Star -julkaisun 2025-01-07 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

The manufacturing sector in South Africa ended the year on a dull note as private sector firms registered the first decline in business activity in four months and fell into contractionary territory. After signalling growth in each of the previous four months, the S&P Global South Africa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dropped below the 50.0 neutral threshold at the end of 2024 to 49.9 in December, down from 50.9 in November, signalling a fractional decline in private sector business conditions. According to S&P Global, muted demand conditions led to a stalling of sales growth and a pull-back in hiring. S&P yesterday said that the sector was also influenced by a rise in inflationary pressures, as quickening cost burdens drove a solid uptick in firms' selling prices. The drop-off in growth…

Energy experts yesterday said they were positive that an improved Eskom performance will see load shedding stay away for the foreseeable future after last week marked 285 days of no rotational power cuts. Experts said that improved performance can be attributed to strategic and well-managed leadership at Eskom. Craig Morkel, chairperson of the Gas Economy Leadership Team at Saoga (SA Oil and Gas Alliance), said that the successful suspension of load shedding for the last 285 days was a reflection of the strategic leadership by Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and the operational management led by Eskom Group CEO, Dan Marokane. “The successful implementation of the Energy Action Plan by the National Electricity Crisis Committee (NECOM), comprising Eskom, other organs of state, and the private sector, has resulted…

China’s top diplomat began his annual New Year tour of Africa on Sunday, maintaining a 35-year-long tradition, to quietly advance Beijing’s already sizeable influence across the resource-rich continent as Europe’s presence wanes and America's wavers. While global capitals and investors brace for the return of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to the White House, and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and domestic politics keep German and French ministers occupied, Foreign Minister Wang Yi being in Namibia, the Republic of Congo, Chad and Nigeria highlights the consistency of China’s engagement with Africa, analysts say. Wang’s visit through to Saturday also comes as the world’s No.2 economy ramps up its financial support for the debt-laden continent and looks to strike more critical minerals deals and find markets to absorb its exports.…

A powerful new documentary, Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy, shines a spotlight on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ controversial career, offering an inside look at his rise to fame and the criminal accusations that have now clouded his legacy. According to the Daily Mail, the 90-minute special, set to stream on Peacock from January 14, features shocking interviews with key figures from Diddy’s past, including childhood friends and former bodyguards. These insiders provide fresh insights into the mogul’s life, alongside previously unseen footage that captures the highs and lows of his career. One notable participant is Al B. AA and former partner of Kim Porter, who later became involved with Combs. In the documentary, he breaks his silence on the mogul’s alleged dark side. The trailer teases moments from the…

The mother of Ashley Oosthuizen, who is imprisoned for life in Thailand for drug trafficking, has not given up the fight to get her child back home as she seeks legal advice in South Africa. Lynnette Blignaut from George relocated to Thailand more than two years ago in order to be closer to her 25-year-old daughter, who was arrested for drug possession in that country in 2020. She shared with Cape Argus, this week, how she is able to visit Oosthuizen at the prison once a week for at least 20 minutes at a time and is allowed to make a phone call. Blignaut completed a legal petition together with an appeal to the Supreme Court in Thailand, which was submitted in 2022 and 2023 and is now awaiting the…

As the battle between the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Information Regulator gets into full swing today in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, many matriculants around the country wait anxiously to hear the verdict on whether their results will be published in newspapers or not. This follows the Information Regulator taking the matter to the high court stating that the DBE was acting against the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) by making the results publicly available. In response to the matter, DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the case between the department and the Information Regulator was not about winning or losing. It was about “clarity” in terms of the implementation of the POPI Act. “The work of the Department will not be affected at all whether…

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings for disruptive rainfall, which is expected to last until Wednesday, January 8, with rainfall accumulations projected to be between 50 and 70 mm. This is as holidaymakers journey back home from the coastal areas to places like Gauteng. KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma expressed concern over the rising number of accidents, particularly on major routes like the N3 and N2 highways. “Since the 1st of January, around 10 people have died on our roads. With the rain, the roads are slippery. We are requesting motorists to be extra careful,” said Duma. The MEC emphasised the coordinated efforts of the Road Traffic Inspectorate and municipal teams in monitoring traffic flow to ensure motorists' safety. In addition to road…

