Table of contents for 2025-10-03 in Star

Sales in September 2025 climb to 54 700 units, the highest level since September 2015 South Africa’s new vehicle market recorded its strongest month in a decade, with sales in September 2025 climbing to 54 700 units, the highest level since September 2015. It was also the third consecutive month of volumes above 50 000 units and rounded out 12 months of continual growth for the new vehicle market. According to figures released by the Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) on Thursday, the September sales total marked a 24.3% increase compared with the 44 000 vehicles sold in the same month last year. The strong performance came against a backdrop of easing inflation, firm but restrictive monetary policy, and an expanding range of imported models. Encouragingly for households, consumer inflation slowed…

Nasionale Pers’ Amsterdam and JSE-listed subsidiary Prosus said Thursday that the tender offer for Just Eat Takeaway.com (JET) had completed successfully, with strong support from JET shareholders. The announcement sent Prosus’ share price up by 3.01% to R1244.69 on the JSE on Thursday morning, a price that had risen by a strong 57.9% over 12 months. In contrast, the JSE All Share Index was up 1.56% at the same time. The offer had exceeded the Acceptance Threshold of the transaction, with 90.13% of JET shares tendered, and the transaction has been declared unconditional, following its swift approval by the European Commission in August 2025. Prosus CEO Fabricio Bloisi said: “I’m very pleased with the outcome of the tender offer, and excited to welcome JET to the Prosus ecosystem. JET has…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) interim report has exposed how the syndicates bypassed standard tender processes to loot Tembisa Hospital of more than R2 billion. The investigation, prompted by the murder of whistleblower, Babita Deokaran, found that corrupt officials colluded with the service providers to exploit weaknesses in the procurement system. Deokaran, who was an official at the Gauteng Department of Health had uncovered massive corruption related to fraud, corruption and maladministration at the hospital and the syndicates had devised devious means to avoid regulatory triggers. Deokaran was the first to identify suspicious payments to over 200 companies, totalling around R850 million at Tembisa Hospital. However, the amounts identified by the SIU investigation now exceed R2bn. Deokaran was killed in August 2021, after exposing large-scale corruption and fraud. At least…

A 28-year-old man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after raping a 101-year-old woman in ZaaiPlaas Limpopo. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident took place at Sehlakoana village. On the night of July 26, 2024, the 101-year-old victim went to bed with her doors and windows securely locked. The following morning, July 27, 2024, at around 05:00, an intruder forced his way into her bedroom while she was still asleep. “The suspect forcibly restrained the victim, ordered her to remain quiet, undressed her, and raped her. After committing the heinous crime, the accused escaped through a window.” Ledwaba added that after the attack, the elderly victim called for help, and her nephew immediately went after the suspect. The breakthrough came through the meticulous work…

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has formally lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against media personality Ngizwe Mchunu, accusing him of hate speech and incitement to violence following a controversial video targeting the LGBTQIA+ community. Mchunu, known for his TikTok platform, Ngizwe Mchunu Online, posted a video widely condemned for its inflammatory remarks. The UDM described the comments as a “deliberate, calculated expression of discrimination” and “no less than incitement.” Though the video has since been deleted, it had already amassed over one million views, sparking hundreds of comments calling for violence against queer South Africans. IOL reported that the uproar was sparked after photos of a gay couple getting married in traditional attire went viral. The 44-year-old Mchunu made derogatory remarks in response, saying:…

The annual Tshwane Women in Business Awards (TWIBA), now in its fourth year, honoured this week the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs in various sectors at a prestigious ceremony held at the Maslow Hotel in Menlyn Maine. Organised by the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (Teda), the awards recognised the significant contributions of women business owners to the local economy and their efforts in overcoming obstacles. Sarah Mabotsa, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, emphasised the importance of inclusive growth in Tshwane's economic development strategy. “Women are uniquely skilled in their ability to multi-task. We wear many hats: we are mothers and wives, but we are also leaders and work to empower our communities. These awards serve to recognise, celebrate and develop women leaders in Tshwane,”…

