Table of contents for 2025-03-18 in Mercury

It’s that week again when we put human rights and water in the spotlight. As a country, we celebrate Human Rights Day on March 21 (Friday) and then join the world in celebrating World Water Day on March 22. Water is life and a catalyst for socio-economic development and this makes access to clean and safe water a basic human right. This year we celebrate these special days against the backdrop of full dams and swelling rivers as a result of significant rainfall across the country. In as much as we have enough water in storage and in our water resources, it is important to remember that South Africa is among the top 30 driest countries in the world. It is therefore important that we all become responsible citizens and…

A grandmother boards a South African plane for the United Kingdom. She is in her mid-sixties and flying for the first time. Until now she has been terrified of flying but that’s changed and Grandma is filled with formidable courage. Why? Grandma is going to England to nurse an ill grandchild. Grandma could have “sent” her love. She could let the family know she is “thinking of them”. Grandma could meet the family on FaceTime or Zoom or any one of a number of available options – but no – she checked the validity of her passport – applied for in the hopes of visiting Australia “one day” – and booked a ticket. Grandma’s actions reveal that love and “invisible loyalties” have a way of becoming very practical. The urge…

“STUDY, get a qualification and go overseas because there is no future here”. This statement is echoed by many parents in South Africa. This sentiment is not isolated to the southern tip of the continent though, because countries like Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria are also experiencing an exodus of qualified professionals. The reason for this increasing movement is better job opportunities. Ironically, when Africa should be doing everything to keep these much-needed skilled professionals, corrupt practices and nepotism are robbing Africa of the economic growth it so desperately needs. Countries like Germany are welcoming these professionals with open arms and a lucrative salary. Germany faces significant skills shortages, particularly in healthcare, IT, engineering, and skilled trades, with high demand for nurses, doctors, software developers, and engineers. Africa is failing…

A 49-year-old man has been arrested on charges of money laundering after being found in possession of about R1.2 million. The man was nabbed at Tonga, near Komatipoort, on Sunday. He tried to bribe police with R50 000 after the money was found. Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said police received a tip-off about a man who was allegedly in possession of an unlicensed firearm. Police searched the man’s house and discovered money hidden under the bed and in the wardrobe, said Ndubane. Ndubane said the money amounted to R1.2 million in bank notes and coins, some of it in Mozambican currency. The money was confiscated. “The suspect is facing several charges including money laundering, bribing a police officer, contravention of Prevention of Organised Crime (Act),…

The ANC is making a last-ditch effort to convince its long-time ally, the South African Communist Party (SACP), not to contest the 2026 local government elections independently. ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula has been leading the charge, saying both sides must “find each other” and work together. “We are ready to engage with our alliance partners, and we are going to find each other,” Mbalula said. “We have to convince the SACP that we are an alliance,” he said. Senior leaders of both parties held a meeting at Luthuli House, in Johannesburg, yesterday. The SACP has been a key ally of the ANC since the apartheid struggle, but tensions have been rising in recent years. SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila had expressed frustration with the ANC’s decision to form a…

IN A MAJOR victory for cancer treatment in South Africa, Eurolab was granted the right to continue making and selling generic prostate cancer medication in the country at an affordable price, following a legal victory against the international patentee of the medication. Lynne du Toit, CEO of Eurolab Pty Ltd, said they are celebrating the judgment handed down by Judge AJ le Grange in the Court of the Commissioner of Patents, which sat at the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria. “This ruling has significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry and intellectual property law, particularly in patent enforcement strategies,” said Du Toit. The matter arose after Eurolab identified the potential of enzalutamide, an androgen receptor inhibitor, used in the treatment of prostate cancer patients in South Africa. Eurolab said it respects intellectual…

“The EU is, and will remain, a strong, reliable and predictable partner for South Africa,” declared European Council President António Costa at the recent EU-South Africa Summit in Cape Town. The summit was the first bilateral between the bloc and South Africa in seven years. This assertion by Costa underscores the EU's commitment to deepening its relationship with South Africa, particularly in the realms of clean energy and critical raw materials. As South Africa navigates its G20 presidency, these developments present both opportunities and challenges that warrant critical examination. The summit marked a significant milestone, with the EU announcing a €4.7 billion (R92.9 billion) investment package aimed at supporting South Africa's green energy transition and vaccine production capabilities. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised that €4.4 billion of…

