Table of contents for 2025-04-22 in Mercury

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged emerging market economies and countries with unsustainable public debt, many of whom are in Africa, to preserve exchange rate flexibility and move proactively to restore sustainability amidst prevailing global economic uncertainty. This comes as the IMF warned that its latest World Economic Outlook, to be released on Tuesday, will include notable markdowns in growth projections, but not recession, as well as markups to the inflation forecasts for some countries. IMF managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, on Thursday said the resilience of low economic growth and high debt was being tested again by the reboot of the global trading system. Delivering her curtain raiser speech at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., Georgieva said trade distortions—tariff and nontariff barriers—have fed negative perceptions of…

Motorists in South Africa could expect to have some relief next month as a fuel price cut is on the cards on the back of easing global Brent crude oil price, benefitting consumers who will be facing the 0.5 percentage point VAT rate hike from 1 May. The predicted petrol price drop in May would mark the third consecutive drop in fuel prices in 2025. Old Mutual Group chief economist, Johann Els, on Friday said there has been an over-recovery on the petrol price of around 44 cents a litre. “The weakness that we have seen in the rand over the last two weeks has been far overshadowed by the much lower oil price. So the rand price of a barrel of oil is down 16% since the beginning of…

For online shoppers, the ease of returning a product is just as important as the purchase itself. A seamless returns process isn’t just a part of a good customer service journey; it may prove to be a competitive advantage in the e-commerce space. A recent FedEx survey conducted in the US highlights just how much return policies influence consumer behaviour, with two-thirds of respondents considering an online retailer’s return policy before checking out. Nearly 30% admitted that the ease of returning products directly influenced whether they completed a transaction. Consumers are making it clear that flexibility and convenience are essential when it comes to online shopping returns. We’ve also seen a continual rise in no-label, no-box returns and growing demand for flexible drop-off options, which reinforce the need for retailers…

Large parts of the domestic steel industry were brought to their knees in 2024 due to inertia on the part of government, and regulations should have been more responsive to realities on the ground, said ArcelorMittal South Africa’s chairman Bonang Mohale. In February, the country’s biggest steelmaker announced plans to close its Longs Business, a move expected to result in the loss of thousands of jobs and severely impact the manufacturing sector. However, intervention by stakeholders including the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) meant that in March, a decision was taken to operate the Longs business for a further six months. In the meantime, the government had committed to addressing structural problems including the Price Preference System (PPS) and scrap export taxes, as well as tariff measures including safeguards and others.…

Don’t you just love the look and feel of brand new clothes? The fresh, vibrant colours, that perfect fit, and simply the excitement of slipping into something new. However, you might want to think twice before you rip off that price tag and rock your new outfit because there’s one very important step you most likely haven’t thought about taking. That is, to wash that new item before wearing it. You’re probably wondering why you need to wash something that has just come off the shelf. Well, it’s not quite as fresh and clean as you think it is. Your new item can carry a surprising and kind of gross mix of chemicals, germs, and other nasties that you definitely don’t want up against your skin. Here’s a look at…

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has disclosed that the cost of medico-legal claims has exceeded R1.1 billion since April 2024. This alarming figure is part of a broader trend, with the cumulative costs breaching R6.1bn between 2019 and 2023. This came to light in responses by Motsoaledi to parliamentary questions from DA MP Michele Clarke. Motsoaledi said the cost of the medico-legal claims from April 2024 to date totalled R1 106 972 117.65. Of this amount, Gauteng had notched up R421m followed by the Eastern Cape with R306m and Western Cape R128m, while Northern Cape recorded a mere R2.1m during the same period. He also said the overall cost in medico-legal claims stood at more than R6.1bn in the period between 2019 and 2023. Motsoaledi gave the breakdown for medico-legal claims…