The conduct of police officers in arresting a motorist on a non-charge of reckless driving, his wife for trumped-up charges of interfering with the SAPS for doing their work, pepper spraying the couple and insults hurled at the wife which were so profound that an interpreter refused to translate the words in court, will cost the taxpayers dearly. The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, ordered the minister of police to pay R420 000 in damages to Salthiel Langa and R490 000 towards his wife, Zanele Langa. The pair were so affected by their ordeal that both still suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. The couple instituted separate claims for damages against the police for unlawful arrest and detention, and for assault, as a result of an incident that occurred in October 2020.…

The case against the 42-year-old police sergeant based at the Eldorado Park police station in Johannesburg, Mandla Buthelezi, has been postponed to February 26. Buthelezi, who shot and killed his 22-year-old girlfriend Chenay Keppler, will remain in police custody. He appeared at the Protea Magistrate Court on Monday. Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the sergeant, who turned the gun on himself after shooting Keppler, was discharged from the hospital and is detained at Moroka SAPS. “The officer allegedly fired several shots at his 22-year-old girlfriend through the window at her residence in Eldorado Park, following a domestic dispute. After the incident, the accused officer fled the scene,” she said. Founder of #MyLifeMatters and MMC for finance Margaret Arnolds joined the Keppler’s family in court on Monday. Arnolds said she has…

A number of people on social media have been sure to weigh-in after news broke of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini going through a divorce with one of his wives, according to reports. Shortly after he inherited the throne, Misuzulu married in 2021. The name of the wife in question has not been divulged to protect her children. Reports state that the King cited the breakdown of their marriage as the reason for the divorce. He reportedly filed for divorce at the Pietermaritzburg High Court in KwaZulu-Natal. “The marriage relationship between the plaintiff and the defendant has reached such a state of disintegration that there is no reasonable prospect for the restoration of a normal marriage between the parties,” the affidavit reads. The affidavit further stated that the couple has been separated…

NEWLANDS, CAPE TOWN - SOUTH Africa earned a hard-fought 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second and final Test at Newlands and whitewashed the visitors 2-0 to end the summer and their World Test Championship campaign on a high note on Monday. When Captain Temba Bavuma started his captaincy tenure about two years ago, there were not many people who could have predicted that he would lead the Test squad to the final of the World Test Championship let alone being the most successful Test captain in the current 2023-2025 WTC cycle. In the nine Tests that the captain has led South Africa in, the 34-year-old has only lost one Test against India, drew one against the West Indies and won seven as he recorded a 78 percent win rate…

India’s 3-1 defeat in Australia exposed the fragility of their top order, but equally unmissable was how much they rely on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who gave it all until he broke down in the series finale in Sydney. The seam-bowling genius finished the five-test series with 32 wickets at an average of 13.06 and was the obvious choice for the player-of-the-series award despite being on the losing side. Bumrah, who laid low by a back spasm, was not available to bowl in Australia's second innings in the low-scoring thriller in Sydney where the hosts prevailed by six wickets to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. “It's a little disappointing in the end because I probably missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series,” a dejected Bumrah said…

Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face challenges in managing payroll and recruitment due to limited resources. With budget constraints, these businesses may find it difficult to invest in advanced payroll software or establish a dedicated HR team. However, the complexities of payroll processing, coupled with the need to recruit the right talent and labour resources, can create significant strain on SMEs striving for growth and operational efficiency. Complex challenges require simple solutions Overcoming the complexities of payroll and recruitment can be a daunting task for SMEs. Limited resources and tight budgets often hinder the ability to invest in advanced payroll software or establish a dedicated HR team. However, a streamlined solution exists: partnering with a Temporary Employment Services (TES) provider. A TES provider offers a comprehensive, bundled service that…

The Road Freight Association (RFA) has called for closer scrutiny of the recently published Transnet Network Statement, urging a thorough examination to determine if Transnet can create an effective and efficient operational environment for third-party operators on the country's rail network. With the logistics utility being at the core of South Africa’s transport infrastructure, the RFA is calling attention to the necessity for confidence in Transnet’s ability to handle a surge of rail traffic amidst the demands of the national logistics chain. The Transnet Network Statement, approved for publication by Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy in late December, has sparked a mix of optimism and concern. RFA CEO, Gavin Kelly, yesterday emphasised the need to scrutinise several factors that could impact rail efficiency, including signalling systems, rail mass carrying capacity,…

