Table of contents for 2024-01-11 in Star

GLOBAL diamond giant De Beers said yesterday that it would go ahead with a planned $1 billion (R18.65bn) investment to extend the life of its flagship Jwaneng mine in Botswana, even as last year’s downturn in gem demand persists. The Anglo American unit and the Botswana government, which jointly own Debswana Diamond Company, have approved the spending that will convert the Jwaneng pit into an underground operation. Debswana said that in 2018, it planned an investment to extend the lifespan of the mine by 11 years from 2024. De Beers said the spending was necessary as long-term supply of rough gems was expected to tighten. Last year, Angola started mining at its new Luele project, the biggest in the country and one of the world’s largest by estimated resources,…

GLOBAL unemployment rate will increase slightly in 2024, the UN said yesterday as it raised concerns about stagnant productivity, worsening inequalities and inflation biting into disposable income. The UN’s labour agency said the economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic has slowed down, with ongoing geopolitical tensions and persistent inflation triggering aggressive moves by central banks. That said, global growth in 2023 was modestly higher than anticipated, and labour markets showed surprising resilience, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) said. However, real wages declined in most of the G20 countries as wage increases failed to keep pace with inflation, said the ILO. The 2022 global unemployment rate stood at 5.3% and made a modest improvement last year to 5.1%. However, in 2024 an extra two million workers are expected to be looking…

South African polygamist Musa Mseleku and his four wives (and their children) are returning to your TV screens this January. The Mselekus are back for season 7 of Uthando Nes’thembu, a reality show that portrays what it is like to be in a polygamous marriage. Taking to Instagram, Mseleku expressed his gratitude for the love he and his family receive from God and for their supporters. “Thank you, Almighty God, for being so kind to the Mseleku’s, we are highly favoured. Thank you so much, Mzansi, for being so in love with this family. We are humbled and highly honoured to be back on your platforms. January 25, we have a date.” As expected, viewers cannot wait to see what the big family have in store this season. “The Mseleku…

It’s 2024 and the reign of the Mean Girl plastics appears to be stronger than ever. You also “can’t sit them” and on Wednesdays, they still wear pink. All the infamous catch phrases from the hugely successful 2004 Mean Girls movie are set to return but this time, with a twist Twenty years later, the new Mean Girls, set for release in theatres across the globe this week, is expected to include some of its acclaimed original content while introducing some new aspects for the modern-day audience. And while the introduction of new characters and musical elements are set to redefine the movie, the plot will largely remain the same. The original movie and its adaptation are centred on a new pupil, 16-year-old home-schooled Cady Heron, who gets welcomed into…

SAPS has enlisted the help of the Project Management Office in the Presidency to improve the functioning of its 10111 call centre. The 10111 Reform Project Plan aims to improve the functionality of all call centres after concerns were raised about the state of these centres and their ability to assist South Africans affected by high levels of crime. Independent Policing Union of SA (Ipusa) president Bethuel Nkuna said the union is concerned about SAPS management’s lack of interest in resolving issues at these call centres. “The 10111 call centres remain short-staffed with a high volume of calls from vulnerable members of the community,” Nkuna said, adding that it is difficult for skeleton staff to cope. Richard Mamabolo, spokesperson for the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru), said a…

The start of the New Year is jam-packed with interesting television shows that viewers can immerse themselves in and enjoy. Kwa Mam’khize The reality show, now a Showmax Original, follows Shauwn Mkhize and her two children, Sbahle and Andile Mpisane. Tamia Mpisane, Shauwn’s daughter-in-law, makes her first appearance on the show this season. The second season of Kwa Mam’Mkhize returns with Sbahle ready to open up about her life-changing accident. The show premiered on Showmax in late December 2023. “People should watch Season 2 to see the real us. They will see us as we are in our lives right now. So much has changed but there is one thing that remains the same: the love that we all have for one another. People should watch to see how…

A comprehensive analysis of growth rates in African elephant populations showed a remarkable stabilisation in their southern African homelands. The study, considered the most extensive of its kind, not only showcases the positive trend but also underscores the significance of well-connected protected areas in sustaining these iconic creatures. Published in the Science Advances Journal on January 5, the study spanned from 1995 to 2020 and covered more than 290 000 savannah elephants (70% of the total in Africa), indicated an overall growth rate of 0.16% a year over the past 25 years. Researchers attributed this positive trend to successful conservation efforts in the region. Speaking to the Guardian, Dr Robert Guldemond at the University of Pretoria, part of the research team said: “For decades, news from southern Africa was…