The ANC says it will not interfere with the police’s investigation into an incident in which the official car of the deputy president Paul Mashatile was shot at. The party’s national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, yesterday said the party was aware of the incident, however, it has left matters to police and has no plans to do a parallel investigation. She refused to confirm whether the deputy president’s security detail had been beefed up, saying that this was a very sensitive matter. The incident that happened on March 30 appeared to have been kept secret until Mashatile spoke about it on Sunday during his visit to KwaSizabantu Mission in Kranskop in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Before talking about his decision to come and observe the Easter sermon with the church, Mashatile first…

A political showdown is looming within the reconfigured ANC provincial task team (PTT) in KwaZulu-Natal over the proposal to appoint regional task teams to replace regional executive committees. Insiders in the provincial task team said there was a push by certain members of the PTT not to hold regional conferences and instead install regional task teams (RTT), until after next year’s local government elections. Those in support of this move argue that if regions are allowed to hold elective conferences before local government elections, those who lose will be disgruntled and leave the party or not vote for it in the local government elections. However, some PTT members are against the decision and accused those in favour of wanting to control the regions so that they manage them until the…

After Mamelodi Sundowns failed to capitalise on home-ground advantage over the weekend, a dream all-South African CAF Champions League final hangs in the balance. Sundowns and Egypt’s record 14-time title holders Al Ahly cancelled each other out in a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The stalemate has set the stage for a thrilling return fixture on Friday night at the Cairo International Stadium (6pm kick-off). Al Ahly are unbeaten at home in the CAF Champions League since 2021, and will fancy their chances of securing a place in the final as they chase a record-extending 15th continental crown. On Saturday, both teams demonstrated their tactical prowess, with Sundowns managing only a solitary shot on target. Al…

Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel believes his side are peaking at just the right time as the KwaZulu-Natal outfit fight to retain their top-flight status in the final stretch of the Premiership season. The Natal Rich Boyz secured a vital three points with a hard-fought 1-0 win over relegation rivals Cape Town City last Friday – a result that could prove pivotal in the battle for survival. The win lifted Richards Bay to 13th place, three points clear of City in 14th and four ahead of 15th-placed SuperSport United, although the Pretoria side have two games in hand. Still, Gabriel is choosing to focus on what his team can control: performance and consistency. “We’re very pleased to see everything coming together,” said Gabriel after the victory. This was a well-oiled…

The 2025 Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF) concluded yesterday following three absorbing days’ play, with KZN’s Durban High School (DHS) and Westville winning all three of their matches. After a draw to Glenwood and defeat to DHS in their first two games, Hoërskool Monument – coached by former Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis – drew to Glenwood and lost to DHS in their first two games, but worked hard to beat Milnerton 26-21 in their final game. The Western Cape school, who had beaten Peterhouse before falling to Glenwood, were one of the most exciting sides to watch over the weekend, with twins Chadlin and Chadwin Sellidon sparking superb counter-attacking plays. Glenwood overcame a much-improved defensive performance from Dale College to claim an eventual 33-12 win in their final outing,…

An extensive and lengthy legal battle, which went through several courts, has just seen the Pretoria High Court rule against the now-defunct Steinhoff over allegations of price fixing, paving the way for the matter to ostensibly proceed. The judgement reverses a previous one after the Competition Commission was granted leave to appeal by the Supreme Court of Appeal. It means that an alleged price-fixing matter involving PG Bison – indirectly owned by Steinhoff – and a firm with which it should have been in competition, Sonae, proceeding to the Competition Tribunal. However, the issue is only moving ahead six years after the Commission decided to refer the complaint to the Tribunal and some 18 months after Steinhoff, which imploded in 2017 after Deloitte flagged accounting irregularities, was delisted from both…

On 15 April 2025, the Minister of Employment and Labour published the ‘Determination of Sectoral Numerical Targets’ (Final Sector Target Regulations) and the ‘Employment Equity Regulations, 2025’ (General Administrative EE Regulations), which repeal the Employment Equity Regulations, 2014 (collectively, the 2025 EEA Regulations). The 2025 EEA Regulations are published, following the Employment Equity Amendment Act, 2022 (Amendment Act) coming into effect on 1 January 2025, and the purported consultations that took place between the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) and representatives of various sectors. In the Final Sector Target Regulations, the Minister has identified 18 national economic sectors and set numerical targets for each sector. The ultimate purpose of these sector targets is to ensure the equitable representation of suitably qualified people from designated groups. In terms of section…

