Table of contents for 2025-09-26 in Star

Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, said yesterday that the government will announce next week an agreement on the amount of electricity needed to resuscitate ferrochrome smelters in the country after Eskom’s stable performance made it possible to leave “megawatts on the floor”. This is a move aimed at reviving operations and saving thousands of jobs in the embattled sector. The intervention follows an urgent call by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), after several smelter operators, including Glencore, issued Section 189 notices to retrench workers, citing unsustainably high electricity costs. Ramokgopa said behind-the-scenes negotiations with industry and labour had now reached consensus on the additional megawatts to be allocated to smelters. “The intervention is over and above the framework approved by Nersa on the negotiated…

South Africans celebrate Heritage Day as a moment of pride in our languages, rituals, music, cuisine, and sacred sites. But there is a tougher economic truth we cannot ignore: our arts, heritage, and creative industries remain underperforming assets. Globally, culture is big business. The creative economy already generates $2.25 trillion (about R38 trillion) annually and accounts for nearly 30 million jobs worldwide, according to Unesco. Yet South Africa’s creative industries contribute just under 3% of GDP – far behind their potential. The question for policymakers, investors, and business leaders this Heritage Day is simple: how do we unlock the value of our cultural wealth and convert it into revenue, jobs, and competitive brand power? Lessons from Global Case Studies n South Korea’s K-wave (Hallyu): In the early 2000s, South Korea…

SpringFest 2025 Some of the nation’s hottest artists will take to the stage at this event, which is returning to St David’s Marist Inanda for the second year. They include Mi Casa and DJ Kent, amongst others. Other highlights at this family-friendly event will include gin, beer, and wine bars, curated markets selling a range of items as well as a variety of different meals and snacks at food stalls. Where: St David’s Marist Inanda in Sandton. When: Tomorrow from 1pm. Joburg Family Picnic & Kids Festival Joburgers are in for a fun-filled weekend at this event which invites families and residents of all walks of life to join in on the festivities. Some of the highlights will be activities for kids and adults such as a tour around the…

Gauteng province has earned the disturbing title of the “Kidnapping Capital of SA”. Recent statistics indicate that almost 53% of all kidnapping cases in the country are reported within this province. Security experts warn that urgent action is needed, with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) calling for the revival of the 2009, 2011 Gauteng Aggravated Robbery Strategy to curb this escalating crisis. This comes after the rescue of a Chinese woman who had been missing since June. She was found in Lenasia last week, where police uncovered Johannesburg Metro Police uniforms and badges at the scene. Reports indicate that kidnappers are disguising themselves as police officers, complete with uniforms, badges, and even vehicles fitted with blue lights, using the authority of the badge to stop, deceive, and abduct their…

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has called on the police to do better in investigating taxi violence-related cases. The MEC equally came down hard on the taxi industry for its violence following yet another assassination of taxi boss Thamsanqa Moya last Thursday. Diale-Tlabela, who was speaking during a memorial service for the slain taxi boss, who was gunned down in a hail of bullets in Soweto last Thursday, said there should be consequences for the continued taxi industry-related crimes. The MEC, who did not mince her words, further accused the taxi industry of disunity, saying the industry has made it easy for foreigners and foreign elements to infiltrate it and cause more deaths in the process. “The people, whom we call ‘My Friend’ (foreign nationals), are selling…

FlySafair is offering counselling services to passengers aboard a flight from Durban to Johannesburg, following the death of a passenger. FlySafair’s Kirby Gordon confirmed the death of a passenger aboard FA417 on Monday. He explained that before the flight’s departure, medical staff based at King Shaka International Airport were called to assess the passenger. They cleared the person fit to travel. “While in the air, the passenger’s condition deteriorated. Our cabin crew, together with medical professionals who were among the passengers, did everything possible to assist, but tragically the person passed away before the flight landed,” Gordon, FlySafair’s chief marketing officer, said. Gordon said the company acknowledges that it was a distressing event for all those on board and are grateful to passengers for their patience and understanding. “FlySafair’s crew…

