Table of contents for 2025-10-02 in Star

South Africa’s manufacturing sector showed renewed momentum in September, with the Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising by 2.7 points to 52.2, its strongest level since October 2024. The PMI, compiled by Absa, the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) and Stellenbosch University, indicates that the sector returned to expansionary territory, supported by stronger domestic demand. Encouragingly, the average PMI for the third quarter improved to 50.8 points, up from 45.4 in the second quarter and 46.2 in the first quarter. However, economists at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking cautioned that the recovery has been volatile, with sluggish global trade, steep US tariffs, and lingering port delays weighing on sustained activity. “Manufacturers have been cautious when making employment decisions, due to extended periods of subdued demand not sufficient to lift production…

In a market defined by its unique cultural nuances and economic challenges, the latest findings from the 2025 Township CX Report signal a significant shift in consumer behaviour among South Africa’s township residents. According to this comprehensive study, which was conducted by Rogerwilco in collaboration with Field and Insights Africa and MoyaApp, price sensitivity dominates as the leading factor in brand loyalty, spotting a transformative trend that marketers cannot afford to ignore. The report reveals that a striking 68% of township consumers now weigh price above all else when deciding on brands, underscoring the financial pressures that influence everyday shopping choices. This marked preference for affordability is accompanied by a strong inclination to support local entrepreneurs, with one in three consumers opting for indigenous businesses over national chains. This data…

South Africa’s summer grain outlook has improved further, with the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) raising its eighth production forecast for the 2024/25 season. The CEC announced on Tuesday that the expected commercial maize crop is now 16.178 million tons, reflecting an increase of 2.38% (376 250 tons) from the previous forecast of 15.802 million tons. This represents a 25.9% increase (3.328 million tons) from the drought-hit 2024 harvest. The committee said the expected maize yield stands at 6.23 t/ha, with the Free State, Mpumalanga and North West provinces expected to contribute 82% of national output. The forecast for the white maize harvest is now 8.328 million tons, representing a 3.05% increase from the previous estimate, while yellow maize output has been revised upward by 1.68% to 7.851 million tons. The…

As a small to medium business (SME) owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and overlook the little operational inefficiencies that can ultimately stifle your long-term growth. With Spring officially underway here in South Africa, it’s the perfect opportunity for renewal – not just on a personal level, but professionally too. Just like the ritual of spring cleaning your home, why not commit to streamlining your processes – decluttering the various operational inefficiencies that slow you down, drain resources, and keep your business from reaching its full potential? Here’s where to start: 1 Conduct a business process audit Take a hard look at your operations. Which tasks take too long? Where do bottlenecks occur? The best way to do this is to gather input from employees,…

Capitec Bank Holdings continued to grow exceptionally in the six months to August 31, with its client base increasing by 8% and its Personal Bank now serving more than half the population, or 25 million people. The size of its client base, by far the biggest of the South African banks, allowed it to use economies of scale to reduce cost per transaction and increase revenue. This was achieved despite being a price leader in the market on many fronts and investing in new initiatives and products, the CEO in office for only 2.5 months, Graham Lee, said. Lee said in an online interview that he had served at Capitec for many years before taking up his new post, and his short-term focus was to ensure continuity of the strategy,…

If you thought the world of modern dating wasn’t challenging enough, Love Con Revenge will send even more shivers down your spine. The shocking Netflix documentary has been among the Top 10 Most Watched shows on the platform, including in South Africa, where its exploration of romance scams has viewers glued to their screens. What makes this six-part even more captivating is that these are real-life cases of betrayal, heartbreak and horror which five women and a man from the US had to endure from their lovers. They were all lied to, scammed and are now left devastated at how their partners whom they loved so deeply and opened their pockets up to in a loving bid to offer them financial support, could use them and leave them distraught. Love…