In the midst of budget pressures, calls have been made by political parties to close some South African diplomatic missions across the world. This has been done previously by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). The danger of such a blunt approach is that in pursuit of saving a few million in a budget of R2.6 trillion, we may actually do more harm than good to our fundamental task of stimulating economic growth and creating decent jobs. Is there a need to reconfigure and reposition our diplomatic presence? Without a doubt. This should be done in a way that attracts investment and boosts export opportunities and tourism for our economy. Politicians are correct to demand savings across our diplomatic missions. Many of the buildings are too large and…

South Africa, once the world’s gold powerhouse, is now only the globe’s eighth largest producer of the yellow metal and the only real benefit the country is seeing from record prices is the psychological impact on shares in the gold mining sector and the rand. Overnight, Gold miners, Sibanye Stillwater, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields and Harmony Gold Mining Company advanced 6.8%, 4.1%, 3.1% and 2.9%, respectively, data from Anchor Capital showed. US President Donald Trump’s trade tariff war, especially with escalating tensions between America and China, has caused concerns over a recession on that country and a spillover effect in terms of slower economic growth across the globe. As a result, the dollar is moving down and gold – long perceived as a safe haven for investors – is hitting…

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. and Swiss commodities trading firm Gunvor are among companies that have been shortlisted to buy Shell Plc’s downstream assets in South Africa, according to various news reports over the weekend. The two companies are strong contenders for the assets that are valued at about $1 billion (R18.82 billion), the reports said, citing people, who asked not to be identified, as the information was private. Previous potential bidders including Trafigura’s Puma Energy, Sasol and PetroSA are no longer in the running, the reports said. “While Adnoc Distribution regularly reviews opportunities for domestic and international growth, we don’t comment on market speculation,” Adnoc’s fuel retail unit said. Shell has been looking to offload the assets, which include about 600 fuel stations and trading operations in Africa’s…

South African Afro-Soul singer Lira is set to make a return to the stage at the upcoming Cape Town International Jazz Festival, marking a significant chapter in her remarkable journey following a stroke that sidelined her from performing for several years. The queen of Afro-soul suffered a stroke in 2022, which left her unable to read, write or speak. Although she has been performing, this will be her first major festival. The beloved songstress, who has mesmerised audiences throughout her career, expressed her heartfelt sentiments about being back on stage: “It feels surreal to be back. The recovery process is on-going and I’m making improvements with every experience I have but it’s unbelievable. “I thought I’d have to give up singing but I’ve been singing since last May and being…

Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba used his Easter sermon to not only preach about the significance of the religious weekend – he also warned that Government of National Unity (GNU) “grandstanding” threatened to create a “crisis of confidence” in democracy, unless political parties learned to accept one another’s legitimacy. Delivering his annual sermon at St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town, Makgoba also urged that the “national dialogue” panel being planned by the presidency needed to be able to act independently, without being dictated to by politicians. “In South Africa, it is a time during which the credibility and commitment to good governance of our political parties is seriously open to question,” he told the congregation. “Last week leaders of the South African Council of Churches met with President Ramaphosa and members…

The Western Cape High Court will hear an urgent application today to interdict the impending Value Added Tax (VAT) increase, scheduled to take effect on May 1. The application is brought by the DA, while the EFF has applied to join the application as an intervening party. Both parties are challenging the legality of the tax hike announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during his Budget speech last month. The DA argues that the 0.5 percentage point VAT hike will have a negative impact on the economy, particularly on struggling South African households. The DA's court action challenges the adoption of the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals, which include the VAT hike. The party claims that the decisions taken by the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces (NCOP)…