A liquidation auction of water heating and plumbing assets from Thermowise (Pty) Ltd (in liquidation) will be taking place next month, offering buyers the chance to secure a wide range of vehicles, tools, and equipment. The timed online auction, conducted by Asset Auctions, will open on Tuesday, October 7, at 10am and close on Thursday, October 9, at 12pm. Bidders can participate via the company’s online platform: online.assetauctions.co.za. Among the assets up for sale is a fleet of well-maintained vehicles, including: • 2016 Ford Ranger 2.2TDCi • 2021 Hyundai H100 • Two 2022 Isuzu D-Max 250C Base models • Two 2023 Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up 2.2 models • 2022 Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up 2.2 • 2022 Nissan NP200 1.6 (x2) • 2020 Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD • 2015 Toyota Hilux 2.0 DVT-I…

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature has introduced a motion to rename several prominent landmarks in the province, including the internationally renowned Kruger National Park. The motion was reportedly voted for, and adopted in the legislature, but discussions are still ongoing before the renaming can take place. The proposal also targets the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and a stadium in eMalahleni. The initiative, tabled by EFF Member of the Provincial Legislature Rhulani Qhibi during a Heritage Month session, aims to replace names associated with colonial and apartheid-era figures with those honoring individuals who played a significant role in South Africa’s liberation and post-apartheid development. Supporters say that the move is part of a broader effort to decolonise public spaces and ensure that public landmarks reflect the…

Cape Town is my home. I was born here, raised and live here, and have spent three decades working in and with municipalities across South Africa, from Chief Director at the Western Cape Department of Provincial and Local Government during Project Consolidate, to Director of HRD at SALGA, to programme manager at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. I have sat in council chambers, walked flooded alleys in Khayelitsha, convened ward committees in Mitchells Plain, and trained councillors. So I speak as both a son of this city and a professional who knows what good local government looks like. And I say this without hesitation: the DA’s “best-run city” slogan is a lie. The DA has perfected a myth that its governance in Cape Town is efficient, clean, and pro-poor.…

Mamelodi Sundowns have always set themselves apart with an unforgiving culture. This is not a club that rewards comfort — in recent times even success has rarely been enough to guarantee job security. Rulani Mokwena found that out in July 2024. His record included back-to-back Premiership titles and the historic African Football League. But that counted for little when the hierarchy decided his time was up. Manqoba Mngqithi’s story is equally telling. He was part of the most successful period in Sundowns’ modern history, working alongside Pitso Mosimane and later with Mokwena. That brains trust delivered not only league dominance but also numerous other trophies, cementing the club’s reputation as South Africa’s silverware machine. Yet when Mngqithi finally got the reins on his own in July 2024, he lasted just…

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admits to being uneasy about tomorrow’s crunch Rugby Championship clash with the Pumas at Kings Park, knowing the South Americans believe they can emulate their heroes of a decade ago — when they shocked the Boks at the very same venue. The Pumas are a different beast under Felipe Contepomi, a coach Erasmus admires from their playing days, when the Argentine ran the show at flyhalf and Erasmus patrolled the flank for South Africa. Already this year, Contepomi’s side have beaten the British and Irish Lions, Australia, and New Zealand. “I have watched Felipe’s coaching career with interest,” Erasmus said of his opposite number. “He has put together a coaching staff with an international flavour. Their lineout coach, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, is exceptional; they have…

As far as preparations go, the Lions are probably the one South African team who can hit the ground running when the United Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend. The Johannesburg side start their campaign in Wales on Saturday when they take on Cardiff at Cardiff Arms Park (8.45pm kick-off). They should be battle-ready, having used the majority of their squad in the recently concluded Currie Cup. The Lions made it all the way to the final before losing to Griquas in a nail-biting finish at Ellis Park. It was just the sort of preparation they needed to get minutes in the legs while playing in a competitive environment. Unfortunately, those competitive matches were also a bit of a double-edged sword, as they suffered key injuries, especially in the front…