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have reportedly separated after nearly two decades together. Following months of living apart during conflicting work schedules, the 58-year-old actress and musician, 57, are said to have called it quits after marrying in 2006 and having two daughters. Sources told the Daily Mail, Kidman was left “blindsided” by the split. One insider said: “Keith never sees Nicole, either she is filming or he is on tour. There was a lot of love between the two, and they might not divorce, but there is a world that they both live in where neither of them is in it. “Keith and Nicole have been together for decades, and there is a world in which they can reconcile, but the way their pairing is now, it is not…

The sudden death of South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, has shocked the nation and ignited a wave of questions. Official reports suggest suicide, but his family is firmly rejecting that conclusion – insisting the former minister would never have taken his own life. Mthethwa, 58, was found dead on the morning of Tuesday, September 30, after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris. French authorities are investigating the circumstances and say no possibilities, including foul play, are being ruled out. The family, however, is already convinced: something is wrong. “We are not accepting this,” said his brother, Khulekani Mthethwa, speaking from the family home in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal. “My brother endured the worst the apartheid system could do to him. He was tortured. He…

Police discovered cocaine and tik worth R19 million when they intercepted a truck believed to be transporting the drugs from Johannesburg to Cape Town on Tuesday night. Police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk said the truck was stopped and searched on the N1 near the Huguenot tunnel, at around 7pm. “Police in Paarl followed up intelligence driven information about a truck that allegedly transported drugs from Johannesburg to Cape Town. “The vehicle was spotted near the Huguenot Tunnel by members of the Paarl Highway Patrol, Boland K9 and Provincial Traffic,” Van Wyk said. The members stopped and searched the vehicle and seized 55.8kg tik to the street value of R16 367 814 and 30.5 kg cocaine to the street value of R3 863 435. A 44-year-old Nigerian national was arrested on…

Theft and vandalism at Wedela Technical High School have plunged over 1 400 learners into darkness and left taps dry, crippling education at the Merafong school. A recent oversight visit by the Democratic Alliance (DA) revealed that the school has been without electricity for seven years and continues to face frequent water outages. Sergio Isa Dos Santos, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, said learners and teachers are forced to fetch water in buckets for ablutions, while the lone Jojo tank provided by the municipality remains uncovered and potentially contaminated, leaving the water unsafe to drink. “As a technical school, Wedela relies heavily on electricity for practical lessons and machinery such as lathes. Without power, learners are deprived of meaningful education and critical skills development,” Dos Santos said. He added…

South Africa has become a prime target for global cybercriminals, now ranking as the number one country for ransomware attacks and one of the most vulnerable to data theft. Experts warn that poor digital hygiene, widespread use of piracy sites, and growing internet access without proper cybersecurity education are contributing to the surge in attacks. As cyber threats escalate, individuals are not just at risk of personal data breaches; they’re also endangering their contacts, finances, and reputations. Cybersecurity experts, Dotcom Software Solutions, said that South Africa was the number one target of cyberattacks, with 40% of ransomware attacks and nearly 35% of infostealer incidents. They urged people to use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication, regularly update all software, be cautious of suspicious links and attachments, monitor their financial statements…

BMW’s new era has finally commenced with the recent unveiling of its first Neue Klasse model, the all-new iX3. Ushering in a whole new style and technological blueprint for the Bavarian brand, it will influence other models far sooner than you might have thought. BMW is set to launch more than 40 new or facelifted models in the next two years in an almost desperate bid to prevent the rest of its line-up from appearing dated. However, the current internal combustion (ICE) models won’t move over to the new platform as such, but they will be extensively updated. In a recent interview with Autocar, BMW’s Neue Klasse chief Mike Reichelt said that while most of the existing models will retain their current body structure, the updates will integrate the most…

