Table of contents for 2024-04-09 in Star

SASOL’s share price surged 5.8% yesterday after it announced success in an appeal to Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Barbara Creecy to allow its emissions to be regulated on an “alternative” basis, but critics said the government has allowed a company – already one of the world’s biggest polluters – to set its own pollution limits. Robyn Hugo, a director: climate change of the non-profit shareholder activism organisation Just Share, said yesterday that the minister’s decision would result in Sasol emissions being significantly higher than those permitted by the government’s Minimum Emission Standards (MES) – already weaker than elsewhere in the world. The National Air Quality Officer (Naqo), who operates within the Forestry Fisheries and Environment Department, last year refused Sasol’s application for its sulphur dioxide emissions to be regulated…

VANTAGE Capital, Africa’s largest mezza- nine debt-fund manager, yesterday announced that it had made a R346 million investment into Procera Group, a leading South African business process outsourc- ing (BPO) services provider serving both South African and international clients. Vantage’s investment comprises the acquisition of a significant minority equity stake from the Procera founders as well as the provision of a mezzanine facility to support future strategic acquisitions by Procera. Founded in 1990 as a debt-recovery solutions provider, over the past three decades Procera has evolved into an integrated BPO services group offering support solutions to its clients via several distinct brands along the customer life- cycle. Procera currently services more than 50 local and international blue-chip clients across key industries such as retail, financial services, energy and telecom-…

Meet Abraham Augustine HAPPILY, The Trajectory Africa podcast has recently resumed publication. The show’s ever-insightful Nigerian-American producer and host, Tayo Akinyemi, has launched the latest season by inviting Abraham Augustine to unpack the premise that digitalising African economies is the continent’s prime investment opportunity. Augustine, the Nigerian journalist, who covered Africa’s emerging digital economy for TechCabal, researcher, writer and partner at digital economy research lab trendAf, now leads marketing communications and programmes at Norrsken East Africa in Kigali, Rwanda. He also happens to be taking the helm as this week’s guest TechTides Africa columnist. In other news, climate tech is a big deal in global venture capital (VC) circles right now. Augustine has been watching VC bullishness develop in the space within the African context for some time. And, yay…

Diamond miner Petra Diamonds has issued retrenchment notices to employees at its South African operations as it intensifies cost-cutting measures while forging ahead with the disposal of its stake in the Koffiefontein diamond mine. Retrenchments and lay-offs have been prevalent in the South African mining industry in the past few months as world prices for commo- dities such as platinum and diamonds remain suppressed. Petra’s announcement yesterday that it had served notices of retrenchment to its employees indicates that the South African platinum sector jobs bloodbath is now extending into the diamond mining sector. “The company’s group structure is being realigned to meet the requirements of the operations,” the company said in a statement. “Regrettably, as a result of this group restructure, S189(3) notices (proposed retrenchments) under the South African…

A South African soldier is among the four Southern African Development Community (SADC) soldiers who were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Three others injured in the incident were reportedly from Tanzania. “This unfortunate incident happened after a hostile mortar round had fallen near the camp where they were staying,” the SADC confirmed in a statement yesterday. According to SADC, the South African soldier died while receiving treatment for health challenges at a hospital in Goma, the capital of the North Kivu Province in the eastern region of DRC. The soldiers were deployed under the auspices of the SADC as part of a regional response to address the unstable and deteriorating security situation prevailing in the region. “The SADC family expresses its heartfelt condolences to the beloved families…

In South Africa, a child goes missing every five hours, according to statistics for 2013 from the SAPS Missing Persons Bureau. The statistics, as reported last June, revealed that since 1995, a total of 3 712 children had disappeared, comprising 1 537 boys and 2 175 girls. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) expressed concern about the staggering number of missing children in South Africa. The party claims that through child trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and rape – South Africa’s children – are easy targets for predators, and called for Minister Bheki Cele to intervene. Some of the cases, including those of Joshlin Smith, Kai-isha Meniers, Linathi Titshala, Lunamandla Sithonga, and Ivakele Imvano, have made headlines but many others go publicly unreported. Additionally, UDEMWO expressed its displeasure with the claims…

A businessmAn and an accused in the murder of multi-award-winning rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane claims how police gained entry into his home to arrest him was unlawful. During his bail application yesterday in the Durban Magistrate’s Court, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni told the court police gained entry forcibly. Gwabeni is charged along with Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, 30, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, 35, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, 21 and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, 29. They face 12 counts including two murders, conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, five attempted murders, and money laundering. AKA was brazenly gunned down last year along with his friend Motsoane on Durban’s Florida Road. When the bail application started, Gwabeni raised the issue of entry into his home for his arrest,…