South Africa’s consumer confidence took another knock in the third quarter of 2025, with the FNB/Bureau for Economic Research (BER) Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) falling from -10 to -13, sparking renewed concern about the outlook for household spending and economic growth. Although still above the exceptionally weak first-quarter reading of -20, when a host of negative shocks hit sentiment, the Q3 figure remains well below the relatively upbeat levels recorded in the second half of 2024. Since 1994, the average CCI has stood at -1, highlighting how deeply negative current sentiment is. The deterioration was driven mainly by a sharp fall in confidence among middle-income households, which dropped from -7 to -16. Both the household finances and economic outlook sub-indices weakened, slipping from 9 to 3 and from -18 to…

EFF member, influencer, and actress Ntando Duma must pay over R27 000 for using an agency picture for a campaign without permission. Johannesburg-based Pixel Kollective sued Duma for R200 000 in damages, alleging that their image was used without permission. Pixel Kollective told the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, it wanted R200 000 in damages on the basis that it would have been entitled to charge Duma for the photograph. The agency took photos of Duma at a function, which were for Simba as part of a commercial social media campaign. Duma embarked on a social media online campaign between May and June 2021 without Pixel’s consent. She would assist Simba to take advantage of social networking to increase its brand exposure and broaden its customer reach. One of the various…

The City of Ekurhuleni faces fresh allegations of institutional cover-up following claims that senior municipal officials refused to take disciplinary action against Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Acting Chief Julius Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi is accused of facilitating the illegal transfer of city-owned vehicles equipped with blue lights to private businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Whispers of impropriety have gained momentum with claims that senior municipal officials have deliberately shied away from taking necessary disciplinary actions against Mkhwanazi, raising questions about accountability within the city’s administration. Xolani Nciza, the Former Head of Employee Relations at the Ekurhuleni municipality and the official who oversaw the internal investigation into the matter, spoke to eNCA on Tuesday about how efforts to hold Mkhwanazi accountable were systematically undermined. “In February 2023, we initiated an internal investigation following…

Nine years after her last performance at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz – a pinnaclemoment marked by her 2016 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz – Siya Makuzeni makes her long-awaited, momentous return to the Dinaledi stage. The accomplished trombonist, vocalist and composer joins a stellar lineup at the longstanding three-day music festival, which continues to position itself as a vibrant celebration of South African jazz, creativity and musical excellence. For Siya, returning to the stage where it all began is nothing short of magical. “The award was catalytic in terms of the trajectory of my career,” she reminisces. “The most important thing it really did was allow me to step into my role as a solo musician and truly work at defining my distinctive voice within the…

President Cyril Ramaphosa said the R147.8 million to be spent on the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is necessary to uphold the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies. Responding to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Lorato Tito, Ramaphosa said the allegations that led to the establishment of the commission of inquiry raised serious concerns around the constitution, the rule of law and national security. “They therefore require an urgent, independent and comprehensive investigation. The expense associated with the Commission is necessary to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies,” he said. It was reported recently that out of the R147.8m allocated for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, R64m will be spent on the commissioners, evidence leaders and legal researchers, R4.9m…

Shepherd Bushiri, leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG), has issued a warm congratulatory message to Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika following his election victory in Malawi. On Wednesday, AFP reported that Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera conceded defeat in last week’s election, saying in an address to the nation that it was clear his rival and predecessor, Peter Mutharika, had an “insurmountable lead”. The dire state of the economy in the small southern African country of 21 million people dominated the September 16 vote, with critics accusing Chakwera of mismanagement and indecisiveness during his first term. “A moment ago, I called Professor Mutharika directly to congratulate him on his historic victory and to wish him well,” Chakwera said just hours before the election authority was due to announce the final results…