The Sharks players have had a roasting from their fans after a lacklustre performance against Edinburgh last week, but there will be big smiles on the dials of at least two of them. Brothers Vincent and Emmanuel Tshituka, who were born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, have reportedly received their South African ID cards. This frees them up for possible selection for the Springboks. According to Afrikaans weekend newspaper Rapport, the Tshitukas’ long wait for full South African citizenship, passports and ID cards is over. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has had his eye on the two flankers for some time, but told them he could not invite them to Bok alignment camps until their nationality issues had been fully resolved. Erasmus wanted the siblings to be involved in the…

World Netball has suspended Cecilia Molokwane, the president of Netball South Africa (NSA) and Africa Netball, and a World Netball director, casting doubts on her bid for a third term as NSA leader. The reasons remain unclear, with talks said to be ongoing. The sport’s world governing body has yet to disclose the specific charges, sending the rumour mill into overdrive in the netball community around the possible reasons for her suspension. Molokwane has been a prominent figure in South African netball since she first took over the NSA presidency in 2017. Over her two terms, she has been credited with propelling the Proteas to impressive finishes in recent Netball World Cups, and for hosting Africa’s successful maiden World Cup tournament in Cape Town in 2023. She has listed hosting…

Kaizer Chiefs’ subdued form continues to cast doubt over their top-eight ambitions, even as they cling to eighth place in the Premiership following a goalless draw against Chippa United last Saturday. The result at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha mirrored much of their season – a mix of promise and missed opportunities. Just a week after an impressive performance in the 2-1 Nedbank Cup semi-final win over Mamelodi Sundowns, they were unable to follow it up with another strong showing against Chippa. That left their league top-eight hopes delicately poised and the Amakhosi in danger of missing out for two seasons in a row. They now have a full week to prepare for Saturday’s clash against Marumo Gallants at the FNB Stadium (3pm kick-off). Their cup semi-final win…

The union has rejected Transnet’s final 2025/26 wage offer of 6%, 6% and 5.5%, and declared a dispute State-owned logistics firm Transnet remains under threat of a massive industrial action as wage negotiations with the trade union representing more than 20 000 workers have deadlock in spite of intervention by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The United National Transport Union (UNTU) said on Friday that it was currently conducting a balloting process to get consensus on industrial action, which could cripple the importation and exportation of goods and damage economic activity. Transnet is the largest and most crucial part of the freight logistics chain that delivers goods through its ports, pipelines, rail, and freight divisions. The union has rejected Transnet’s final 2025/26 three-year wage offer of 6%,…

Despite geopolitical and economic uncertainty across the globe caused by US President Donald Trump and his vacillating position on trade tariffs, among other decisions with far-reaching ramifications, Africa is still an attractive investment destination. Andrew Bahlmann, CE of corporate and advisory at Deal leaders International, explained that, given the potential headwinds from rising US nationalism under a second Trump administration, South Africa's deal flow presents a complex picture. “From a global perspective, South Africa has historically been viewed by many international investors as a key entry point into the broader sub-Saharan African market,” said Bahlmann. This, Bahlmann said, was due to the country’s relatively developed infrastructure, sophisticated financial sector and established legal frameworks, which have often made it a more familiar and less risky initial investment destination. “While specific deals…

As Africa’s gas and LNG potential continues to grow, African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 will highlight key opportunities and challenges in unlocking the continent's vast energy resources, driving economic growth and advancing energy security. Africa’s natural gas and LNG potential is a cornerstone of the continent’s energy future. According to the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) State of African Energy 2025 Outlook Report, Africa's gas reserves could support a fourfold increase in LNG exports by 2040. Gas-to-power initiatives offer a vital solution to the continent's electricity access challenges while also providing a pathway to monetise, underutilised gas resources. With the right investments and collaborative efforts, Africa is poised to unlock the full potential of its gas sector, driving economic growth and energy security. Several large-scale projects are driving…

Global mining and metals company, BHP believes it is set to “benefit from a flight to quality” assets in the face of global volatility and policy uncertainty. The company, listed in Australia, London, and on the JSE, said on Thursday morning in its third quarter operational review that, year-to-date as of the end of March, it has delivered record group production in both copper and iron ore. It said it is on track to achieve full-year production in line with its guidance. BHP CEO, Mike Henry, said the company is “poised to benefit from a flight to quality with tier one assets, industry-leading margins and high-return organic growth opportunities that will underpin value and returns through the cycle” in the face of global volatility and policy uncertainty. However, he did…