The experience that Orlando Pirates’ coach Abdeslam Ouaddou garnered during a 17-year professional playing career has shaped his game model and playing style as a coach. TS Galaxy arrived at Orlando Stadium soaring. They hadn’t lost in their last five games, resulting in them climbing the Betway Premiership standings. But Pirates clipped Galaxy’s wings, beating them 2-0, courtesy of goals from Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa in both halves, as they moved up to third on the log. It was a fulfilling result that ensured the Sea Robbers are sailing in steady waters under Ouaddou, as they ended the month of September with six wins and one draw, which was notwithstanding. After the MTN8 final ended in a goalless draw in regulation time, Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis came off…

CBS Sport’s Uefa Champions League coverage is not everyone’s Five Roses. Targeted for an American audience, there are those who prefer a more analytical approach that rival sports channels offer for “the real football fan”. I’m not one of them. Anchored by the absolutely brilliant Kate Scott, alongside co-hosts Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and the bombastic Micah Richards, its pure entertainment. Each individual has their own unique sense of humour that adds a touch that no other football show can match. But they can also get serious when necessary. Henry’s tactical acumen is second to none and provides expert analysis, while Carragher’s unbridled passion for the game shines through. This was certainly evident on Tuesday evening after Liverpool’s defeat to Turkish superclub Galatasaray in Istanbul. Carragher, of course, holds “The…

Energy users group warns power utility that ongoing uncertainty remains an obstacle to economy The Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG) has warned that ongoing uncertainty about South Africa’s electricity tariff path remains a key obstacle to growth, industrial stability and investor confidence. The caution comes after Eskom on Tuesday reported a R16 billion profit for the 2024/25 financial year, a dramatic turnaround from a R55bn loss the previous year. The EIUG on Wednesday said the power utility now faces challenges in containing operational and primary energy costs, which are projected to rise between 5% and 15% in the 2025/26 financial year, even as electricity sales volumes are expected to decline by 2–3%. Fanele Mondi, CEO of the EIUG, said the group welcomed assurances from Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa…

In every corner of South Africa, whether in a bustling township market, a quiet suburban street, or a shared workspace humming late into the night, small businesses are rewriting the story of survival. Each day, they wake to an economy that shifts without warning, to power cuts that darken opportunity, and to rising costs that could sap the spirit of even the most seasoned entrepreneur. Yet they press on, not with blind optimism, but with a stubborn brilliance that turns obstacles into stepping stones. Listen to these business owners and you’ll hear an unshakable refrain: there is always a way forward. Instead of waiting for a perfect climate, they refine their craft, chase new customers, and invest in their teams. They take courses, explore digital tools, and experiment with new…

Exxon Mobil plans to cut about 2000 jobs globally as the Texas oil company consolidates smaller offices into regional hubs as part of its long-term restructuring plan. The reductions represent about 3% to 4% of Exxon’s global workforce and are part of the company’s ongoing efficiency drive, Chief Executive Darren Woods said in an memo to employees this week. About half will be in Europe and most of rest in Canada at Calgary-based Imperial Oil which is nearly 70% owned by Exxon. Chevron, ConocoPhillips and BP Plc are among major oil companies to have also announced thousands of job cuts in recent months as crude prices tumbled this year in response to increased supplies from OPEC and its allies. Exxon, however, has been on a major internal restructuring push…

Orion Minerals’ share fell 17.4% on Wednesday after the release of results that showed it had continued to work on its transition to an operating mining company focused on clean energy transition minerals during the year to June 30. “Orion's work programs focused on the completion of the Definitive Feasibility Studies (DFS) for the company's flagship Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (PCZM) and Okiep Copper Project (OCP). Each DFS was released on March 28, 2025,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday. The company, which is listed on the Australia stock exchange and the JSE, aims to be South Africa’s premier copper producer. The share price was trading at 19 cents on Wednesday afternoon, down from 22 cents a year before. The company is also in the process of raising…

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, has revealed that it is still consulting its lawyers over City Power’s intention to interdict and set aside the recent search and seizure warrant and raid over a R67 million tender issued by the utility. In an application on September 28 to the Gauteng High Court, sitting in Johannesburg, the power utility seeks an interim relief from the court in a bid to force the Hawks to return some of the documents that were seized during a recent operation stemming from a November 2024 investigation. The power utility wants to be granted interim urgent relief as part of its Part A application made out to the Minister of Police, the Hawks, and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional…