Germany yesterday kicked off a new pledging round of aid for Syria, as the EU hosts a donor drive for the war-torn country after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. For the first time, the Syrian authorities will be represented at the annual conference in Brussels – with interim foreign minister Assaad al-Shibani set to attend. Western and regional powers are desperate to steer Syria onto the road to stability after 14 years of civil war that have sent millions of refugees over its borders. But an outbreak of deadly violence this month – the worst since Assad was toppled in December – has rocked confidence in the new Islamist-led authorities. “There can only be a peaceful future for Syria if there is an inclusive political process,” German Foreign Minister Annalena…

Addis Ababa: The Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti railway is streamlining Ethiopia’s logistics sector, serving as a “crucial artery” for the country’s import-export trade, senior Ethiopian officials have said. The officials made the remarks during a meeting with stakeholders engaged in Ethiopia’s transport and import-export logistics sector. Addressing the meeting, Ethiopian Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime said the East African country is working hard to modernise its transport and logistics sector as part of a national ambition to transform import-export trade. The 752-km Ethiopia-Djibouti railway is injecting much-needed momentum into this national ambition, he said, noting the importance of enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of trans- port and logistics services, with a particular focus on the railway network. Experts and policymakers in the import-export sector at the meeting said that…

In the wake of the destructive storms that we, especially in KZN, are now regularly experiencing, it would be a good idea to elicit observations, suggestions and advice from other readers regarding their personal experiences. This topic covers a variety of areas – flooded or collapsed homes, drowned pets, vehicles and other movable property washed away, terror amongst the elderly and children, the helplessness of disabled people, and electricity outages, among others. One possibility comes to mind: having left home for a couple of weeks, you breathe a sigh of relief that everything is still functioning normally on your return, oblivious to the fact that your electricity supply was interrupted, but came on again a few days before your return. This means that the food in your freezer thawed –…

There is no credibility in Mushtak Parker’s lengthy harangue claiming Trump’s war on diversity impacts negatively on the employment of women (The Mercury, March 10). No part of Trump’s Executive Order cancelling DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) discriminates against women because merit is the sole criterion Trump is enshrining. Parker’s blind spot, therefore, is that by obsessing about diversity, he ignores merit. In fact, nowhere in his article does he even mention the word. Based purely on merit, women are very well represented in the top ranks of Trump’s administration. Here they are: Susi Wiles – Chief of Staff; Pam Bondi – Attorney-General; Kristi Noem – Department of Homeland Security; Elize Stephanik – Ambassador to the UN; Brooke Rollins – Secretary of Agriculture; Tulsi Gabbard – head of National Intelligence;…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that expelled South African ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, will return to the country and provide a report on the circumstances surrounding his expulsion. “Ebrahim Rasool will be coming back soon after the US State Department has ruled that he is no longer acceptable in the US,” Ramaphosa said. “He is going to come back and give me a full report.” Ramaphosa said he noted the displeasure that has been expressed by the US, particularly over Rasool’s remarks, and emphasised that South Africa is engaged in discussions with the US. "The engagement with them continues and is going to take a variety of forms. It's going to be through envoys. It's going to be through people either from the business community, labour, and…

Human rights organisation Black Sash has voiced its objections to Thursday’s deadline imposed by the Department of Social Development and Postbank for the complete migration from the outdated gold Sassa cards to the newly issued black Postbank cards. During a press briefing yesterday, Postbank CEO Ntomboxolo Mbengashe revealed that the March 20 deadline to migrate from the gold Sassa (South African Social Security Agency) card to the Postbank black card must be adhered to. Mbengashe warned that social grant recipients, who fail to switch to the new card must not attempt to use the old card after the deadline. “There has been some confusion around it but the deadline means that the Sassa gold card will no longer work. We are pleading with all the beneficiaries to not attempt…

The people of KwaZulu-Natal have endured an unimaginable series of floods and even tornadoes in recent years, suffering loss, displacement, and profound grief. Homes have been swept away, lives lost, and communities shattered – not just physically but emotionally. The burden of such devastation is compounded by the relentless cycle of destruction, leaving survivors feeling demoralised and overwhelmingly fatigued. The government must therefore take decisive action to address the mental health challenges plaguing flood victims by enlisting the assistance of unemployed social workers to provide much-needed counselling. Dr Kerry Frizelle, a counselling psychologist at the University of the Western Cape, highlights a crucial point: survivors of repeated disasters are experiencing emotional fatigue that manifests as a sense of helplessness. This is not just a passing reaction; it’s a deep-seated response…

Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels claimed yesterday to have twice attacked an American aircraft carrier group within 24 hours, calling it retaliation for deadly US strikes. The Huthis initially said they launched 18 missiles and a drone at the “aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships” in the Red Sea, before hours later claiming to have fired a second round. There was no immediate comment from the United States about the Huthis’ claimed attacks. In a statement posted to Telegram yesterday, a Huthi spokesperson said the attacks on the carrier group were “in retaliation to the continued American aggression against our country”. Washington has vowed to keep striking Yemen until the rebels stop attacking Red Sea shipping, with President Donald Trump warning he will use “overwhelming lethal force”. The…

With Canada’s economy and even sovereignty under unprecedented threat from its southern neighbour the United States, its new leader has embarked on a trans-Atlantic trip to strengthen ties with traditional friends France and Britain. Just days into his mandate, Prime Minister Mark Carney faces threats on three fronts: A trade war with the Washington, US President Donald Trump’s threats to annex his country, and looming domestic elections. But, despite the tension at home, he is expecting warm welcomes on three days of visits to Paris, London and Iqaluit in Canada’s northernmost territory, Nunavut. “Canada was built upon a union of peoples – indigenous, French, and British,” Carney said, in a statement released before he set off from Ottawa this week, two days after he was sworn in, replacing 10-year veteran…

Khartoum: The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) declared this week that its troops had made significant progress in the capital Khartoum, a claim denied by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). “Our forces have made significant progress in central Khartoum,” SAF spokesperson Nabil Abdalla said in a brief statement. The SAF also released a statement on its Facebook page this week, announcing that “military forces from the Al-Shajara area, supported by armored vehicles, successfully expelled the RSF from several key areas to the south of central Khartoum.” “Our forces will remain in the Presidential Palace, Al-Mogran, and Khartoum, and will not leave,” Dagalo said in a televised speech broadcast on his Telegram account. The conflict has also displaced over 15 million people.…

Speculation over what Fihla will earn at Absa, but former CEO Rautenbach earned R37.55m Absa’s appointment of former Standard Bank deputy CEO Kenny Fihla as its new CEO on Monday, after he resigned suddenly from his former employer on Sunday night, would address a leadership vacuum at Absa and possibly improve market sentiment in Absa. Absa announced Fihla's appointment as CEO was effective from June 17, 2025, while its current interim CEO Charles Russon will stay on in that role until Fihla takes over and will work closely with the new CEO to ensure a smooth transition, after which Russon would take a key senior role within the group executive committee. “Standard Bank Group announces that after 18 years of service to the group, Kenny Fihla, the group’s deputy chief…

Life as a modern South African woman is a whirlwind of responsibilities. Whether you’re a mom juggling school runs and work deadlines, a business leader making big decisions or a friend holding space for others, there’s usually a lot on your plate. In the hustle of showing up for everyone else, one crucial priority often gets overlooked: your own well- being. I chatted with Lunique Theunissen, brand manager at B-well, to explore why it is essential to nourish not just our bodies but also our minds and souls. Why self-care is non-negotiable Women often wear many hats – caretaker, career woman, friend, partner and many more roles. But Theunissen, reminds us: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” When we neglect our health, the signs creep up on us:…

The Democratic Alliance in King Cetshwayo District Municipality condemns the incautious action by uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) to restrict bulk water supply by 20%, affecting the communities of Mtunzini, Gingindlovu and Melmoth. This decision by the water board comes at a time when the municipality and the UUW are engaged in a intergovernmental dispute process regarding the rate of tariffs being charged to the municipality for bulk water purchases as well as on other costs being borne by the municipality on behalf of the UUW Access to safe and clean drinking water is a constitutionally protected right under section 27(1)(b) of the Constitution. This is a right the DA through its role in the council and through oversight has fought to protect. The disregard of this fundamental right by uMngeni-uThukela is…

Australians are incensed at the way an American woman who calls herself an “influencer” – whatever that might be – seized a baby wombat from its mother and briefly ran off with it. The wombat is a large, terrestrial marsupial found in Australia. It’s related to koalas and kangaroos and is known for its burrowing abilities. “Influencer” Sam Jones grabbed the baby wombat and ran off with it, a man filming the incident, according to the BBC. He can be heard laughing: “Look at the mother, it’s chasing after her!” The video has since been deleted. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has suggested that the woman should try working with animals that can actually fight back. “Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there.” Immigration…