Abdeslam Ouaddou is a true African. He’s been heaping praise about the continent’s competencies both on and off the pitch. Ouaddou arrived at Pirates this season, replacing head coach Jose Riveiro. He explained that he didn't bring his own trusted lieutenants, who are based in Europe, as he fully believed that the African-born technical team would succeed at the club. True to his belief Ouaddou and his backroom staff delivered their first trophy at the first attempt—the MTN8—which was the record-extending fourth Wafa Wafa crown. And that’s not all. After being involved in a serious car accident in Kempton while trying to help trapped passengers—alongside some members of his technical team and defender Tapelo Xoki—Ouaddou was full of praise for the African medical specialists that helped him return to the…

Golden Arrows handed Mamelodi Sundowns their first defeat of the Betway Premiership season in Umlazi, as Sede Dion’s first-half header sealed a win at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday. The victory ended a run of three consecutive losses for Arrows and lifted them back towards mid-table, though they remain on just 10 points from their opening eight matches. Against the champions, however, they showed a level of organisation and cutting edge that has often been missing. “With beating Sundowns, I don’t look at it as beating my former team,” Mngqithi said after the match. “It would feel wrong to gloat about beating Sundowns, as this team has done so much for me and my family, and I will always be grateful to this club. I never have feelings of…

The Bulls have received a major boost ahead of their United Rugby Championship opener against the Ospreys in Pretoria on Saturday, with Springbok prop Gerhard Steenekamp making a timely return to action. Steenekamp is one of seven Boks included in Johan Ackermann’s matchday squad for the Loftus Versfeld clash (2pm kick-off). The powerful loosehead has endured a frustrating layoff, having undergone knee surgery after the Boks’ November tour last year. Complications kept him sidelined for months, with his last appearance coming in the final Test of 2024 against Wales. Now fit again after a strong pre-season, Steenekamp says he is eager to make up for lost time and anchor the Bulls scrum against the Welsh visitors. Ackermann, in his first official outing as Bulls head coach after replacing Jake White,…

South Africa and the US are edging closer to formal negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement, following weeks of intensive engagements aimed at resolving long-standing tariff disputes and strengthening bilateral economic ties. Speaking at the South Africa-US Trade and Investment Executive Dialogue in Washington on Wednesday night, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau underscored the importance of the US as the country’s second-largest global trading partner, while South Africa remains the second-largest African destination for US exports. “This underscores the critical importance of our bilateral relationship, both as a platform for two-way trade and as a gateway into the broader African market,” Tau said. However, he cautioned that challenges persist, particularly the proposed 30% tariff on selected South African exports, along with existing Section 232 tariffs on steel…

South Africa’s annual producer price inflation (PPI) for final manufactured goods quickened to 2.1% in August, up from 1.5% in July, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported yesterday. The PPI rose 0.3% on a monthly basis, marking a period of rising inflationary pressures, particularly driven by key sectors such as food products and beverages. Stats SA said the biggest boost to the headline figure came from food, beverages and tobacco products, which grew 4.3% year-on-year, contributing 1.3 percentage points to overall inflation. Monthly increases were mainly driven by food, beverages and tobacco, coke, petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastics, and metals, machinery and computing equipment. The PPI for intermediate manufactured goods climbed to 6.5% y/y in August from 6.4% in July, with basic and fabricated metals providing the largest push. Month-on-month,…

Singer-songwriter Halsey has recently revealed that her record label has blocked her from releasing new music, leaving fans uncertain when they will hear fresh material. The 30-year-old artist is preparing a tour starting next month to mark the tenth anniversary of her debut album Badlands, following her most recent project, The Great Impersonator, released in 2024. In an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Halsey said she is currently unable to record or release an album. “I can’t make an album right now,” she said. “I’m not allowed to.” She explained that The Great Impersonator faced challenges despite a strong opening. “If I’m being honest with you, the album sold 100 000 copies in the first week,” she said. “That’s a pretty big first week, especially for an artist…

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu did not have the authority to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) as the decision fell outside his authoritative mandate. This is according to the SAPS legislative expert Major-General Marga van Rooyen, who told the Madlanga Commission yesterday that the powers to disband the task team lies with National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola. Van Rooyen is the third witness to appear before the commission after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkwanazi and Masemola. The ongoing commission, chaired by retired Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is currently investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within the criminal justice system. This follows allegations made by Mkhwanazi, who accused Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection Shadrack Sibiya of colluding with criminal syndicates and…