The ANC in Gauteng has welcomed the interim findings of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which uncovered that around R2 billion was siphoned off from Tembisa Hospital through entrenched corruption networks. In a statement, ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT) spokesperson Mzi Khumalo commended SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi and his team for exposing syndicates accused of looting money meant for critical healthcare services. “The report confirms what has long been suspected: a deeply entrenched network of corruption, fraud, mismanagement, and maladministration within the hospital’s Supply Chain Management,” said Khumalo. Khumalo said the ANC supported Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s decision in 2022 to sign a Secondment Agreement with the SIU to probe allegations at the hospital. “The premier’s signing of a Secondment Agreement with the SIU in September 2022 was a…

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga is standing firm in her refusal to freeze new orders for arms manufacturer Denel, despite the state-owned enterprise’s financial failure to meet parliamentary reporting deadlines. Motshekga asserts that her ministerial role does not extend to interference in Denel’s commercial dealings. She made the statement days after she wrote to Parliament, requesting an extension to table Denel’s 2024/25 annual report after the entity failed to meet the stipulated September 30 deadline because the audit for the 2024/25 financial year has not yet been finalised. Replying to parliamentary questions from DA MP Chris Hattingh, Motshekga said while her department was the government’s shareholder representative, Denel was governed by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). “This means it operates as a government business enterprise with its own legal identity,…

There were no winners in the staggering R110million Powerball jackpot from Tuesday night’s draw. According to the draw results, there were five winners in the second division. Each person had five correct numbers and will each win R135 576.20. A total of 186 434 people guessed the Powerball number and will each get R10. The jackpot will roll over to R110million for the October 3 draw. This week, Ithuba announced that an Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal man laid claim to the R69m Powerball jackpot from the September 23, draw. The winner will walk away with R69 284 942.70. The lucky ticket was purchased in-store in Empangeni with a R45 wager and manual selection. The winner, a devoted husband and father in his 50s, shared that he is still overwhelmed by the reality…

Suzuki South Africa has been in the news for a while now for all the right reasons. They’re consistently second on the sales log, getting involved with various sponsorships and supplier agreements with the central theme around it all being fun and not taking themselves too seriously. The Swift remains their most popular product and the cult-like Jimny the most high-profile, but there’s also the flagship Grand Vitara hanging around in the background. Exterior Like all their products, there’s nothing flashy or polarising about it. The Grand Vitara GLX AT AllGrip Hybrid we had on test simply gets on with the job of, well … being a Suzuki. By SUV design standards, it’s a well-proportioned vehicle with its clamshell bonnet and multi-level honeycomb grille flanked by three-point LED daytime running…

As the first significant rainfall of the summer graces South Africa, many drivers are faced with not only the treacherous conditions typical of wet roads but also an increased risk due to residual oil and rubber build-up from the winter months. The weekend rains have served as a reminder that as temperatures rise, so too does the level of caution needed behind the wheel. With oils and rubbers that have accumulated over winter finally lifted but not completely washed away, roads can be particularly perilous for motorists. Eugene Herbert, the CEO of MasterDrive, is urging drivers to exercise heightened awareness and care as they navigate these slippery stretches. “If you do find the roads more slippery than expected, follow these tips: the most important thing is to gradually reduce your…

The Proteas Women have only beaten England once since their World Cup semi-final defeat in Christchurch four years ago. Since then, there have been six ODI encounters between the rivals with England triumphant in the other five. Abundant reason, then, for Laura Wolvaardt’s team to be rank underdogs heading into tomorrow’s World Cup opener in Guwahati. But hold hard there. Although England came back to win the series 2-1 in South Africa last December, the Proteas opening six-wicket win in Kimberley served as a marker. Not only are these two teams closer than they have been for years but it was the beginning of new coach Mandla Mashimbyi’s tenure after the long-serving Hilton Moreeng. Along with some fresh-faces that have infused a much-needed youthful energy into the Proteas squad, allrounder…

