Table of contents for 2023-06-05 in Star

NEDBANK announced on Friday that it was seeking a new CEO as Mike Brown, its CEO, is set to retire after 14 years at the helm. The new leader will be in charge of a bank valued at R103 billion. This as Alexforbes’ outgoing chairperson and former SA Reserve Bank (SARB) deputy governor Daniel Mminele was in February announced as the next Nedbank chairperson. Mminele took the role after the annual general meeting on June 2, succeeding Nedbank’s current chairperson, Mpho Makwana. Brown has 30 years’ experience working at the banking group. He took up the CEO position in 2010 and held the role of chief financial officer previously. In its voluntary trading statement, the group said it would commence a process to choose a successor to Brown, supported…

THE HAWTHORNE effect is one of the sins that are commonly committed by researchers, and this includes those who are quite seasoned. The Hawthorne effect can be quite subtle, especially when the subject being investigated is complex. The Hawthorne effect is described as “the modification of behaviour by study participants in response to their knowledge that they are being observed or singled out for special treatment. “In the simplest terms, the Hawthorne effect is increasing output in response to being watched.” It is a yes minister syndrome in public affairs. Give Mr Minister the answer you presume he wishes to hear. In survey methodology, sampling theory becomes representative provided the universe or the sample space from which the sample is taken is arranged so that the units can be…

REVISED trade accords with most of Brazil's trade partners, including China, make it unlikely the world's largest chicken supplier will impose a nationwide ban on exports should the virus that causes highly pathological avian influenza (HPAI) hit commercial flocks. Ricardo Santin, the head of a group representing firms such as JBS and BRF, said the agreements with trade partners should limit any export restrictions to smaller geographic regions. Still, the details of a 2004 bilateral sanitary protocol with China, Brazil's top chicken buyer last year, could spell some pain for exporters. The protocol, which the agriculture ministry said remains in force, requires immediate notification to Beijing of epidemic diseases, and imposes temporary national and local bans depending on the type of illness threatening the health of poultry. It also stipulates…

There’s trouble brewing in Ruiterbosch as veteran soapie vixen Marisa Drummond joins kykNET’s Suidooster as Orpa Blignaut. Last week, viewers were introduced to Orpa and her husband James (Dries Botha from Erfsondes). The couple are missionaries aiming to call Ruiterbosch home. It doesn’t take long before they get involved with the church in the close-knit community where Siya (Gantane Kusch) is the pastor. Coming in with the intention of causing riffs, Orpa knows all too well how to pull the wool over the eyes of trusting people. IOL Entertainment caught up with Drummond before her debut. She said: “Orpa has absolutely no conscience whatsoever. She and her husband James are the real deal when it comes to con artists. They find their way to Ruiterbosch in a seemingly…

“It’s so cold today,” is what just about everyone is saying right now. Winter is here and the temperatures seem to be dropping more and more each day. And the colder it gets the more clothes we want to throw on. It’s tempting to just wear layers and layers of clothes and not care much about what you look like. While we’re all trying to stay warm, it doesn’t mean you have to look like a hot mess. If you want to look good while keeping the cold out, here are styling tips on how to do so. Layering We’re all wearing layers of clothes right now but how we do it is important. Wearing thermal underwear is a great place to start. If you don’t have thermals then a…

THE government has been threatened with a class action suit for negligence stemming from the provision of contaminated water to Hammanskraal residents, resulting in the deaths of 23 people. Advocate Moafrika Wa Maila told the Pretoria News that he would institute a class action against the government on behalf of those who died, those admitted to hospital and other affected residents. Since May 15 many people in the township were admitted to Jubilee District Hospital after they fell ill with diarrhoeal disease or gastrointestinal infections said to be caused by the consumption of contaminated water. The government subsequently declared that there was a cholera outbreak in the area. Maila said one of the bases for the lawsuit would be previous reports with findings on the Hammanskraal water situation, including the…