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced a new Expedited Tax Debt Compromise Process to help taxpayers struggling with long-standing debts, while ensuring faster recovery of funds for the fiscus. The move follows discussions between SARS and Recognised Controlling Bodies (RCBs), where both parties agreed on measures to make it easier for taxpayers to manage overdue obligations while keeping compliance central. “SARS is always ready to assist taxpayers to fulfil their legal obligations,” SARS said. “Taxpayers who owe tax debt may often find it difficult to settle their debt due to financial challenges. SARS has various mechanisms to collect outstanding debt.” The expedited process, which will officially launch on October 13, is designed to address non-disputed tax debts older than 12 months. According to SARS, the new mechanism is…

Amid a climate crisis, rising energy costs and political finger-pointing, a convenient narrative is being pushed; that environmental activists are anti-development idealists whose opposition to fossil fuels is the root cause of the current energy crisis. But this oversimplified framing not only misrepresents their goals, it distracts from the deeper structural and governance issues in our energy systems. When energy executives or government officials blame environmental activists for South Africa’s energy crisis and accuse them of being anti-development, it is not just lazy, it is dangerous. When proponents of oil and gas claim that opposition to fossil fuel development is sabotaging our economy and worsening energy poverty, the narrative is both false and conveniently forgetful. What it does is shift responsibility away from decades of corruption, mismanagement, and profiteering in…

The Springboks are on the cusp of history as they aim to secure back-to-back Rugby Championship titles for the first time when they face Argentina in the second Test at Twickenham tomorrow afternoon. A bonus-point victory in London (3pm kick-off) will be enough for the world champions to clinch the title. Importantly, they will know at kick-off exactly what is required from them in this decisive clash. Here are five players who could be crucial to the Boks’ cause as they chase a second consecutive Championship crown. Backing Up His Statement Performance The Boks’ young star fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu stole the show in Durban, scoring a record-breaking 37 points in the 67-30 victory. He delivered a commanding performance to steer the team to victory – but now comes a sterner…

The big changes to the Sharks team for their second-round United Rugby Championship clash against the Dragons tomorrow night are the shift of Edwill van der Merwe from wing to full-back, and the promotion of Junior Springbok Jean Smith to fly-half. Speaking from Newport, coach John Plumtree said he had long identified Springbok Van der Merwe as a potential full-back, despite the 29-year-old never having played there before. “We lost Yaw Penxe to injury last week and I immediately thought about Edwill at full-back, because I believed he was one in the making even before he came to us from the Lions,” Plumtree said. “Edwill is a smart player; he can kick long and is excellent in the air. He’s 29 and has been around the track, so he understands…

A less experienced coach might approach a match against a team he has only recently beaten with a sense of complacency – perhaps even bordering on cockiness. After all, when you’ve earned maximum points against an opponent just a few days ago, logic suggests you should be able to repeat the feat, right? It stands to reason then that Sekhukhune United should be favourites to win their Carling Knockout first-round clash against Golden Arrows this weekend. Ba Bina Noko beat Abafana Bes’thende 1-0 in Polokwane on September 20 and will make the trip down to Durban confident of securing a place in the quarter-final draw. Yet listening to Eric Tinkler at the competition’s media conference in Bryanston on Thursday, you’d have sworn Sekhukhune were preparing to face a bogey side.…

Africa must urgently strengthen its health financing systems and reduce reliance on increasingly unreliable external aid, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said on Thursday. Speaking at the African Union’s 8th Specialized Technical Committee on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning and Integration, Godongwana warned that the continent’s health sector faces multiple crises, including underfunding, overstretched systems, and rising debt-service obligations. "This challenge adds on the existing increase in our debt-service obligations and diminished fiscal space to make available for domestic health spending," he said. "These challenges demand that we take charge in strengthening the resilience of our health financing whilst strategically weaning ourselves off external financing that is becoming less reliable." Godongwana highlighted South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency as an opportunity to place Africa’s concerns at the centre of global economic reform.…

