Table of contents for 2026-01-23 in Star

DAVOS - Sekunjalo chairman Dr Iqbal Survé has called for closer collaboration between government, business and society to strengthen South Africa’s image as an attractive investment destination, saying the country’s future success depends on stakeholders working together. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Survé welcomed the tone and substance of speeches by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, saying they reinforced the message that South Africa is moving in the right direction. “I think they were really good speeches by the ministers,” said Survé. “They reaffirm South Africa’s trend towards becoming a more investment-friendly destination. That’s good for the country and good for South Africa’s brand image.” As a leading figure in the private sector,…

Sasol's Louisiana Integrated Polyethylene joint venture cracker experienced an extended outage in the three months to December 31. "The plant was successfully restarted at the end of December 2025. Our self-help measures continued to deliver benefits, which led to lower costs and capital expenditure," directors said on Thursday in a business update. An online search showed that LyondellBasell, as co-owner of the plant, had to balance the Louisiana outage first reported in November, against its global cracker network, mitigating supply disruptions through other facilities. The outage, however, did not appear to dampen investor sentiment following the release of Sasol's business update, as the share was a top mover on the JSE in the morning, rising 6.1% to R106.33. The price has risen steadily since a new strategy to optimise operations…

Agricultural industry leaders have responded positively to news that Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has appointed a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Industry Coordination Council. The news follows last week's announcement of Minister Steenhuisen's long-term plan to vaccinate South Africa’s entire national cattle herd as part of a comprehensive strategy to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Members of the newly appointed council include Johann Kotzé, Bennie van Zyl, Theo Boshoff, Frikkie Maré, Fanie Ferreira, Marlene Louw, Bongani Msimang, Kobus Bester, and Dewald Olivier. The Department of Agriculture said that this council has been established to ensure that the industry plays an active, coordinated role in supporting the phased rollout of the FMD strategy, including vaccine distribution, traceability, and disease control readiness. Steenhuisen expressed his full commitment to eradicating FMD. “This council…

As the local installment of the Netflix show Love is Blind is set to premiere in South Africa, fans are eager to see who will be featured in the show, while others are curious about the couple who will host. Typically, the host for this programme is a married couple. They serve as an example of successful love for the contestants and instruct them on the journey. Given the challenges of finding lasting love in South Africa, especially with many celebrity relationships ending prematurely, examples of enduring couples are rare. However, some celebrities stand out for demonstrating commitment and love. Here are some of the couples that fans are speculating might host Love is Blind South Africa. Kabelo and Gail Mabalane Kabelo, 49, and Gail Mabalane’s, 41, 13th anniversary is…

The Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria has entered a new chapter in the South African public healthcare system after successfully performing its first cryoablation procedure. This is said to be a milestone that positions the institution as the first public hospital in the country to introduce this advanced, minimally invasive treatment. The hospital said the procedure represents a significant step forward in the provision of specialised and super-specialised care within the Gauteng Department of Health. Cryoablation is a medical technique that destroys abnormal tissue, including cancer, by freezing it at extremely low temperatures, and is widely regarded internationally as a precise, patient-friendly alternative to conventional surgery for selected tumours. The pioneering procedure was performed by a team of specialised radiologists, which includes Doctor Rodney Masko, under the leadership of…

Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, has revealed that the South African government spent more than R3.7 billion on VIP and static protection services during the 2024/25 financial year. This amount, which includes R2.29bn allocated for VIP protection and an additional R1.42bn for static protection, was disclosed in response to a parliamentary question posed by ActionSA MP, Alan Beesley. Beesley had asked for details about the financial allocations for protecting the President, Deputy President, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and international dignitaries, specifically querying the actual, current, and projected expenditure on these services for the 2024/25, 2025/26, and 2026/27 financial years. The figure, which represents a significant portion of the national budget, is projected to rise even further. This ongoing rise in expenditure highlights what ActionSA describes as the “unchecked growth of…

Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile and one of his departments face the embarrassment of having expensive furniture and appliances auctioned off by the sheriff to enforce a R1.14 million bargaining council award. Yesterday, the sheriff responsible for Johannesburg Central descended on Maile’s office at Umnotho House on Eloff Street to record an inventory of furniture and appliances across the 15 floors occupied by the provincial Economic Development Department. This follows the department’s Corporate Governance Director, Sibusiso Dlangalala, who obtained an award reinstating him in November last year at the General Public Service Sector Bargaining Council (GPSSBC). Last month, the award was certified by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in accordance with the Labour Relations Act (LRA). The LRA states that an arbitration award issued…