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba and DA leader John Steenhuisen have both slammed comments made by President Cyril Ramaphosa that should the ANC lose power, social grants could be scrapped. This comes after Ramaphosa, while addressing an ANC cutting of cake event in Mbombela on Monday, said that if the ANC fails to attain the majority vote, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and social grants might be scrapped. Ramaphosa said the only way to keep the grants would be to vote for the ANC in the upcoming elections. “Our policies have been pro-poor. I don’t know of any other country in the continent that has committed itself to 18 million people who receive grants, young and old, as well as an additional 10 million who get grants of R350,” Ramaphosa…

Time for South Africans to arise before it’s too late Our biggest worry as the Devoted Citizen Movement is what sort of citizens we have become in our democracy. Yes, leaders matter a lot. They help organise how we run our affairs. They are lent power to exercise on behalf of and together with citizens. Citizens matter even more than leaders. It is to them that the power belongs, which they only lend to a small group called leaders. It is not supposed to be that citizens abandon all their duties to the leaders and political parties. It is not supposed to be that citizens become passive. According to the dictionary, democracy is a government by the people, the rule of majority in society. The majority is us, citizens, but…

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has welcomed the six-week break provided by the commencement of the Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast. The continental showpiece will kick off on Saturday and continue until February 11, which means all domestic leagues take a brief hiatus, with the DStv Premiership set to reconvene on February 13. If Bafana Bafana make it to the final of the competition, Stellies are unlikely to have midfielder Jayden Adams available in their first match back as he forms part of Hugo Broos’ squad. The Cape Winelands club have had a historic opening round of the 2023/2024 campaign, having captured their first top-flight piece of silverware by winning the Carling Knockout Cup. Stellies’ first half of the season was extended by a further week as…

GLOBAL leaders, when assessing risk, have a mostly negative outlook for the next two years, that is expected to worsen over a decade, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS) that was released yesterday. Surveyed in September 2023, the majority of respondents (54%) antici- pated some instability and a moderate risk of global catastrophes, while another 30% expect even more turbulent conditions than currently. The outlook was markedly more negative over the 10-year time horizon, with nearly two-thirds of respon- dents expecting a stormy or turbulent outlook, the survey, which is the WEF’s premier source of original global risks data, showed. The GRPS carried insights from 1 490 experts across academia, business, government, the international community and civil society. Two-thirds of respondents ranked extreme weather…

Among a few African states to sign Just Energy Transition Partnerships Despite being described as a potential hotspot for political instability this year, South Africa stands to benefit from international financing targeted for energy transition, ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service said yesterday. South Africa is among a few African countries, that include Senegal, that have signed Just Energy Transition Partnerships. This week South Africa announced the approval of a R19 billion loan guarantee facility with the African Development Bank for its energy transition programme, with the British Commonwealth, foreign office and development office part of the partnership. However, with elections looming this year, and analysts fearing political risks from waning popularity and support for the ruling ANC, Moody’s has flagged South Africa as a “potential flash point for political…

The CONFLICT surrounding executives’ pay in South Africa reflects a complex interplay of diverse interests among various stakeholders, including the media, general society, shareholders, government, executives themselves, and boards with remuneration committees. The term “excessive pay” lacks a recognised definition and is susceptible to subjective interpretation. Excessive can, therefore, encompass any figure. This is why it is important for companies to be transparent and provide the details of how they remunerate and what makes up the pay package, especially with respect to the link to performance and the period related to the pay. Executive pay comprises guaranteed pay (base pay and benefits) and variable pay (short- and long-term incentives). Variable pay payouts are an indication that the executive has met or exceeded their performance targets. Thus, it is imperative to…

Anti-apartheid photojournalist Dr Peter Magubane has been described as a real “Mkhonto” who used his camera instead of guns and spears to help bring down the cruel apartheid regime. Words such as distinguished lensman, fearless journalist, freedom fighter, stubborn, courageous, funny, charming, steadfast, intense and a true Capricorn were used to describe one of South Africa’s proudest Struggle photojournalists, who used his camera to expose to the world the brutal effects of the apartheid regime. President Cyril Ramaphosa accorded Dr Magubane a special provincial official funeral category in recognition of his contribution to the Struggle against apartheid. Ramaphosa, speaking at his funeral service at the Bryanston Methodist Church yesterday, recalled how Magubane used milk cartons, hollowed-out bread, and bibles to sneak his camera in to capture pictures to show the…