Earlier this week, Discovery CEO Adrian Gore issued a stark but vital reminder: in emerging markets like South Africa, narrative drives reality. This is not just an elegant turn of phrase. It is how markets function — and a warning that the stories we tell about our country can either attract or repel the investment, talent, and trust we so desperately need. “The flywheel has to turn, and if you get it wrong at any point, it’s problematic,” Gore cautioned the audience. When narrative spins virtuous, it creates a reinforcing cycle: positive perception invites capital inflows, tourism, innovation, and confidence. But when it spins vicious, perception deters investment, erodes trust, and makes even incremental progress invisible. Narrative as Causality South Africa’s fundamentals are not as dire as the prevailing commentary…

Trustco Group Holdings, the shares of which are suspended on the JSE, on Thursday received a R5 million fine and another public censure by the JSE for selling off shareholding in its mining subsidiary, Meya Mining, without shareholder approval. Meanwhile, Trustco shareholders still await the publication of the latest annual results to August 31, 2024, which the company has blamed on JSE updates to auditor accreditation criteria that impacted Trustco's audit obligations as a Namibian company. Shareholders also await the release by the company of its stated plans to delist from the JSE, Namibia Stock Exchange, and the OTCQX Market in the US. Meya Mining is registered in Mauritius and operates a diamond mine within the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone. During 2021, Namibia-based Trustco held 65% of Meya Mining…

The Luxurious Marble Circus Some of the nation’s top musicians are set to rock the stage at this two-day music and fine dining gathering. Those who are part of the line-up include Mi Casa, DJ Maphorisa, DJ Kent, Kabza de Small, DJ Zinhle, MÖRDA and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Other acts will be Oskido, Shekhinah, Abby Nurock, Caiiro, Da Capo and Kid Fonque. Meanwhile, top celebrity chefs, including J’Something and David Higgs, will be making an appearance. There will also be different offerings from the Marble Group restaurants as well as circus acts and other entertainment. Where: Ground the Venue in Muldersdrift. When: Tomorrow and Sunday from 12pm on both days. Rosebank Mall’s Street Feast Come hungry to this event which promises mouth-watering eats, treats and beverages in celebration…

In today’s fast-paced world, many people spend long hours at work, often seated at a desk or staring at a screen. The continuous focus can be exhausting, and impact both physical and mental well-being. One simple yet effective solution is the practice of microbreaks. Understanding what microbreaks are, the benefits they offer, and how to incorporate them into daily routines can make a significant difference in overall productivity and health. What are microbreaks? Microbreaks are short, frequent pauses from a task, typically lasting one to five minutes. Unlike longer breaks, microbreaks are brief enough not to disrupt workflow but long enough to provide rest and recovery. They are moments to step away from work, stretch, move around or simply shift attention away from screens and tasks. The concept of microbreaks…

Johannesburg’s street renaming drive is reshaping the city’s identity, replacing apartheid-era legacies with names that celebrate black and female figures, but gaps in inclusivity remain. According to the Gauteng City- Region Observatory (GCRO), street names were more than just geographic markers; they symbolised power and dominance, reinforcing a narrative that sidelined the contributions of women and black people in South Africa’s history and culture. “Following the country’s political freedom, governments at municipal, provincial and national levels have renamed many streets and public places in an effort to decolonise urban space and reflect a post-apartheid society.” The GCRO noted that in June 2023, it mapped the gender and racial composition of Pretoria/Tshwane’s renamed streets. In October, the focus shifts to Johannesburg, where it will plot the racial and gender makeup of…