The Dome used for the funeral of late President Nelson Mandela in Qunu in the Eastern Cape, will be utilised as a temporary venue for the next two years, costing between R12 and 13 million, as the construction design of the rebuilding of parliament takes shape. On December 18, 2024, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said the dome was expected to be erected within 24 days in preparation for the 2025 opening of Parliament and State of the Nation Address (SONA), which proposed to take place on February. This week, Lennox Mabaso, Head of Communication: DPWI, told Cape Argus it was all systems go ahead for the Dome but that more details would be revealed closer to the opening. “Our cost for construction is around 12 to 13…

A Gauteng family was rescued thanks to the efforts of Good Samaritans and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) after being swept out to sea at Sandstrand, Jongensfontein, in the Western Cape. National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) station commander, Stéfan Grové, said rescue teams sprung into action following reports that a father, mother and their teenage daughter were caught in rip currents and swept out to sea on Friday. “Two surfers also assisted by swimming out to the family. The mother was found unconscious but still breathing,” he said. Grové said the woman was loaded onto a surfboard while the daughter and father managed to hold onto the second surfboard. Once in the care of NSRI rescue swimmers, the NSRI lifeguard and the surfers, the family was kept afloat until…

In a frustrating turn of events, events manager and florist Thato Miles Nsala took to social media platform X to share his unsettling experience with domestic low-cost carrier FlySafair. After booking a flight, Nsala arrived at the airport only to be told that there were no seats available for his flight —a situation that many passengers have encountered but one that remains deeply problematic in the aviation industry. “So we show up at the airport and @FlySafair says we don’t have seats for the same flight we paid for. If you have 200 seats, why take payments for 300 passengers?” An aggrieved Nsala posted on X, expressing disbelief at the airline's overbooking practices. Flight overbooking is a common strategy employed by airlines worldwide. This practice involves selling more tickets than…

THE South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has received a New Year boost in its crime-fighting efforts with a brand-new sport utility vehicle added to its fleet in Johannesburg. The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro crossover SUV was donated and handed over to SAPS Cleveland police station by Consul General Pan Qingjiang, head of the Chinese Consulate General situated in Joburg. The handover ceremony held in Joburg was attended and officiated by Joburg sub-district commander, Brigadier Hennie Jones who repre- sented SAPS Gauteng provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni; and senior officials including station commander of SAPS Cleveland, Colonel Moses Lekalakala; chairperson of the Gauteng Community Policing Forum (CPF) board, Thokozani Jacob Masilela; Deputy Consul-General of China in Johannesburg, Zhou Yujiang, and Director of SA-Chinese Community and Police Cooperation Center,…

The birth of a rhino brought a much-needed glimmer of hope and light to Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary in the Mpumalanga province after two calves were admitted within 24 hours of their mothers being killed by poachers. Venus, a rescued, rehabilitated and rewilded rhino orphan, gave birth to her first calf in the Intensive Protection Zone over the weekend. On Sunday morning, Care for Wild reported that the 21st rhino calf was born at the sanctuary. “Amongst the devastation of two new orphan arrivals, a glimmer of hope and light!” exclaimed Care for Wild after the birth. “The little female calf was born between 8pm and 10pm and is healthy and well.” Care for Wild said Venus is transitioning beautifully into motherhood, “an incredible sight to behold when you…

KwaZulu-Natal's road safety is in the spotlight following a troubling surge in truck accidents, prompting the province's MEC for Transport, Siboniso Duma, to advocate strongly for improvements to the rail network. His commitment comes in light of recent incidents resulting in serious injuries and fatalities on key routes, including the N3 and N2. Duma expressed concern over the rising number of accidents, exacerbated by heavy rainfall making roads dangerous. “We have noticed an increase in road accidents along the N3, N2 and other routes as a result of heavy rainfall,” he said. “I will be pursuing the issue of rail network vigorously this year, being guided by the Economic Regulation for Transport Act signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June last year.” With a tragic tally of approximately 10 road…