ANC MEMBERS and political experts have questioned Fikile Mbalula’s suitability for the position of the party’s secretary-general (SG) following public utterances that have “undermined” and “damaged” the party at its most critical period. Mbalula has come under fire after he revealed that the ANC had lied in parliament to cover-up that millions of rand in public funds were spent improperly in the upgrading of former president Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla home. During a media briefing recently, Mbalula said the party’s MPs had lied to Parliament saying a swimming pool was a fire pool. Mbalula’s commenting was in response to Zuma’s announcement that he would be joining the uMkhonto weSizwe party. Analysts that spoke to The Star’s sister paper, The Mercury said public statements that have triggered internal spats between members, have…

Lalah Hathaway, the American music sensation, is poised to grace South Africa for her debut headline tour this month. Liberty is presenting “An Intimate Evening with Lalah Hathaway”, the four-concert tour that kicks off on January 19, 20, and 21 at Montecasino’s Teatro. The Cape Town concert is scheduled to take place at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on Saturday, January 27. The three-decade-long career of the five-time Grammy winner, producer, and 10-time contender is renowned for her gender-neutral music, which includes pop standards, deep jazz, and R&B ballads. Many top hitmakers of the modern era, among them Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Dr Dre, Anderson Paak, Robert Glasper, Rapsody, Snoop Dogg, and Esperanza Spalding, have worked with her. And music legends, such as Herbie Hancock, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, have performed…

In a landmark move, South Korean parliamentarians have overwhelmingly approved a bill that criminalises the consumption and sale of dog meat, a practice deeply embedded in the nation’s cultural history. The bill, set to become law in 2027, signifies a significant shift towards animal welfare and reflects changing attitudes within the country. According to online travel publication Trek Zone, the consumption of dog meat has deep roots in South Korea, dating back centuries and often associated with cultural practices and medicinal beliefs. However, evolving societal values and increased awareness of animal rights have led to a shift in public opinion, challenging the continuation of this tradition. The bill, passed by a resounding 208-0 vote in the National Assembly, awaits endorsement by the Cabinet Council and President Yoon Suk-yeol’s signature, seen…

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has called for South Africa’s traffic police to be nationalised, citing severe organisational challenges and poor working conditions that are hindering their ability to effectively police the nation’s roads. Thulani Ngwenya, president of Popcru, highlighted the disorganisation within traffic departments across provinces, which he says prevents traffic officers from adopting a strategic and co-ordinated approach to road safety. This lack of organisation is not only limiting their efficiency, but also compromising safety on South African roads, he said. A key issue identified by Popcru is the fragmentation of traffic police across provinces, leading to inconsistencies in command structures, uniforms and shift systems. “For example, traffic police in Mpumalanga are split between the Department of Public Works and the Department of Transport. Northern…

As soon as Test batting coach Ashwell Prince submitted his diagnosis of the Newlands pitch for the second Test between South Africa and India, it was clear that a demerit point was inevitable for the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA). After 23 wickets fell on day one, former Western Province batter and coach Prince said, “Some of the things I’ve seen today, I’ve never seen at Newlands before”, and he went on to say, “If both line-ups can’t bat on the surface, that says a lot”. There it was: Prince had given a hint to the WPCA to brace themselves for a low rating of the pitch from match referee Chris Broad, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the two captains, Dean Elgar and Rohit Sharma. On Tuesday, the ICC…

INVESTORS in South Africa have remained concerned about the growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and potential impact on inflation and, that it could delay interest rate cuts across major economies. This comes as the recent attacks on the Red Sea have brought immediate and substantial strains on global supply chains as ships can no longer go through these waters, forcing them to reroute. Goods such as back-to-school supplies, which need to be shipped now, are going to see major delays, limiting the availability of these goods and furthering the volatility that has been experienced in consumer inflation. The Houthis have launched at least 26 drone attacks on vessels passing through the Red Sea en route to the Suez Canal and key global economies since November 19 in protest…