A VIRAL video showing Steers fast-food employees performing gardening duties instead of their kitchen roles has sparked outrage. The South African Workers Union leader intervened, claiming the practice violated labour laws, while Steers has launched an investigation into the incident at their Menlo Park, Pretoria outlet. The footage has been widely circulated on social media, prompting debates about the dignity of labour and the responsibilities of employers towards their staff. It shows Steers workers trimming trees, pruning plants, gathering leaves, and clearing walkways along the restaurant’s sidewalk and garden area. The video was recorded by South African Workers Union Ya Bashumi (SAWU) leader Lebusa Mamaregane. Mamaregane said he became concerned when he noticed staff members, whom he identified as kitchen employees, carrying out duties he believed fell outside their job…

The Pretoria Capitals (PC) have all the cards stacked in their favour after booking an early ticket to the SA20 final. Whichever team they face on Sunday, will have to deal with not only a confident PC outfit but also the looming threat of physical fatigue. Ultimately, PC's seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) in Qualifier 1 earlier this week boiled down to patience. There was a point in the game where it looked as though SEC were going to set a target in excess of 190 runs — a total that would have almost certainly taken the match away from the Capitals. During Jordan Hermann and Jonny Bairstow's 81-run stand, the pair scored at over eight runs an over, touching the nine runs an over mark at one…

The Lions’ demise in the Challenge Cup has at least given them clarity of purpose for the remainder of the season, and to that end, they have picked their strongest possible side for tonight’s United Rugby Championship encounter with the Ospreys in Bridgend. Coach Ivan van Rooyen held back a few senior stars for last week’s Challenge Cup match against Perpignan. The 20-20 draw was hard-fought, but the two points were not enough for the Joburgers to advance to the Round of 16. Now it is all about the URC and making the playoffs for the first time in Lions history. The Lions will empty the tank against the Ospreys in a bid to end their tour on a high and build on their current position of seventh on the…

Eskom CEO Dan Marokane says there is no replacement contract in place for the existing power supply agreement Eskom is racing against time to secure a new power supply agreement with Mozambique’s Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), as the current deal that supplies electricity to Mozal aluminium smelter is set to expire at the end of March, raising the risk of major operational disruptions if negotiations fail. Speaking amid growing concern over the looming deadline, Eskom CEO Dan Marokane on Thursday confirmed that the existing power supply agreement will formally end in March and that no replacement contract has yet been concluded. This has heightened anxiety around the future of Mozal, one of southern Africa’s largest aluminium smelters owned by South32 and a significant industrial consumer of electricity. Late last…

Zanele Matome, the CEO and founder of Welo Health, is making her mark on the global stage as one of the few African tech entrepreneurs invited to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. Born and raised in Rustenburg in South Africa’s North West province, Matome is using her debut appearance at WEF to seek strategic investors who can help make her digital health startup a household name globally. Matome is the CEO and co-founder of Welo Health, a South Africa–based digital health tech startup that helps employers better manage the health of their workforce. Welo Health connects corporates, health insurers, and healthcare professionals through a single, flexible ecosystem designed to improve health outcomes while boosting productivity. Built as an infrastructure platform, Welo Health enables companies to reduce absenteeism, manage…

From the revelations about the Beckham family feud, to new music and the 2016 trend leaving us in our feels, this week celebs just kept dropping bombshells non-stop. Dive into the latest weekly celebrity gossip: 1 Young Stunna surprises his mom with a brand-new car Amapiano sensation Young Stunna, whose real name is Sandile Msimango, shared a heartwarming moment on social media after he surprised his mom with a brand-new car. The car, which was parked outside his mother’s home, was covered in a red cloth and topped with a big blue bow. 2 David Beckham responds to Brooklyn Beckham allegations The details of the Beckham family’s intense feud has been revealed after Brooklyn took to Instagram to detail what happened between him, his wife Nicola and his parents. He…

The laws governing stem cells and regenerative medicine are still very stringent in South Africa. However, according to Dr. Reza Mia, the nation’s first physician to be certified by the American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), recent advancements point to cautious progress. “Stem cell therapy and research are still effectively banned in South Africa,” Dr Mia said. “That hasn’t changed in law. What has changed is that there are now very narrow, clearly defined pathways that allow research and treatment without breaking the law.” He explained that the original ban stemmed from ethical concerns around foetal stem cells harvested from fertilised embryos. “At the time, stem cells could only be obtained by destroying a developing baby,” he said. “That was the core ethical issue, and rightly so.” Dr Mia said…