The project of Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi went awry on Sunday when Cape Town City, who played second fiddle for the greater part of the game, ran out 1-0 winners in the Betway Premiership clash at Cape Town Stadium, in Green Point. In recent times, Nabi did not take kindly to media questions about Chiefs’ lack of consistency or poor performances. He invariably responded, saying he was busy with a project, and it remained a work in progress as the season unfolded. After Sunday’s match, the media adopted a similar line of questioning and Nabi assured them that he was still in the process of instilling his way of playing, without fearing for his position as Chiefs' head coach. “It’s been six months, and we feel that regarding…

No sooner had Temba Bavuma lifted the series trophy after his team completed their seventh successive Test victory the Proteas captain was asked if he was leading a special team. It was the obvious question with yesterday’s 10-wicket win over Pakistan elevating Bavuma’s boys to the elite status of being second on the all-time list of great Proteas teams - sitting only behind Shaun Pollock’s lads that won nine straight games from October 2002 until May 2003. “Yeah, I think there is something special that's brewing amongst the team,” Bavuma said. “A lot of guys have said that. I've heard KG (Kagiso Rabada) say that. I've heard Keshav (Maharaj) say that. I can't really pinpoint what it is, but I think it's quite evident from the outside. “You know, people…

Novak Djokovic has admitted to still getting stressed when he gets off a plane at Melbourne airport after he was deported from Australia three years ago. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had his visa cancelled ahead of the 2022 Australian Open following days of drama over Australia's COVID entry rules and his unvaccinated status. “I have to be quite frank," Djokovic said in an interview with Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper. “The last couple of times I landed in Australia, to go through passport control and immigration – I had a bit of trauma from three years ago. “And some traces still stay there when I'm passing passport control, just checking out if someone from immigration zone is approaching. The person checking my passport – are they going to take me,…

Kobus Verster, CEO of Amsa says efforts over the past year had not translated into a solution ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (Amsa) closure of its longs steel business will affect 3 500 employees who are set to lose jobs and will impact iron ore suppliers such as Afrimat, with further effects on the local local automotive industry that relies on the company for supplies, leaving a serious dent on the country’s industrial sector. This comes as Amsa in November 2023 announced a decision to suspend operations at its longs steel businesses although it kept the Vereeniging and Newcastle factories operational after widespread stakeholder concerns. This paved the way for engagements and negotiations with the government and other affected parties. However, Amsa yesterday said there has been no respite or significant improvements…

The rural economy has been neglected and left to its own demise, once an exciting and soulful place to visit during the holiday season. Local stores and halls have become dilapidated structures that only pleasure us through nostalgia. Growing up most South Africans would purchase their basic household needs at a local general store. The owners of these general stores were mainly locals and those families were considered more well-off than most families in the community. Despite that, the community has a sense of comradery that garnered unreserved supported by consumers in around their jurisdiction. The rise of shopping centers in rural areas promising access, convenience, variety and job creation came at the detriment of rural entrepreneurial activity and self-sufficiency of locals. Previously, the wages locals would earn or working…

The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks), along with the Asset Forfeiture Unit, has secured a final forfeiture order against Bradley Slingers, the former Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Roads and Public Works in the Northern Cape. Slingers, 58, was arrested on November 16, 2023, after a roadblock near Shell Ultra City on the N12 revealed a large sum of cash in his vehicle. A search of Slingers’ (car) uncovered R200 000 in his possession, as well as three additional bags containing a total of over R679 000 in cash. It appears that the Hawks have been investigating National Department of Public Works officials for some time, and the road block was set up to clamp down on corruption syndicate happening at the DPWI. Sources close to the…

WITH back to school just a week away, parents are starting to feel the financial pressure of school stationery and uniforms, with long lists of necessary items for learners setting them back hundreds to thousands. The list for the average Grade 6 learner needing three 288 hard cover books, four 96 page hard cover books, three 72 page soft cover books, a sketchbook, a scientific calculator, a mathematics set, pencils, crayons, exam pads, dictionaries and more. On top of the stationery essentials are also the clothes needed, including shirts and socks, pants, shoes, belts, jerseys, blazers, tracksuits, sports attire, etc. On average a scientific calculator costs a parent R200, while a school blazer can range from R1000 to R1500 and upwards. Pencils cost R30 for three, while a hardcover can…