A dramatic turn unfolded in the Phala Phala farm robbery trial on Wednesday when a key state witness insisted the statement presented in court was not his, forcing the Modimolle Regional Court to declare him a hostile witness. The man, who allegedly transported suspects linked to the 2020 burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm, told the court he only received R7 000 for his role – contradicting his signed police statement, which claimed he had been paid US$30 000 in cash. Pressed on the inconsistency, the witness said he was intimidated and “scared” when giving his statement to investigators. “This is not my statement,” the witness, who cannot be named due to a court order, told the court. State prosecutor Nkhetheni Munyai applied for the court to declare the witness…

Commissions of inquiry normally have a role to play in a society but in South Africa they have lost their meaning due to their lack of implementation of the recommendations. This was according to political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe, who commented on the role of commissions in the country amid public scepticism on whether the ongoing Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry, set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will achieve its intended purpose. The Commission, which has been adjourned until October 13, is probing allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system. Seepe explained that commissions of inquiry are fundamentally designed to investigate and understand the root causes of social crises. “They are geared more towards understanding so that you can come up with recommendations to…

South Africa recently witnessed a significant legislative shift as the Liquor Amendment Bill (B21-2025) was introduced in the National Assembly. Spearheaded by Ntombovuyo Veronica Mente-Nkuna, a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the Bill aims to tackle the alarming rates of alcohol consumption and its detrimental effects on society. The explanatory memorandum accompanying the Bill, introduced on September 8, highlights the government’s commitment to counter the “normalisation of alcohol and liquor usage,” reflecting growing public health concerns regarding alcohol-induced hazards. Webber Wentzel associates Sabrina de Freitas and Juliet Killick say the proposed legislation specifically seeks to amend Section 9 of the Liquor Act 59 of 2003, which currently regulates advertising practices regarding liquor products. Significantly, the Bill proposes an outright ban on all forms of advertising, promotion, and product…

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has been a vital part of the city for over two decades, celebrated as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering” for its ability to draw top international artists, but more importantly, placing the spotlight on our very own. Its true strength lies in its deep commitment to local talent, showcasing some of South Africa's best musicians, from established legends to rising stars. The festival acts as a crucial platform for nurturing the next generation of artists and preserving South African sonic history, along with innovating the present and future sound. Recently, CTIJF hosted its second Conversation Series at The Athletic Club & Social, where we discussed South African Heritage: Legacy & Sound. As Nono Nkoane of Cape Town Jazz Train said, “We have to pay attention to…

It seems absurd to think now that the Proteas Women’s team travelled on economy flights, juggled full-time jobs whilst playing for the national team, and arrived at World Cups simply excited to return home with some free memorabilia. But in truth, that wasn’t too long ago, as former captain Mignon du Preez recollects in an exclusive interview with Independent Media ahead of the Proteas’ opening World Cup showdown with England in Guwahati today. “Yeah, I made my debut in 2007 for South Africa, my matric year, and I was listening to (Proteas allrounder) Marizanne Kapp speaking about her first World Cup and I remember like, we got to the World Cup, there were no photo shoots, there was no television,” said Du Preez, who played played 269 matches and scored…

Despite wearing an elbow brace like the cyborg assassin, The Terminator, Abdeslam Ouaddou believes he's neither hard to detect nor using rifles and shurikens to attack his opponents. Instead, he says he’s working hard with his players during training and giving them the best strategies to annihilate the opposition. However, speaking during the pre-match press conference ahead of the Carling Knockout last-16 clash at home to Siwelele tomorrow afternoon (3pm kick-off), Ouaddou remained humble, insisting he is “yet to arrive” despite the team’s impressive streak. “To be honest, I am not focused on that (being linked with a plumber or The Terminator). The most important thing is to focus on the job and be consistent,” Ouaddou said. “I am coaching a fantastic club and have the chance to be surrounded…