In a coaching career spanning more than three decades, it's safe to say Hugo Broos has been around the block. He even has the silver hair to show for his longevity. But despite his wealth of experience, the Belgian tactician is expected to be tested this afternoon when he announces his final squad selection for Bafana Bafana’s crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers. Bafana will face Zimbabwe in their penultimate qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, followed by Rwanda in the final qualifier at Mbombela Stadium next Tuesday. They can’t afford to falter in these two games, especially after being docked three points and handed a 3-0 defeat by a one-member panel FIFA’s disciplinary committee this week. The punishment followed their use of ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in an…

Barloworld and Newco have announced that the Standby Offer related to their proposed R23 billion transaction is now wholly unconditional, marking a significant milestone in the consortium-led acquisition process. The breakthrough follows the parties’ decision on Wednesday to waive the condition relating to competition approval from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). With no material adverse changes or competing superior proposals having arisen, all conditions attached to the Standby Offer have now been either fulfilled or waived. As of the announcement date, Newco had received valid acceptances for 77.6 million Barloworld ordinary shares, representing 41.6% of issued shares (excluding treasury shares). Combined with the existing holdings of the consortium and the Barloworld Foundation, this gives Newco control of 65% of Barloworld’s ordinary shares. Sydney Mhlarhi, spokesperson for…

Sibanye-Stillwater said that Richard Stewart, the group chief operating officer who had assumed the CEO-designate role in March, has now taken on the role of CEO of the group, effective Wednesday. Stewart succeeds the well-known mining industry leader Neal Froneman, who retired as CEO and executive director on September 30, 2023, following a 12-year tenure that transformed the group into a leading multinational mining and metals processing company. The group has also appointed Mduduzi Bhulose as Executive Vice President: Business Development. Bhulose joins the group from the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), where he most recently served as the Head of Listed Equities. His appointment will support Sibanye-Stillwater’s continued focus on value creation across its portfolio, strategic partnerships, and disciplined growth. Bhulose has over 21 years of experience in the investment…

Former Tembisa Hospital CEO Ashley Mthunzi, who passed away last year, has been implicated in the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report into corruption and maladministration as a central figure in the R2 billion corruption scandal at the facility. Despite being implicated as a crucial cog in the massive corruption scandal involving fraudulent contracts and irregular procurement practices, Mthunzi’s wife Lerato claims her husband has been used as a scapegoat to protect “politicians and criminals” who are involved and who stole from the public purse. Lerato Mthunzi said she will challenge the findings of the SIU. An interim report, released on Monday, revealed that Mthunzi authorised appointments of non-compliant bidders, and that the purchase orders sent to the Gauteng Health Department contained irregular certificates that were never questioned by provincial employees.…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed the conviction of EFF leader Julius Malema by the East London Magistrates’ Court for discharging a firearm in public without lawful cause. DA deputy spokesperson on police Ian Cameron said the ruling “confirms what was always obvious: Malema recklessly fired a gun into the air in front of thousands of supporters.” IOL reported that the court found Malema guilty yesterday of several charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public space, reckless endangerment, and failing to take reasonable precautions to avoid danger. The convictions relate to an incident at the EFF’s fifth birthday rally in 2018, where Malema was seen firing shots into the air at the packed Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane after being handed a…

Crime Intelligence Head, Lt-Gen. Dumisani Khumalo is receiving the best medical care after feeling unwell this morning, Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed yesterday. In a statement, Masemola said Khumalo felt unwell after arriving at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, where he was due to continue with his testimony before the Madlanga Commission. He said that he is in good spirits and taking health advice from his physician. “The General’s health is receiving priority, and the Madlanga Commission will be kept abreast of all developments about his condition as well as when he will be available to continue with his testimony,” the statement read. Commissioner Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga confirmed the news yesterday morning, just when the commission was about to begin. “He is not well. We as the commission have…

