash flow. In the four-months, group earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by more than 20% over the comparable period…

Experts believe that although President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump are unlikely to meet directly, the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York comes at a crucial time for South Africa and the US to address their bilateral relations. Trump imposed a 30% tariff on imports from South Africa recently after Ramaphosa’s government made several unsuccessful attempts to secure a trade agreement. The tariff rate is the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa and could cause tens of thousands of job losses at a time when South Africa’s economy is barely growing and unemployment is stuck above 30%. Trump’s decision was based on several factors, including the US trade deficit with South Africa and political disagreements with its government. The new tariffs effectively ended South Africa’s duty-free…

Western Cape police arrested eight suspects after confiscating a consignment of firearms from KwaZulu-Natal in a Bellville flat yesterday. Members of the Provincial Operational Coordination Combat Team conducted an intelligence-driven operation at the flat during the early morning hours. Police spokesperson, Andrè Traut, said several firearms were seized. “According to preliminary information, the firearms had been transported from KwaZulu-Natal to Cape Town. During the search, the members seized six AK-47 rifles and eight 9mm pistols with ammunition. The suspects were unable to produce valid firearm licences or permits for the weapons,” Traut said. He said as a result, eight men were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. “(The suspects) are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court once they have been formally charged,” Traut said.…

The Premier League is barely five rounds old and, while some of this year’s most expensive recruits have settled quickly, others are learning that price tags do not buy time or patience in England’s top flight. The battle for top striking talent was especially bruising, with much of the drama centred on Alexander Isak’s blockbuster move from Newcastle to Liverpool. The late nature of the Swedish forward’s forced exit meant he arrived at Anfield underdone, while a number of elite strikers had plenty of time to bed in at their new homes. Benjamin Šeško, Viktor Gyökeres and Hugo Ekitike all arrived in England with strong reputations as master finishers, and were among the most in-demand strikers in Europe. Of the trio, Ekitike has hit the ground running, bagging three goals…

Sledgehammer Springbok Andre Esterhuizen sizzled in Wellington last week, scoring the Boks’ final try in the 43-10 rout, but he says the side can be much better if they cut out the clumsiness. Andre the Giant, as he is known across the rugby world, entered the fray early in Wellington from the bench after injuries to Aphelele Fassi and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and delivered arguably his most commanding performance in the green and gold. “It was special to be part of a game like that, but we can be so much better,” the centre said of the 43-10 win. “There is still so much to work on. Yes, in the second half a lot went our way when we executed far better — we scored 36 unanswered points — but there…