Vigilante group Operation Dudula has criticized the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, accusing her of prioritising illegal foreign nationals over South African children in schools. The group claimed that Gwarube is also protecting illegal foreigners. "We are only calling for the South African child to be put first in South African schools; they are calling the police, who are employed by the people to use state resources to fight for illegal foreigners, while your children are sitting at home watching illegal foreign children going to school." Responding to the accusations, Gwarube acknowledged public frustration but emphasised that schools should remain safe learning environments. "I'm acutely aware of how frustrated South Africans are with their government in dealing with the provision of basic services, jobs, and social welfare. "I'm also…

What can you expect from October’s fuel price adjustments? Very little, according to the latest intel from the Central Energy Fund (CEF). Unaudited month-end data shows an under-recovery of three cents for 95 Unleaded petrol and an identical over-recovery for 93 Unleaded, meaning petrol prices could remain identical next month, or shift by a few cents in either direction, depending on other potential influencing factors such as the Slate Levy. Diesel is looking set for minor price decreases of 10 cents for 500pm and eight cents for the cleaner 50ppm. The official fuel price adjustments will be announced early next week, ahead of coming into effect on Wednesday, October 1. This largely neutral fuel price outlook for October comes as a result of a stronger rand effectively cancelling out moderately…

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has committed to creating 121 059 work opportunities over the next five years. Minister Dr Dion George made the announcement this week, describing the initiative as central to South Africa’s green growth and just transition. The programme, driven through the Expanded Public Works Programme, is expected to generate more than 77 000 full-time jobs. “Every government decision must be judged by whether it creates work. In our department, we can say with confidence that our programmes do exactly that. They provide jobs today while building the skills South Africa needs tomorrow,” George said. 60% of the opportunities will go to women, 55% to youth, and 2% to persons with disabilities. George highlighted projects such as Youth Environmental Services, Youth Jobs in Waste,…

Kaizer Chiefs' assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has come out in support of Gaston Sirino after the midfielder missed two crucial scoring opportunities during the 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night. A sense of frustration marked Sirino's performance. On the stroke of halftime, he saw his penalty saved by Gallants' goalkeeper Washington Arubi. Later, he missed another golden chance early in the second half, sending the ball over the bar. Had he converted either of those opportunities, the Glamour Boys could have easily been 2-0 up, increasing their chances of securing three much-needed points. Despite his struggles in front of goal, which have left him with only one goal and one assist in seven league appearances this season, Ben Youssef underlined Sirino's importance to the…

Proteas Women lost vital time on the park yesterday as their first ICC Women’s World Cup warm-up match against Bangladesh Women was abandoned due to rain. The 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup warm-up matches got underway yesterday, ahead of the tournament opener between India Women and Sri Lanka Women in Guwahati on September 30. With the showpiece event set to get underway in less than a week, South Africa needed to get as much time as possible out in the middle, honing their skills and executing their game plans. However, their warm-up match against Bangladesh was cut short after only nine overs of play before the heavens opened, leaving South Africa on 45/3 in Colombo. The side found themselves in hot waters very early in the match, with opening batter…

Rory McIlroy says facing Bryson DeChambeau in a Ryder Cup grudge match would be “wonderful” after their verbal feud intensified this week, but he’s more concerned about Europe winning in America. Europe talisman McIlroy, who won the Masters in April to complete a career Grand Slam, will lead the trophy holders against host United States starting today at Bethpage Black. A war of words with American star DeChambeau began at the Masters, where two-time US Open winner DeChambeau vowed to chirp in McIlroy’s ear at the Ryder Cup. McIlroy, a five-time major winner from Northern Ireland, said last month that DeChambeau, who plays in the Saudi-backed LIV series, can only attract attention by mentioning other golfers. DeChambeau told Golf Channel on Monday that, “Whatever Rory says and whatnot is great.…