For many, marriage represents a pathway to fulfilment and happiness in life. Some individuals began dreaming about their wedding day and married life from a very tender age. As much as marriage is a beautiful prospect to anticipate, it is important to understand the legal implications that accompany tying the knot. Marriage has the potential to become a disastrous contract when faced with divorce. Before you say “I do”, understanding the key elements of marrying in community of property, including the pros and cons, is crucial. In an interview with IOL, Hannah Wilson, co-founder of Simplifi-Law and an attorney specialising in family, marital, and divorce law, explained that marrying in community of property eliminates the need to conclude and register an antenuptial contract (ANC) before the marriage. In the event…

Shebeshxt, real name Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, has been criticised after his reckless gun stunt, spurring a fervent debate over gun restrictions in South Africa. The latest controversy did not come as a shock to many, as the rapper’s rise to prominence has been fuelled by encounters that have raised eyebrows. In a video shared on social media, he is seen reaching into his backpack for a gun and flashing it in front of throngs of fans while performing. Many of Shebeshxt’s fans fear his stunts are gradually hurting his reputation as an artist, making him more vulnerable to criticism because of his apparently violent temperament. Having recently apologised after being seen physically assaulting someone on camera, brandishing a gun at fans during a performance has led to further concern. Social…

Prepare to be swept away by the allure of the open seas as Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary and destination-focused cruise line, in partnership with Cruises International, the premier provider of luxury cruise holidays in the South African and African market, unveils its newest fleet addition – Allura. Scheduled for its debut in 2025, Allura promises a journey like no other, combining the elegance and sophistication of Oceania Cruises with the unparalleled service and luxury of Cruises International. As Oceania Cruises celebrates its commitment to delivering unparalleled culinary experiences and destination exploration, Cruises International continues its legacy of more than three decades, making cruise travel dreams a reality for enthusiasts in South Africa and Africa. “Allura represents the epitome of luxury cruising, offering guests an unforgettable experience at sea.…

FROM Speaker of Parliament to an accused in a dock, from the limelight of Parliament to the glare of cameras in court, from a position of authority in the National Assembly to a common criminal in the dock. Nosiviwe Mapisa- Nqakula cut a lonely figure in the dock as her world crumbled. It had been a long, torturous day for the embattled former Speaker. She had tried to be defiant, making a court application to stop her arrest. But it did not work. The court threw out her application, ruling that she must hand herself over to the police. Released on bail of R50 000, she faces 12 counts of corruption and one of money laundering. The State alleges that she had received bribes totalling R4.5 million from a company…

The Bulls depart tonight for their Champions Cup quarter-final match against the Northampton Saints. It is an understatement to say they are underdogs against the English Premiership log leaders. The convoluted travel route to Northampton has been well documented by coach Jake White, who rightly cannot understand why the direct flight from Johannesburg to London is not utilised, but travel fatigue is just one factor mitigating against the visitors. Lying in wait are two South African players in the ranks of the Saints and they will be bringing their teammates up to speed on the team Northampton have never played. Burger Odendaal and Juarno Augustus played significant roles in Northampton’s defeat of Munster last week. Augustus had an impact with his brawn off the bench while midfielder Odendaal showed good…

THE WORLD Bank has remained optimistic that South Africa’s economic growth will recover more than 1% this year as a result of easing structural constraints and forecast slowing consumer inflation. The World Bank’s Africa’s Pulse report for April released yesterday underscored a projected boost in growth in the sub-Saharan African region. “Economic activity in South Africa is set to rebound from 0.6% in 2023 to 1.2% in 2024 and slightly accelerate to 1.4% in 2025 to 2026,” said World Bank chief economist Andrew Dabalen. “The gradual easing of structural constraints – in particular, electricity load shedding and logistics problems in freight rail and ports – and easing of cost-of-living pressures on households are contributing to this rebound.” The World Bank’s forecast is in line with the SA Reserve Bank’s which…

IN THE WAKE of the upcoming national elections in South Africa, Chris Campbell, CEO of Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa), said yesterday in a statement that it was critically important to ensure that infrastructure development and service delivery remains uninterrupted. Campbell stressed that regardless of the political landscape, the nation’s progress and well-being depend on the continuous improvement and maintenance of its infrastructure. “Infrastructure develop- ment and service delivery are the back- bone of any thriving society,” Campbell said. “It impacts every facet of our lives – from transportation and communication to healthcare and education. As we approach the national elections, it is imperative that we prioritise the continua- tion of infrastructure projects to sustain the momentum of growth and develop- ment in South Africa,” he said. Campbell acknowledged that…