THE Tshwane Metro Police Department has arrested four people after allegedly finding them in possession of diamonds with an estimated value of R3 .7 million. Spokesperson for the metro policet Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said two were Namibian nationals. “The metro police’s K9 unit members conducted a crime intelligence-driven operation with other law enforcement agencies on Saturday. “They followed up on information about diamonds that were going to be delivered at a mall in Mayville, Pretoria,” said Mahamba. “The team rushed to the location and tactically waited for the suspects to arrive. A white Honda arrived with four suspects. “The four suspects were immediately apprehended. They were found in possession of 36 diamonds. “The diamonds have an estimated street value of R3.7m,” said Mahamba. “All four suspects, three males and…

The first black South African woman to own and conduct an all-black orchestra, Ofentse Pitse, has placed South Africa on the map with her musical talent. She is the youngest African woman orchestra owner, conductor, classical music arranger, producer, musician and curator of intimate musically inspired/influenced spaces and experiences. Pitse was inspired and raised to revere education by her mother and grandmother. Education has continued to be a core value and practice for Pitse, who graduated with a Masters of Architecture from Wits Univeristy in honour of her late mother, Pearl Matshidiso Pitse. A lover of all things art, Africa, and people, Pitse has managed to masterfully create a brand that truly reflects her core values, character, people and heart – all vital ingredients for a history-making change agent and…

Anele Mdoda has stood up for Dineo Ranaka, who is still vilified and accused of attention seeking on social media despite opening up about her mental health challenges. After catching sight of an online article alleging that Ranaka discharged herself from hospital after an altercation, Mdoda spoke against the constant chatter about her. “I would have liked to see a little grace towards uDineo, no matter how wrong you seem to believe she is. She has said, I am not okay; I am going through a rough time … Love people, especially when you believe they don’t deserve it,” tweeted Mdoda. Many of the Kaya 959 radio host’s fans also slammed the online criticism directed at her. Joy Zelda said Ranaka needed support despite her past flaws. “What is…

Four teams are in the hunt for the final two spots in the Currie Cup and can be excused if they have their calculators out ahead of the final games, trying to work out exactly what needs to happen to end up in one of those spots Defending Currie Cup champions the Pumas (on 36 points) are among the teams fighting it out to scrape into the semi-finals, with the Blue Bulls (fourth, 36 points), Griquas (35) and Western Province (32) all still gunning for a place with the Sharks and Free State Cheetahs already secured of home semis in South Africa's premier domestic rugby competition. On Friday in Kimberley (3pm kickoff) the first showdown begins when Griquas take on the Pumas, looking to leapfrog them on the standings. For…

NESBANK said on Friday it had revised its South African gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for 2023 downwards as trading conditions had declined and its credit-loss ratio was higher than management's expectations. In a trading statement, the lender said it had altered its SA GDP growth forecast for 2023 downwards from 0.7% in February 2023 to 0.2%. “The cost implications of load shedding and a weaker rand have resulted in upward adjustments to its inflation forecast, which is now expected to average 6% in 2023, up from 5.5% in February 2023,” it said. According to the bank, in response to higher-than-expected inflation, the weaker rand and the continuous tightening of foreign monetary policy, the SA Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee increased the repo rate by 50 basis…

THE GLOBAL market for luxurious components, such as jewellery and designer apparel, has remained resilient to the worldwide economic tumult – characterised by high inflation and rising interest rates – and helped drive up volumes and profitability in Richemont. Johann Rupert, the chairperson of Richemont, said in the company’s annual report released on Friday, that Richemont had grown its earnings despite of volatility in geopolitical volatility. Uncertainty and disruption to supply chains has decimated production and volumes for other companies. “The group has drawn on the strength of its Maisons and the resilience of luxury consumers in an environment characterised by geopolitical volatility, economic uncertainty and high inflation,” Rupert said. Cartier, the flagship jeweller brand for Richemont, will this year unveil a new high-end collection, its CEO, Cyrille Vigneron, said.…