South Africa must intensify efforts to address the energy crisis, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently, according to Cathay Pacific, the leading carrier of Hong Kong, in an interview with Business Report. Shanna Docherty, the regional head for Trade Sales for Cathay Pacific in the Middle East and Africa, said load shedding was a pain point experienced across industries in South Africa and had a significant revenue impact on companies of all sizes. “As an airline, we have to manage the risks posed by load shedding and ensure contingency plans are in place to avoid any disruptions or reduced productivity,” Docherty said. Talking about the airline’s outlook, Docherty said Cathay aimed to expand its operations in South Africa this year with a daily service. This after the company’s successful return…

BOEING Chief Executive Dave Calhoun took responsibility for a near- catastrophic Alaska Airlines incident last week, vowing “complete transparency” as the aviation giant tries to pivot from its latest crisis. “We’re going to approach this (by) number one acknowledging our mistake,” Calhoun told employees at a safety meeting called after Friday’s emergency landing, which came after one of the plane’s panels blew out mid-flight. “We’re going to approach it with 100% and complete transparency every step of the way,” he said. Calhoun, who ascended to Boeing’s top post in January 2020 as the company reeled from two fatal crashes on the 737 MAX, committed to working with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is probing the incident. The NTSB is “as good as it gets,” Calhoun said, according to…

THE DA caucus leader in the City of Joburg, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, says the party is concerned about the stalled progress at the Lillian Ngoyi Street (formerly Bree Street) gas explosion site, which she has described as a “disaster zone”. “The state of the Bree Street explosion site in the Johannesburg Central Business District is an unequivocal disaster. Our recent oversight visit to the site revealed a scene of unmitigated destruction, with no progress evident even after more than half a year.” It was reported that the explosion was caused by a small leak in the Egoli Gas-managed servitude pipeline at the intersection of Bree and Eloff streets on a 100mm pipeline. More than six months since the explosion, Kayser-Echeozonjoku said that during her recent site visit, no worker or city…

The Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) decision to expel its KwaZulu-Natal premier candidate, Bonginkosi Khanyile, has backfired following the resignation of the entire branch in protest at his dismissal. The PA’s ward 27 branch executive together with members in Msunduzi Local Municipality in Pietermaritzburg have now dumped the party. In a letter addressed to the party national leadership last week, the branch executive cited Khanyile’s dismissal, and the party’s failure to organise transport for members to attend the party’s 10th anniversary rally at Orlando Stadium in Soweto last year. It is said that they arrived in Joburg at 11pm after the event had long finished. “This communique seeks to inform you of the decision we have taken as the branch of ward 27 to resign from the organisation effective immediate (sic). The…

Happiness means different things to different people. That’s why Nedbank, in collaboration with the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business school (Gibs), has launched the biggest happiness survey. We invite you to participate and stand a chance to win big with Avo vouchers. Take the survey and discover what kind of happy you are. We understand that money, well-managed, will give you the freedom to pursue the things that make you truly happy. Whether you’re a spontaneous shopper or a cool, calm and collected card carrier, we aim to help our clients manage their money better, enabling their happiness. So, how do you enter the competition to win a R5 000 Avo voucher? Scan the QR code (above right) and complete the happiness survey. Share what your happiness…

Five-time winner Nasser Al-Attiyah posted his first win of this year’s Dakar Rally yesterday, clocking the quickest time in the Empty Quarter dunes between Al-Hofuf and Shubaytah in Saudi Arabia. The 53-year-old Qatari, driving for Prodrive, finished 1min:51sec ahead of Toyota’s Guerlain Chicherit to claim his 48th stage win in the Dakar and moved second in the standings, gaining two minutes on cars leader Yazeed Al-Rajhi, who finished fourth behind Argentinian Juan Cruz Yacopini. “There was no strategy on my part,” said Al-Attiyah who will now have to open the road at the start of the ‘48H chrono’, a new two-day stage across today and tomorrow. “I wanted to win the stage, no matter what they have in store for us tomorrow. “It’s 600km long, and I don’t mind opening…

Algeria were disappointing as defending champions in the previous Africa Cup of Nations, and will be out to make amends and prove that they are still one of the top football nations on the continent. And while form and recent rankings would suggest they should have no problem topping Group D, their Afcon history tells a different story. The Desert Foxes have never had it easy against Angola or Burkina Faso. Algeria have played against Burkina Faso twice at the Afcon, with each team winning one match. They also picked up a goalless draw against Angola at the 2010 tournament that the Palancas Negras hosted. While they might appear a shoe-in for the knockouts on paper, Algeria know that they cannot afford to take anything for granted. Angola will be…