Five accused have appeared before the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court in North West on charges of illegal dealing in unwrought precious metals and theft of unwrought precious metals. Speaking to IOL, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, confirmed that the accused appeared in court on Wednesday. “All five accused are still in the dock. The matter was postponed to 29 April 2026,” said Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula. He said the accused Claudette du Plessis, George Sambo, Michael du Plessis and Hendrick Viljoen were released on R20 000 bail during a previous court appearance. The fifth accused, Zimbabwean national Alphigio Tavavinga, was denied bail. “Tavavinga’s bail application was opposed successfully as he is an undocumented foreign national,” said Mathebula. In a joint…

Asset Auctions are selling a vacant residential stand in Waterfront Estate, Pretoria. Acting on instructions from the Curator Bonis in the matter of NDPP VS ERF 210 Sable Hills Waterfront Estate (AFU), Case No. 2024-075087, they will sell by way of public auction 2301 Hartebeest Circle, Sable Hills, Waterfront Estate. The stand is in an established residential estate and has an ERF size of approximately 1013m². The estate consists of mostly freehold properties around one side of Roodeplaat dam and the nature reserve. It is close to Pebble Rock Golf and Country Club and Curro Roodeplaat High School. The live webcast auction will take place onsite on Wednesday, January 28 at 11am. Bidders can participate live onsite or via the company’s online platform/app: online.assetauctions.co.za Viewing is by appointment with the…

In a show of regional solidarity and humanitarian commitment, Rescue South Africa has dispatched a specialist swift water and aviation rescue team to Mozambique, responding to a formal appeal from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). This deployment comes as the region grapples with a severe flooding emergency that has displaced thousands and threatened the safety of countless lives. It also follows engagement with South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), which confirmed that no additional domestic emergency support was required at this time, allowing Rescue South Africa to make its resources available for international humanitarian assistance. “The mission is being conducted under the South African flag, in alignment with national coordination frameworks and international humanitarian response protocols. The response is further strengthened through collaboration…

Orlando Pirates will be eager to inflict more misery on Sekhukhune United and avenge their early-season loss when the two teams meet at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium tomorrow (3.30pm kick-off). Pirates are determined to continue their purple patch in the second half of the season, having been the best team last year. They won the MTN8 and Carling Knockout while finishing 2025 top of the Betway Premiership. While the Bucs' form told the story of a team eager to end their 13–year drought and Mamelodi Sundowns’ seven-year reign, it nearly faltered – at least under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Ouaddou lost his first league game to Sekhukhune at home. As a result, outside noise amplified, with calls for his sacking, as many felt he wasn’t the ideal candidate to…

With one not-so-subtle post on X, confirming that attack guru Tony Brown won’t be leaving the Springboks anytime soon, Rassie Erasmus has ignited a fiery debate. Rather than issuing a bland statement or allowing stories on Brown’s future to dictate the discourse, Erasmus took to X on Saturday. In his typical fashion, he got his point across with a sense of humour that rugby could probably use a bit more of. Following the sacking of Scott Robertson, the rumour mill went into overdrive. As quickly as “Razor sacked” began to trend, Brown was linked to South Africa’s fiercest rivals. Whispers from New Zealand suggested he could be drawn into an All Blacks set-up, possibly alongside Jamie Joseph as part of a revival plan heading towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.…

State defence entity Denel has remained mum as labour and political parties have sounded strong alarm bells after employees at Denel PMP and Denel Dynamics were informed that the divisions are unable to pay salaries for this month, in what appears to be another salary crisis at the state-owned company. Strong views have been expressed calling for the appointment of a new, permanent board with appropriate expertise in the defence industry, engineering, finance and project execution; consequence management for the non-implementation of board-approved strategies; a new management approach with zero tolerance for corruption; and serious consideration of public–private partnerships to restore sustainability, protect strategic capabilities and secure jobs. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), which among other labour organisations has been involved in charting a turnaround plan,…

A stronger rand is translating to mixed fortunes to the cost profile of South32’s aluminium production in South Africa and Mozambique while higher energy costs and other raw materials are also weighing In South Africa, South32 produces aluminium from Hillside Aluminium, which is located in KwaZulu- Natal while it also mines for manganese at the Wessels mine in the Northern Cape. The company also operated Mozal Aluminium, which it was planning to mothball due to a failure to secure a power supply agreement for the operation. Over the quarterly period to December, South32 completed planned maintenance works at the South Africa mine. This helped to bring up South32’s total manganese production for the period by 58% “as Australia Manganese returned to normalised production rates, while South Africa Manganese completed planned…