The 2025 Singapore Grand Prix will see a significant adjustment that could alter the complexion of Sunday’s race, with the FIA confirming an increase to the pitlane speed limit at Marina Bay. After years of operating at 60 km/h, drivers will now be allowed to run through the pitlane at 80 km/h, provided the safety trial during Friday practice sessions proves successful. The change may seem minor, but in a race where track position and pit stop timing can make or break a strategy, the implications are potentially game-changing. At roughly 400 metres long, the Marina Bay pitlane has always been one of the most punishing in Formula 1. Under the old 60 km/h restriction, the time loss for a stop was substantial, making teams reluctant to commit to two-stop…

“My job is to find solutions, not problems!” Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso acknowledged this during their Carling Knockout pre-match press conference ahead of their clash at home to Marumo Gallants tomorrow night (8pm kick-off). Sundowns have been somewhat a shadow of themselves since the start of the season as they’ve blown cold in domestic football, including missing out on the first silverware of the season—the MTN8 crown. Their lacklustre performances coupled with inconsistent results haven’t gone down well with some of Masandawana, as they’ve called for the head of Cardoso together with the sporting director, Flemming Berg, in recent weeks. Cardoso has stated that they’ve not been the same due to exhaustion and over-congested fixtures - which has seen more players being admitted to the medical room - and…

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) has raised alarm over growing cases of eFiling profile hijacking, warning that the scam poses a serious threat to taxpayer confidence in the South African Revenue Service (Sars) and the long-term credibility of the country’s digital tax system. In its long-awaited draft report on eFiling profile hijacking, released for public comment after repeated postponements at Sars’ request, the OTO said the practice exposes both systemic weaknesses and service delivery failures in how Sars assists victims. eFiling profile hijacking typically involves fraudsters using stolen personal details to access taxpayer profiles, submit false returns and claim refunds. The OTO said the scam is most common among personal income tax and VAT cases, with fraudulent claims usually under R10 000 but sometimes reaching up to R100…

The South African automotive industry faces a tough operating environment but remains focused on long-term success, Jeff Gable, Head of FIC Research at Absa CIB, told delegates at Naamsa Auto Week in Gqeberha this week. Gable said shifting consumer preferences are reshaping the domestic market. “Households also continue to turn towards SUVs, and so local production of these vehicles has been strong, whilst sedan sales are under a lot of pressure,” Gable said. In the new energy segment, Gable said mild hybrids have gained traction with local buyers due to affordable price points, while full electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles remain out of reach for most consumers. On the manufacturing side, Gable warned that South African Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) face mounting challenges. “For those SA firms that face off…

Africa Bitcoin Corporation’s (ABC) net asset value (NAV) per ordinary share would increase by 108% to R13.40 by the end of the six months to August 31, compared with the same period a year before. The company, which until recently was known as Altvest Capital, saw the secondary listing of its shares and preferred C ordinary shares become effective on the Development Capital Board of the Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX) on Thursday. This listing formed a central part of the company’s multi-exchange listing strategy, aimed at broadening access to regulated Bitcoin exposure across Africa and internationally. The company is also offering up to 1 million shares at N$11 per share, in a capital raise, the proceeds of which are expected to be used to acquire Bitcoin for the company’s treasury.…

South Africans are grappling with the legacy that Nathi Mthethwa left behind following his sudden death in Paris this week. Mthethwa, who held several cabinet portfolios before he was appointed Ambassador to France in 2023, leaves behind a record marked by both achievements and controversy. Political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela said Mthethwa’s career contained a mixture of successes and missteps. “He managed to bag some successes during his Minister of Police when Bheki Cele was a National Commissioner of Police. Between 2009 and 2014, serious crimes like CIT heists declined significantly. “However, in 2022, when Nathi Mthethwa was the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, he made a blunder by proposing a national flag project that would have cost taxpayers R22 million. I think this is an indelible legacy that people…