KWAZULU-NATAL’s continuous cycle of losing homes, rebuilding, and waiting for the next devastating floods has left communities emotionally drained and struggling to cope with the mental toll of disaster fatigue. The disaster-prone province has endured wave after wave of devastating floods, each leaving behind a trail of destruction, displacement, and grief. Dr Kerry Frizelle, a counselling psychologist at the University of the Western Cape, said survivors of repeated disasters, such as the KZN floods, are experiencing disaster fatigue, a form of emotional exhaustion that has long-term consequences. “The literature refers to disaster fatigue as a form of emotional exhaustion that builds up and occurs in response to disasters that happen repeatedly. Essentially, emotional fatigue results in demotivation and a decrease in behaviours that would help to address the disaster,” said…

A judge turned down an urgent application by a father to have the body of his son exhumed and buried at his homestead, after the son’s mother had buried him at her home. The application before the Mthatha High Court in the Eastern Cape was heard a few months after the son’s burial. The father, in asking for an order allowing the body to be exhumed and reburied, wanted his son’s mother to be saddled with these costs. But Acting Judge N Cengani-Mbakaza said the son’s body should be left in peace. He was buried at his maternal home in January. The father asked the court to urgently hear the matter, saying his son's spirit was wandering around without being accepted by his ancestors into the spiritual realm. He said…

The landscape of cybersecurity is shifting alarmingly, with a recent report from Kaspersky indicating that South African organisations experienced an average of 19 cyber incidents in the past year. At the 25th Cyber Security Summit South Africa, held in Johannesburg last week, Kaspersky shared insights into the increasingly sophisticated threats that businesses face and the necessary responses to mitigate risks. Globally, Kaspersky detected 467 000 malicious files each day in 2024 – a 14% increase from the previous year. In South Africa alone, 34.2% of users reported encountering web-borne threats. The financial sector, in particular, is under siege; banking and financial malware saw a surge of 34% compared to 2023, intensifying the challenges for both institutions and consumers. A worrying trend is the rise in password stealer detections, which increased…

NuMeRI will help build the country’s nuclear medicine expertise from the ground up Nuclear medicine is making strides in healthcare systems worldwide, promising significant advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening diseases. In South Africa, the integration of nuclear medicine could transform healthcare, particularly in the fight against cancer and other critical conditions that impact the lives of thousands each year. By developing the necessary infrastructure and resources, South Africa stands poised to enhance patient outcomes and open doors to more advanced medical treatments and diagnostics. Globally, nuclear medicine is advancing rapidly, yet its implementation in South Africa faces certain challenges including limited public understanding of its applications and benefits. While South Africa is a leader in nuclear medicine within Africa, it falls behind countries outside the continent, where…

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this week that he was seeking to dismiss the head of Israel’s internal security agency, who swiftly called the move political and said the premier expected “personal loyalty”. Netanyahu and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar have been engaged in a public spat in recent weeks over reforms to the agency, which has been accused of failing to prevent the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that triggered war in Gaza. At the same time, the Shin Bet has been conducting an investigation into some of Netanyahu’s aides for allegedly receiving payments from Qatar even as the Gaza war raged, according to Israeli media reports. “Due to ongoing lack of trust, I have decided to bring a proposal to the government to end the tenure of the…

LIMA: Peru announced a state of emergency late Sunday in the capital Lima over a wave of killings linked to extortion. The move came after singer Paul Flores was shot dead by hitmen who attacked a bus he was riding with bandmates as they left a concert outside Lima. The musicians had been threatened by a criminal gang who attempted to extort money from them, their representatives said. “It has been ordered that in the coming hours, a state of emergency be decreed throughout the province of Lima and the Constitutional province of Callao,” Gustavo Adrianzen, head of the ministerial cabinet, posted on X. While extortion is a problem across Latin America, it has taken on alarming proportions in Peru– a phenomenon blamed partly on criminal gangs such as Venezuela’s…

SOUTH AFRICAN football continues to do its best to give Hugo Broos heart palpitations that would send most septuagenarians to the grave. But the silver-haired Belgian is a stubborn die-hard with a dream to return to the Fifa World Cup. And ‘no weapons (of unprofessionalism) formed against him (by the Premier Soccer League) shall prosper’. The latest challenge that saw the 72-year-old pulling his hair was delivered by Orlando Pirates, who sat on the news of Patrick Maswanganyi’s injury until late on Sunday. Broos was livid. “The second injury was Maswanganyi,” Broos said, during the arrival conference at their training base at The Ranch Resort, some 25km west of the Limpopo capital. He had just reiterated his frustration at TS Galaxy defender Khulumani Ndamane not having a passport after he’d…