Big Top Rock Get a rocking start to your 2026 with this music and circus spectacular. Big Top Rock is a full-throttle rock-and-roll production which features a high-voltage fusion of iconic anthems, jaw-dropping aerial artistry, and an electric atmosphere. The legendary Big Top Ringmaster will entertain the crowd with hits from icons such as Elvis Presley, Pink, Michael Jackson, Roxette and Queen, along with a host of other stage performances. Where: The Barnyard Theatre at Emperors Palace. When: Runs until February 1, with shows at 2pm and 7pm. Viennese New Year with Richard Cock Celebrate the Viennese New Year with The Phoenix Orchestra, under the spirited direction of Maestro Richard Cock. This event will include Viennese waltzes, lively polkas, and timeless melodies by the Strauss family and their contemporaries.…

​ “Nearly 8 000 people clicked the Buy Now button, but no sales went through,” said Hlumelo Nyaluza, the founder of HN Luxury, recalling the costly comma error that once derailed his African luxury bag brand. Last year, the Soweto-based entrepreneur lost millions of rands after a misplaced comma in the e-commerce site’s pricing code inflated product costs, turning a bag priced at R19 500 into R1 950 000 in the system. Even Africa’s first bulletproof bag, which racked up more than 800 000 views in two days, failed to sell. Nyaluza estimated the error cost between R1.3 million and R26 million. Despite the setback, Nyaluza started 2026 on a strong note. Refusing millions from an American investor to maintain full control of his company, he grew HN Luxury’s parent…

“We can’t complain. I believe everything happens for a reason. But let this be a lesson for each and every taxi owner and any driver that is driving to be very cautious and do some introspection and monitor cars.” Those were the words of Themba Radebe, family spokesperson for his late niece Busisiwe Radebe, 16, who died in the crash. He was speaking outside the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court after private scholar transport driver Ayanda Dludla abandoned his bail application in the accident that claimed 14 learners in the Vaal. Dludla appeared before the court on January 22, where the case was postponed to March 5, 2026. The deadly Vaal crash has once again placed the spotlight on road safety failures, vehicle roadworthiness, and alleged negligence within the taxi industry. Grieving…

Police in Limpopo have launched a murder investigation following the alleged mob assault of a Zimbabwean national accused of stealing electric cables at Lefara Village in the Maake policing area. According to the South African Police Service, the incident occurred on Tuesday. Police said officers were called to the village after reports of a mob attack and found community members gathered around an unknown man lying on the ground with serious injuries. An ambulance was summoned, and the injured man was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. Before being transported, police were able to speak to the victim, who was later identified as a Zimbabwean national residing at Bridgeway Village. Preliminary information suggests he was assaulted by community members who accused him of stealing electric cables. Later that…

Two school pupils and their driver narrowly escaped injury after the scholar transport vehicle they were travelling in burst into flames in Vosloorus, Gauteng, yesterday morning. This incident comes days after a horror scholar transport crash in the Vaal in which a minibus taxi carrying learners collided head‑on with a truck near Vanderbijlpark, claiming the lives of 14 pupils. Yesterday morning, the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), said firefighters were called to a “well alight vehicle fire” at 6 am in Vosloorus Extension 7, on Inyetsane Street. DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi said by the time crews arrived, the taxi was already fully engulfed. “All three occupants managed to get out of the vehicle with no injuries.” The two pupils, aged 10 and six and from the…

Novak Djokovic sent 141st-ranked qualifier Francesco Maestrelli packing in straight sets to ease into the Australian Open third round yesterday with a little help from his favourite tree. The Serbian great is on his latest mission to win a record 25th Grand Slam title and dismissed the Italian 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Djokovic faces 75th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands next. The former world number one, who won his first match by the same comprehensive scoreline, said: "Similar feeling on the court of generally positive." The fourth seed did not play a warm-up tournament and said his longer off-season was paying off. "I'm really happy I'm able to play this way, considering the lack of competitive matches for more than two months," the 38-year-old said. "It's all been…

As Mamelodi Sundowns strive to add a second star above their crest, one of the three surviving squad members from the triumphant class of 2016 has urged the current crop of players to leave the jersey better than they found it. Sundowns are chasing their second CAF Champions League title this season, a decade after winning their maiden crown under homegrown and legendary coach Pitso Mosimane. Their pursuit of the title over the years has included heartbreak, most notably last season when they came agonisingly close, finishing as losing finalists to Pyramids, who were victorious at the first attempt. One encouraging aspect of the current squad is that they do not need to seek motivation from outside, as they still have three surviving members - Denis Onyango, Thapelo Morena and…