A 66-year-old man appeared in the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo for allegedly raping a three-year-old child. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspect, Selaelo Justice Mongalo, was arrested by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Polokwane on Monday, September 29, and appeared in court on October 1. Ledwaba explained that on September 25, at around 18:30, Mongalo, a crèche transport driver and husband of the crèche owner, dropped the child off late. Shortly afterwards, the child appeared restless and complained of pain. Her guardian immediately took her to a medical facility, where it was confirmed that the child had been raped. “A case of rape was initially reported at Botlokwa SAPS and later transferred to the Polokwane FCS Unit for further…

Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) commissioner Teboho Maruping has pocketed R1.4 million in salaries while on precautionary suspension in connection with the unlawful awarding of the R5 billion Thuja Capital contract. This takes place while Maruping’s disciplinary hearing is still under way. The hearing was instituted last year after he was placed on precautionary suspension in September 2023 with full pay. Maruping was suspended for his role in the conclusion of the unlawful job creation scheme contract entered into between the UIF and Thuja Holdings. The contract was declared invalid and set aside by the Pretoria High Court in May 2024 and an appeal was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal in August 2024. Replying to parliamentary questions from DA MP Michael Bagraim, Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said…

SIXTY elderly members from the Flamingo Senior Citizens Club, in Tongaat, were left stranded and devastated after their travel agent allegedly scammed them out of R40 000 for a planned holiday. The seniors had spent months saving for their trip only to discover there were no bookings made when they pitched up at the holiday flats. They said the agent, who is believed to be from the south coast, had disappeared. Kamala Reddy, the trip organiser and vice chairperson of the Flamingo senior citizens club, said they had eagerly anticipated the getaway at holiday flats in Umdloti on August 25. “I have been organising trips for the club for 20 years, and this was the first time I had used this travel agent. He was recommended by another senior citizen’s…

The staggering revelation from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) that R2 billion was siphoned out of Tembisa Hospital is not just another corruption headline. It is a post-mortem on the moral collapse of our governance system. It reveals a cancer that has metastasised fed not only by corrupt officials and politicians but by a banking sector that profits from the proceeds of crime while pretending not to see, while closing the accounts of black entrepreneurs, professionals, and organisations under the guise of reputational concerns, while they themselves being complicit in aiding criminal syndicates. Under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), financial institutions are legally obliged to detect and report suspicious transactions. Yet billions flowed from a public hospital to a web of front companies and into luxury assets, without raising…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos addressed the unsettling blunder that has cast a shadow over South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. At yesterday’s squad announcement in Johannesburg, Broos spoke about FIFA’s controversial decision to dock the team three vital points after fielding an ineligible player. However, Broos said he is keen to shift the focus onto the upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. He is calling for unity and determination from players and fans alike as they navigate through this turbulent period. Bafana’s first match is at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, against Zimbabwe on Friday, October 10. The team must secure a vital win to keep their World Cup hopes on track. Following this encounter, Bafana will return home to Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, where they…

Erling Haaland said Manchester City must show more energy to end their miserable run on the road in the Uefa Champions League, after twice blowing the lead in a 2-2 draw at Monaco. Haaland scored both the visitors’ goals at the Stade Louis II to take his tally for the season to 17 in just 10 appearances for club and country. Monaco rallied to level through a wonder strike by Jordan Teze, and Eric Dier’s late penalty secured a point for the Ligue 1 side. “I’m pissed off, I think everyone should be,” Haaland told the BBC. “It’s not good enough.” City have failed to win away from home in Europe for a year, although a point did at least snap a run of four consecutive Champions League defeats on…

The Carling Knockout Cup returns to the Premier Soccer League calendar with its newfound reputation for giving smaller teams within the Premiership a realistic shot at silverware. This reputation is well deserved, thanks to the recent triumphs of Stellenbosch FC and Magesi FC. After winning the inaugural Carling Knockout in 2023, Stellenbosch, coached by Steve Barker, were from then on a club on the rise as they went on to register the “Beer Cup” as their first top-flight silverware – what a way to open their trophy account, after all, they are from the Winelands. They defeated TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final. This victory was a significant milestone for the Capetonians and they capitalised on this success to later qualify for their first-ever…