The countdown is on for the return of Africa’s Grandest Gathering - the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF)! The celebrations begin with a legendary free concert at Greenmarket Square on Thursday, April 24 from 3.30pm to 10pm. The city centre will come alive with music, movement and magic as the square transforms into an open-air celebration of unity, rhythm and world-class talent. Locals and visitors will enjoy performances by both homegrown heroes and international icons. MC’d by the festival radio partner, HeartFM, the festival’s line-up promises to get everyone on their feet. Here’s what you can expect: DJ Eazy The veteran will open the night with a high-energy set mixing hip hop, R&B, amapiano and Afrobeats, delivering the electrifying vibes he’s known for across the globe. Hannah Ray The…

THE ANC is divided over suggestions that President Cyril Ramaphosa is considering the appointment of a white Afrikaner as the new South African Ambassador to the US. According to highly placed sources within the party, the move is seen as an attempt to mend ties with US President Donald Trump, who has been critical of South Africa's alleged treatment of white farmers. The names being touted for the ambassador position include former Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Roelf Meyer and former National Party (NP) leader Marthinus van Schalkwyk. Meyer, who played a key role in the Codesa negotiations in the early 1990s, is said to have a close relationship with Ramaphosa while Van Schalkwyk facilitated the merger of the then NP into the ANC and later became the minister…

As the Easter long weekend draws to a close, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says preliminary data indicate a significant decrease in road crashes and fatalities. This came to light when Creecy and Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa held a media briefing on the Easter road safety campaign on the N1 in Kranskop, Limpopo. Creecy gave updates on road safety statistics, enforcement operations undertaken, and progress in ensuring safer roads during the long Easter weekend. She opted not to release statistics but to wait until the Easter weekend concluded because “I don’t want to jinx the very good record that we have had so far". She said fatalities and the crashes were showing a significant decrease in all provinces, except Mpumalanga where there was one very serious accident last Thursday and…

Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League unbeaten run remains intact – but only just. On a night when they needed to assert dominance and take control of their semi-final tie against Pyramids FC, the Buccaneers instead had to settle for a frustrating 0-0 draw at FNB Stadium on Saturday. Worse still, it was VAR – not Pirates’ performance – that saved them from defeat. The Champions League semi-final first leg between the Egyptian side and Pirates in Soweto may have been a goalless draw, but it was anything but dull. For the neutral, it was an entertaining clash. For Pirates, it was an evening filled with missed opportunities, nervy moments and growing concern about what lies ahead in the return leg in Cairo. Twice, Pirates were bailed out by the video…

The Europa League could prove to be to Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim what the FA Cup was to predecessor Eric ten Hag… a lifeline. Red Devils fans will hate the comparison, considering the disastrous spell that followed when the Dutchman was granted a stay of execution. However, it’s hard to escape. There are some among the United faithful who might even long for those days, considering the woeful performances and current log position of the fallen giants. And Amorim hasn’t won anything yet. The hope that kills The drama of Thursday night’s come-from-behind 5-4 Europa League win over Lyon was a reminder of the glory days, and fighting spirit, of old. It offers the hope of Champions League football next season, and right now, that is in short supply…

Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat says his team are grateful to have an attacking genius in flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – but that his talent needs to be backed up by a better team performance on defence. Moerat is alluding to the flyhalf’s three tries in 27 minutes against Connacht at Cape Town Stadium last Saturday: a feat that was almost undone by his teammates’ woeful defence. The Irishmen scored five tries, and some would say they were unlucky to lose 34-29. Stormers coach John Dobson did not hold back in saying his team did not deserve to win because of their defensive inadequacies. Moerat said: “We all know that Sacha is an unbelievable player. The scary thing is that at age 22, we don’t know what his ceiling will be. “He…