A LOT HAS been said by the public about what is good and bad about artificial intelligence (AI). The government spoke out about AI, during the AI National Government Summit at the University of Johannesburg during the first week of April 2024. At the same time, a discussion document has been issued for public comment. It’s not the first time South Africa has followed the approach to deal with technological advancements that could have an impact on society. This is important and part of government responsibility to establish the rules of the game. It’s interesting to note, however. that history tells us that this has not worked in the past. A similar approach was followed with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Since the World Economic Forum declared that 4IR was…

Goldway Capital Investment’s bid to acquire South African thermal and coking coal miner MC Mining is now unconditional, after it received acceptances from the majority of the other shareholders in the target company. Goldway yesterday said that about 83.67% of shareholders in MC Mining had already given assurances of their support for the US company’s acquisition bid. “Goldway is pleased to announce that it has received acceptances from MCM shareholders representing 83.67% of the issued capital of MCM,” the company said. Shares in MC Mining ended the day 5.26% stronger on the JSE at R2, though the company’s stock was 5.56% stronger in the past three months comparative. The acquisition transaction had sparked off a bitter dispute between the US-based Goldway and MC Mining. The board of directors of MC…

To promote increased youth participation in the upcoming 2024 elections, Khulisa Social Solutions, a non-profit organisation, has been interacting closely with the youth. By means of continuous dialogue circles across the country, it is teaching young people the value of voting while dissecting the social obstacles and mindsets that have kept them from casting their ballots in past elections. Khulisa’s managing director, Lesley Ann van Selm, says by having critical conversations with the youth, they can identify concerns and/or obstacles that may prevent them from voting. According to reports, only 19% of eligible 18- to 19 year olds were registered to vote in the general election of 2019, but only 15% cast their ballots. The SA Voter Sentiment Report says less than 20% of South Africans aged 18 to 19,…

FORMER EFF Limpopo chairperson Jossey Buthane has finally come out of his bubble, announcing on Sunday that he has re-joined the ANC after weeks of speculation. Buthane, who has been in the political wilderness since 2021, left the Red Berets after a fallout with its president, his friend Julius Malema. A wedge was placed between the two once close allies and “homeboys” after the party’s poor results following the 2021 local government elections, forcing Malema and his executive to disband the Limpopo provincial command team (PCT), led by Buthane. With the party being the official opposition in the province, which has always been the party’s stronghold, it was a massive concern to Malema and his executive to lose about 25 council seats following those elections. This meant the blame came…

The City of Tshwane has plans in the pipeline to resettle more Mamelodi flood victims to a newly-proposed township called Pienaarspoort Extension 25. Some flood victims have been accommodated in Nellmapius Community Hall since their shacks near the riverbanks were washed away by a heavy storm in February 2020. The other beneficiaries of the proposed township will include inhabitants of informal settlements located in regions 5 and 6 and illegal land invaders who occupied the road reserve off the K54 provincial road. Two years ago, Gauteng Transport and Logistics MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela bemoaned the fact that progress to rehabilitate the K54, known as Tsamaya Road, was marred by disruptions, formal and informal businesses operating along the construction route as well as community protests over poor service delivery. The City’s plans…

The South African Creative Practitioners in Unity (Sacpu) has requested an urgent meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss some of the concerns presented by the Copyright Amendment Bill and the Performers Protection Amendment Bill. For more than 10 years, the country’s creative industry has been up in arms over a proposed Copyright Amendment Bill which the industry said seems to misunderstand the needs of South Africa’s creative industries. Last year, the late Mbongeni Ngema likened the bills to colonialism when speaking against it in Parliament as a representative of the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation. Yesterday, Sacpu said the government continues to fail the sector even though the sector could be an answer to the country’s unemployment crisis. “While the cultural and the creative industries have long been…

The Supreme Court of Appeal’s ruling in favour of Independent Media, IOL, and journalist Thabo Makwakwa is a scathing indictment of the State Security Agency (SSA). Pull back the layers of spook stories of US capture of prominent African National Congress (ANC) politicians, it is a judgment that reveals the insouciant misuse of the mechanisms of the SSA to fight internal battles of the ANC. The leaked intelligence report, read together with the judgment of the SCA, brings into focus a snapshot of a time of fierce internal contestation within the ANC, how the SSA is used to fight factional battles along the fault-lines within South African intelligence structures. In December 2021, IOL journalist Thabo Makwakwa was handed a purported intelligence report of the State Security Agency. This report…