Embattled and disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo says he deserves to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, claiming he holds “hardcore evidence” implicating senior judges in corruption and misconduct. “I am not pleading with the Madlanga Commission to call me, and I don’t need special treatment. But I have a desire to tell the commission. Even Madlanga knows very well that I’ve been engaging with him, even before President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed this so-called commission,” Teffo said in an interview with SAFM. He dismissed claims that he was lobbying to be called as a witness, insisting his appearance before the commission is warranted. “Those narratives that I’m pleading with the commission before it wraps up – I’m not pleading anything. I deserve to be there. And if you want to…

The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Amendment Act, commonly known as AARTO, officially comes into effect on December 1. Most sections of the act will be implemented in major municipalities across the country from that date, with smaller municipalities following in April, but the dreaded demerit points system is only set to be rolled out in September 2026. Nonetheless, speeding will still be a major factor that could lead to drivers losing demerit points and eventually facing licence suspension, and hefty fines are also on the cards for those caught exceeding the limit. As before, there will still be a ‘grace’ of 10km/h for speeding infringements, the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) has confirmed. This, authorities say, is to account for different speedometer calibrations. This means that if you’re…

The last few generations of the Hyundai Santa Fe were solid, practical and somewhat underrated contenders in the large SUV market, but I doubt many people can even remember what they looked like. Confession: I’m busy googling them now. It’s unlikely that the fifth-generation Santa Fe will ever suffer the same fate. Its boxy new design is way more “out there”, even if there are a few hints of Land Rover’s Defender, which is never a bad thing. Out on the streets, the new Hyundai attracts a great deal of attention and admiration from many, although its blocky rear end is not universally favoured. The new Santa Fe is also Hyundai’s first hybrid model to be offered locally, and though many buyers will miss the diesel engine that’s no longer…

Angelo Davids will recall, with fondness, how he danced his way to four tries against Boland Kavaliers in the Lions’ Currie Cup semi-final romp in mid-September. The Joburgers were full of running that day as they routed the Cape-based side 67-10, and Davids was the happy beneficiary of the gameplan, crossing the whitewash for a 20-point haul while also contributing with a try assist. In all, Davids played nine matches for the Joburgers in the Cup, scoring 40 points, beating 22 defenders, making nine clean breaks, gaining 526m, and providing four try assists. His Cup performances allayed fears, to a certain degree, that the wing position would be in capable hands following the departure of Springbok Edwill van der Merwe to the Sharks. “It has been a good one for…

Wilco Louw has been outstanding coming off the bench for the Springboks over the last three Test matches. The burly prop had the All Blacks’ pack on skates every time he entered the fray after half-time in New Zealand, while he also produced another powerful display against Argentina in Durban. But while Louw has earned plenty of praise for his performances, the man he replaced during those Tests has largely flown under the radar – despite anchoring the Bok scrum with equal power and stability. Thomas du Toit has hardly put a foot wrong as the starting tighthead in the No 3 jersey, and has effectively laid the foundation for Louw to deliver maximum impact once the opposition pack has already been through a half of hard graft. Winning scrum…

Beleaguered Rangers manager Russell Martin finally scraped to his first Scottish Premiership win in charge at the weekend and next takes his struggling side to Austria to face Sturm Graz in the Uefa Europa League tonight. The former Southampton boss was brought in with the goal of reaching the Uefa Champions League proper and challenging Celtic for the domestic title. Rangers finished second in the Premiership last season, 17 points behind their Glasgow rivals, after sacking Philippe Clement midway through the campaign. The nervy 2-1 victory at lowly Livingston on Sunday left Rangers eighth in the 12-team table, already nine points behind surprise leaders Hearts. Rangers, despite only winning one Scottish title since 2011, have found some respite in Europe in recent years, reaching the 2022 Europa League final and…