As diplomatic tensions escalate, the South African government finds itself under increasing pressure to take decisive action following Taiwan's refusal to comply with a request to relocate its representative office in Pretoria to Johannesburg. This contentious situation has drawn remarks from senior officials and various political parties, heightening the stakes in a long-standing international relationship. At the crux of the dispute is a clear ultimatum laid out by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who recently expressed the government’s disapproval of Taiwan's failure to heed calls for the relocation. He highlighted that South Africa severed its political and diplomatic ties with Taiwan back in 1997, and this request aligns with United Nations General Assembly resolution 2758, a principle acknowledged globally. “Relocating what will be re-branded as Trade…

THE future of a former learner at a secondary school in Temba township, Tshwane, hangs in the balance as the school refuses to release his matric certificate over R600 in unpaid fees towards its School Improvement Plan (SIP) that was meant to raise learner academic achievement. The learner, Emmanuel Moiloa, 23, who completed his matric in 2022, was forced to put his future plans on hold as he could not afford the payment. His sister Violet Moiloa said the family was dependent solely on social grants and her attempts to explain their financial struggles were met with indifference and a rigid demand for payment at the school. “The school officials have refused to listen to me, insisting that they will only hand over the certificate once the outstanding amount is…

ActionSA wants the Gauteng Department of Health to be placed under administration. The party said the department was dysfunctional, failed to manage its finances and carry out its mandate. The party added that the department was actually in disarray. Gauteng Health has been rocked by allegations of corruption and mismanagement for years. The department was embroiled in the Covid-19 PPE corruption worth R125 million in 2020. It was reported that the tender was awarded to the late Madzikane II Thandisiwe Diko, the husband of former President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Khusela Diko. The report revealed that Diko was awarded the tender through personal relationship with the then Health MEC, Bandile Masuku. It was reported that Masuku’s wife, Loyiso, was a close friend of Khusela. In August 2021, whistleblower Babita Deokaran was…

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had resolved to hold its 113 anniversary celebration in the Western Cape on Saturday as it has ties to the province’s ‘profound struggle against colonialism, slavery and apartheid’. The party’s January 8 statement will be delivered by ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa, who will address the crowd at Mandela Park which has a capacity of 22 000 people. “This year’s celebrations are hosted in the Western Cape, the province that embodies the dual legacies of oppression and resistance… The people of this province have been at the forefront of the fight for justice.” The tradition of the statement began in 1972, 60 years after the founding of the ANC, and the annual statement has become a cornerstone of the…

Liverpool boss Arne Slot defended Trent Alexander-Arnold who drew scathing criticism from pundits after their 2-2 draw with mid-table Manchester United on Sunday, a result that felt like “two points lost” for the Premier League leaders. United's Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot left the Liverpool defender - who has been linked this week with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid - chasing shadows for much of the game, and former United captain Roy Keane pulled no punches. “We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward, but Trent's defending today, my goodness it's like schoolboy stuff,” Keane said on the Sky Sports broadcast. “There's talk about him going to Real Madrid, the way he's defending he’s going to Tranmere Rovers after this. He's got to do better.” Asked if…

Given that Orlando Pirates must be consistent to achieve their targets this season, coach Jose Riveiro says they are doing everything to support their regulars. Pirates have been tipped to climb to the top of domestic and continental football which means challenging for the Betway Premiership and Caf Champions League. Those aspirations started off well. They are second in the league with 27 points, three adrift of log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who have played a game extra. In Africa, they are one win away from reaching the quarter-final as they top Group C with eight points, thanks to two wins and two draws. So given that their fate is in their hands, that’s pleasing for the Ghost who are backing their team to win the league and African crown for…

The Test match against Pakistan saw dramatic DRS calls and standout performances, leaving fans divided over the technology’s reliability. Missed review Kwena Maphaka squared up Shakeel Saud with a lovely delivery that straightened as it hit the pad. Maphaka led a vociferous appeal but the umpire turned it down. The Proteas opted not to review which proved to be the wrong decision when Hawk-Eye showed on the big screen that the ball was hitting leg stump. Successful review Maphaka was in the midst of his best spell in Test cricket thus far when he went to shape away from Shan Masood before thudding into the Pakistani captain’s pad. Masood tried to push his pad outside the line of off stump which certainly fooled the umpire who turned down the appeal.…