Merger will create a global group with African entertainment, sport as a primary focus CANAL+ has substantially increased its offer for the MultiChoice Group to about R37.7 billion from R31.7bn after the local broadcaster said in February that the initial offer was too low. MultiChoice’s share price increased 4.16% to R117 yesterday morning after the improved offer was announced. The share later closed the day 4.99% higher at R117.93. Meanwhile, should Canal+’s own planned European listing proceed, there would be an opportunity for South African investors to become share- holders of the combined entity, as part of a secondary inward listing on the JSE, the companies announced yesterday. Vivendi, the parent of Canal+, is currently doing a feasibility study to split the company into several separately listed entities. Canal…

SYNCHRON, a rival to Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain implant startup is preparing to recruit patients for a large-scale clinical trial required to seek commercial approval for its device, the company’s chief executive told Reuters. Synchron yesterday was ready to launch an online registry for patients interested in joining the trial meant to include dozens of participants, and has received interest from about 120 clinical trial centres to help run the study, CEO Thomas Oxley said in an interview. “Part of this registry is to start to enable local physicians to speak to patients with motor impairment,” he said. New-York based Synchron is farther along in the process of testing its brain implant than Neuralink. Both companies initially aim to help paralysed patients type on a computer using devices that interpret…

Shoprite Group and four other leading global retailers yesterday said they had established a retail venture capital (VC) fund, W23 Global, to invest $125 million (R2.2 billion) over five years in the world’s most innovative start-ups and scale-ups with the potential to transform grocery retail and address the sector’s sustainability challenges. Each retailer is an equal funder and partner in W23 Global, while their CEOs will sit on the investment committee. W23 Global CEO and chief investment officer Ingrid Maes said: “W23 Global is a pioneering international VC fund with a uniquely powerful proposition for both our investors and portfolio companies. “At a time when innovation is reshaping retail and value chains across the economy, we aim to offer our investors incomparable access to transformative innovation in grocery and sustainability…

Regional winners of this year’s World Press Photo award were announced on Thursday last week. Their work showcases a selection of the world’s best photojournalism and documentary photography. It invites viewers to step outside the news cycle and look more deeply at both prominent and overlooked stories from across the world. Executive director World Press Photo, Joumana El Zein Khoury, said each year, jurors across the globe review tens of thousands of photos to find a selection that is visually stunning, tells stories that matter and represents “our shared world”. “This year’s selection includes stories of desperation, hunger, war and loss but also of perseverance, courage, love, family, dreams ... and more butterflies than anyone has the right to expect.” There are 24 winning projects and six honourable mentions.…

Ingredients 2 medium bananas 2 large eggs 125ml cocoa powder 30ml macadamia nut butter 2.5ml baking soda 2.5ml baking powder Pinch of salt Method Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a loaf tin with baking paper. To a blender add the peeled bananas, eggs, cocoa powder, macadamia nut butter, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into the lined baking tin and bake in the oven for 40 – 45 minutes. Once baked, allow to cool and then place into the refrigerator to cool completely before slicing. To serve: Place the brownie onto a serving board, dust with cocoa and slice into portions before serving. | Food Lover’s Market…

Goals have been drying at Mamelodi Sundowns and this may lift the spirits of relegation-haunted Cape Town Spurs ahead of tonight's DStv Premiership fixture at Athlone Stadium. In their last three matches Sundowns have scored one miserly goal, and that was against Richards Bay, one of the weakest Premiership teams, last week. Sundowns failed to score in 90 minutes of regulation time. However, second-half substitute Junior Mendieta spared the log leaders’ blushes with a goal deep into added time. That match was sandwiched between away and home CAF Champions League matches against Young Africans SC, which both ended goalless. Of course, Spurs haven’t done any better, failing to find the back of the net in defeats against Swallows and Chippa United but given Sundowns’ recent form in front of goal,…

World No 1 Scottie Scheffler comes into this week’s Masters as a unifying force in a divided golf world, playing the type of game that has grabbed the attention of fans everywhere. As the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV circuit try to iron out an agreement, the reality that fans are the big losers in their feud is sinking in. The Majors have always attracted elite fields but the buzz around this Masters has been dialled up several notches with most of the world’s top players set to go toe-to-toe for the first time since the British Open last July. “It’s going to be great to see all these great players together,” said two-time Major winner and broadcaster Andy North. “That’s what we want to see as fans and…