South African music stars Msaki, Vusi Nova and Ami Faku are set to headline the 2023 National Arts Festival (NAF), in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, later this month. Set to take place at various venues around Makhanda, from June 22 to July 2, the National Arts Festival, promises to be a celebration of music, creativity and culture, providing an unforgettable experience for festival- goers. Nova will be performing on June 24, showcasing his smooth and soulful voice. As an accomplished musician with successful albums and hit songs such as Thandiwe, As’phelelanga and Ndizakulinda, he is sure to deliver a memorable performance. Msaki, the 2022 Standard Bank Young Artist (SBYA) for Music, will take the stage on June 30. Known for her soulful and introspective music, blending folk, soul, and jazz, Msaki’s…

Twitter was ablaze with comments after SABC1’s recent announcement that seasoned actor Hungani Ndlovu will be joining the popular drama series Skeem Saam in July, as the new Thabo “Tbose” Maputla. Ndlovu will replace Thabiso Cornet Mamabolo, who left Skeem Saam in 2021 to focus on his financial services business. While some people were excited about the news, others took to social media to express concerns about Ndlovu’s ability to communicate effectively in Sepedi, the dominant language used in the series. Speaking to IOL Entertainment, Ndlovu simply laughed off the concerns, and instead promised fans that he would be shaking things up a bit in Skeem Saam. “Of course, I can (speak Sepedi). I grew up in Polokwane and Seshego. It might not be my mother tongue but I can…

Emma Heming Willis will “never lose hope” that scientists will find a cure for Bruce Willis’s type of dementia. The 68-year-old retired actor is suffering from frontotemporal dementia, a progressive neurological disorder that affects cognition and behaviour. And his 44-year-old wife has shared how gutted she was to learn that a clinical trial for a potential treatment for the condition had concluded, but she is keeping the faith that a cure will be found. She said on Instagram: “Yesterday I read that Wave Life Sciences ended their clinical trial that could potentially treat frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Where I’m not sure it could have helped us over here, it doesn’t really matter, it still feels like a gut punch. “But I always have to look at the…

Dr Mpho Phalatse has suffered yet another political blow to her career. The former mayor has now been replaced as the DA City of Joburg caucus leader. The Star can confirm that Belinda Echeozonjoku is now the DA’s Johannesburg caucus leader after Phalatse declined to run for a second term as caucus leader. Phalatse had lost favour with most of her caucus members because of her controversial relationship with ActionSA and her failure to keep the DA in Johannesburg in charge. The medical doctor suffered a shocking defeat against DA federal leader John Steenhuisen, receiving around 16% of the votes in the showdown for the party’s top position. At the weekend, the Sunday papers reported that Phalatse’s husband, Brutus Malada, had resigned from ActionSA. Malada was apparently involved in the…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has dispatched 1500 more crime-prevention wardens onto the city’s streets. Yesterday, he presided over the walkout parade of 1 500 new wardens at Tsakane Stadium in Ekurhuleni. He warned would-be criminals to watch themselves as he sent out the fresh cohort of his crime-prevention wardens, also referred to as Amapanyaza. Lesufi said that he was ready to deploy the wardens to communities affected by crime, adding that this was part of an integrated crime-prevention plan aimed at helping the police in their crime-fighting efforts. “You will be deployed to help the police. We will deploy you to support all law enforcement agencies. We will deploy you to protect all our people where they need protection. Gone are the days of children being scared to…

Four men arrested by the Hawks while allegedly selling two pangolins at Mahikeng Mall have appeared before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in North West. Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in North West, Henry Mamothame, said South African citizens Kabelo McDonald Batsi, 36, and Tebogo Kodwa, 28, appeared alongside Zimbabwean national Deon Clamans Mubhada, 33, and Botswana national Lesego Siana, 45. Mamothame said the matter was adjourned to tomorrow for verification of the statuses of the accused in preparation for the bail application. “They are facing two charges of contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act of 10 of 2004 after they were found in possession of two pangolins,” Mamothame said. The four men were arrested by members of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit on…

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala has expressed confidence that the ongoing construction of four government buildings as part of the multimillion-rand Salvokop Precinct Development Project in Tshwane will be completed in 2025. On Friday, Zikalala conducted an oversight visit at the project, where he said the intention of his department was “to turn South Africa into a real construction site and to make it work for all of us”. He said he believed that the mixed-use development, including the residential area, was on track to be completed in two years’ time. He was particularly happy that the development would “inject a lot of stimulation into the economy of the country and create more jobs here in the area of Tshwane, as well as ensure economic distribution, especially…

LIMPOPO MEC for Health Dr Phophi Ramathuba has failed in her urgent court bid to interdict the Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA) from proceeding with its misconduct inquiry against her for remarks to a foreign patient last year. Ramathuba turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to urgently stop the hearing scheduled for July 25-27. She wanted this order pending a later application to overturn the decision by the HPCSA to hold an inquiry. The MEC made headlines in August last year when a video went viral in which she made remarks to a Zimbabwean patient at Bela Bela hospital. In the clip posted on Twitter, Ramathuba said only in South Africa did people come into the country and expect treatment. Ramathuba said in her application that as MEC,…

HEALTH Minister Dr Joe Phaahla has announced that former health ombudsman Professor Malegapuru Makgoba has been succeeded by the Emeritus Professor Taole Resetselemang Mokoena. Mokoena’s appointment became effective from June 1. “Mokoena is one of the most outstanding SA medical scholars who has transcended the globe to show the quality the South Africans’ academic prowess. “He is a medical graduate of the University of Natal, doctor of philosophy from the University of Oxford and a fellow of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow,” said Phaahla. “He recently retired as a professor and academic head of the Department of Surgery, chief surgeon of the Department of General Surgery at the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital. But he continues his work on part-time or sessional basis to…

World No 3 Novak Djokovic inched closer to a 23rd grand slam title by crushing Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas 6-3 6-2 6-2 yesterday to reach the French Open quarter-finals. The Serbian, who is tied with Spain’s Rafa Nadal on a men’s record 22 majors, was untroubled by his 94th-ranked opponent, the first Peruvian in 29 years to reach a grand slam fourth round, on a windy day on Philippe Chatrier court. A two-time champion in Paris, Djokovic has now reached the quarter-finals at the French Open for a record 17th time, one more than 14-time champion Rafa Nadal who is absent this year due to injury. “I am proud of all the records, but it also means I am not young any more,” said the 36-year-old. “It was the best…

IN AN ECONOMY that continues to shed jobs, shrinking tax base and increasing social grant bill, you can imagine the shock on May 25, 2023, when South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced an increased in the repo rate by 50 basis point to 8.25% and prime lending rate to 11.75% with effect from May 26. This being the 10th consecutive increase in rates adding a total of 475 basis points to the repo rate since policy tightening began in November 2021, also raising the borrowing costs to the highest level since May 2009. The reality is that because of the difficult economic conditions, an average South African lives on credit and saving is a stretch. Each time the SA Reserve Bank increases the repo rate, it causes…

TRANSNET CEO Portia Derby said on Friday that the ban on the export of scrap metal initiated by the government to curb the theft of copper cables and other grid infrastructure inadvertently had created cartels – an unintended consequence. In response to questions from the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises and Communications, Derby said subsequent to the just elapsed six-month ban, which is under review to permanent status, Transnet being given a list of takers to invite for the sale of scrap through action had found it created a structure that was “like a cartel”. This as authorised buyers, including foundries and mini-mills seemed to have a conversation among themselves. In a Gazette last month, the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) invited comment on the proposal to prohibit the export…

From fitness for mental health to workouts designed for seniors, there seem to be endless options for different types of fitness routines. But why is this the case? And how do you choose the right workout to suit your body and lifestyle? There is no one-size-fits-all approach to fitness. Everyone’s body is different, and our individual lifestyle and health factors also play a significant role in determining what type of exercise will be most effective for us. For example, research has shown exercise can have a profound impact on mental health, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Similarly, as we age, our bodies require different types of exercise to maintain mobility and strength, which is why tailored workouts for seniors are popular. How can we tap into these…

ACTOR Al Pacino reportedly demanded a paternity test to check he is the ad of his girlfriend Noor Alfallah’s baby. The 83-year-old Godfather actor – whose 29-year-old partner is reported to have discovered two months ago she was expecting his fourth child – is said to have thought he was unable to be a father again due to a medical issue that causes infertility. TMZ also reported Alfallah took the test, which proved he is the father. Pacino is said to have been “shocked” when he found out he was going to be a dad again. Page Six said the actor “declined comment” when it asked about TMZ’s report. News broke on May 30 that Pacino and the Kuwaiti American film and TV producer were expecting a child together, with…

■ Public Protector’s husband submits WhatsApp messages to the police SUSPENDED Public Protector advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s husband, Mandla Skosana, has officially handed over all the WhatsApp messages between him and former energy minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson to support his claim that three Members of Parliament tried to extort a R600 000 bribe from him. Skosana opened a criminal case three weeks ago at OR Tambo International Airport police station alleging that Joemat-Pettersson; the ANC Chief Whip in Parliament, Pemmy Majodina; and the chairperson of the Section 194 inquiry probing Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office, Richard Dyantyi, solicited a bribe from him to “manipulate or make the inquiry” against his wife “go away”. The Star can today confirm that Skosana met Hawks investigators in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, on Friday, where he handed over…

WOOLWORTHS South Africa maintains it is undeterred and remains determined to “leave no one behind” despite criticism and calls for a boycott of Woolworths stores following the launch of its WPride campaign in support of International Gay Pride Month. The retail giant has come under fire online after launching its WPride campaign as it joined the global community in celebrating International Gay Pride Month, annually marked in June. Pride Day, celebrated on June 28, is filled with celebrations, parades, and festivals, with people rejoicing and honouring the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities, sharing their joy and supporting their rights. In spite of this, some people blasted Woolworths for its campaign and called for retail shops to be boycotted to protect children. “Seems to me…

A Durban father’s fight to have his daughter seen by a district surgeon or have police take action against her mother, has shone the spotlight on the rights of single or divorced fathers. The father, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his minor daughter, said it took almost a month for police to furnish him with a CAS number. He claimed that when he fetched his daughter, she revealed that she had been assaulted by her mother. “She could not sit back on the seat and put on her seatbelt because she had marks on her back. She also had marks on her thigh and told me that her mother had punched her,” the father said. He said he’d taken the girl to a private doctor for…

Chaos erupted in Rustenburg, North West, where Xolani Khumalo and his crew were reportedly attacked in their attempts to bust a drug dealer. The popular Moja Love show, Sizokthola, has been hailed for breaking through drug-infested areas and ensuring that drug dealers are brought to book. But their recent raid was nothing compared to what they had experienced before, as the reported drug dealer had security from guards. According to Zimoja Lezinto, after Khumalo was spotted in a pub, things took an unpredictable turn, and while attempting to escape a tense situation, some of the crew were locked inside. The crew that was outside smashed the gate lock and managed to rescue the trapped members. Questions have been raised as to why the team are confronting drug lords without…

Human rights apply to all human beings. They exist as a practical expression of the ancient golden rule common to most religions and which sets out the principle of treating others as we’d like them to treat us. Uganda’s new anti-gay laws, signed by President Yoweri Museveni last week, are some of the world’s toughest anti-LGBTQI+ laws, and include the death penalty for so-called aggravated cases involving children or spreading HIV and 20 years in prison for “promoting’’ homosexuality. While countries in the global north have led a chorus of outrage and condemnation, African nations have been largely silent. Last week, in response to my parliamentary question on whether South Africa would consider a peacekeeping mission to defend members of the LGBTQI+ community in Uganda, Deputy President Paul Mashatile…

There is a distinct possibility that Africa’s most highly decorated coach Pitso Mosimane will soon join the jobless ranks. This possibility has dawned on hundreds of Kaizer Chiefs fans, who judging by their copious social media posts, are licking their lips in anticipation that Mosimane can be recruited to coach their underwhelming Premiership club. Given Mosimane’s standing as a world-class coach, he could be a great acquisition and Amakhosi will no longer be cannon fodder for fellow top-flight teams. Since his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns to Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Mosimane’s star has been on the rise. At Al Ahly he won the Caf Champions League twice, Caf Super Cup twice, and Egyptian Cup. These are all phenomenal achievements. Despite this glorious trail of championship success, Mosimane’s achievements were never…