Star -julkaisun 2026-01-19 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

Cosatu Parliamentary Coordinator Matthew Parks says sentencing of Steinhoff executive Iwan Peter Schelbert is cold comfort Cosatu has called for better funding of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the judiciary in the pending 2026/27 budget to address the massive backlog of serious commercial crimes. This follows the conviction of former Steinhoff At Work executive Iwan Peter Schelbert, who was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for his role in a R376 million fraud case. Cosatu Parliamentary Coordinator Matthew Parks said on Friday that Schelbert’s sentencing was welcome but amounted to cold comfort, as key perpetrators in the more than R24 billion scandal had escaped justice due to delays. He criticised the NPA for offering, over the past eight years, “meaningless platitudes to the public that it is busy building a…

When I attended the World Economic Forum in Davos last year, what struck me most was not only the scale of the challenges confronting the world, but the growing realisation among global leaders that the old ways of thinking are no longer sufficient. Davos 2025 was characterised by a sense of urgency — an acknowledgement that economic growth, technological progress and sustainability can no longer be pursued in isolation from one another. In my engagements throughout the week — from formal panels to informal discussions at Africa House — my impression was clear: there is a renewed appetite for meaningful collaboration, particularly with emerging markets, but also a deep concern about global fragmentation. Conversations repeatedly returned to the same questions: How do we restore trust? How do we ensure that…

Financial markets, especially domestically, not only ended 2025 on the strongest levels of growth since 2026, but steamrolled forward during the first three weeks of January. The All Share index on the JSE ended last year 39.1% higher than the end of 2024 on 115 832 points. Since then, the main equity board has increased by another 4.35% to close on 120 170 pointson Friday. This is 44.4% higher than in the middle of January last year. The ongoing strong increase in precious metals, foreign buying appetite for South Africa bonds, lower inflation expectations and optimism around a repo rate cut next month all contribute to this strong bullish movement. The result of this strong appetite for South African assets, as well as the weaker US dollar contribute to…

Despite the government’s promise to conclude the National Dialogue in the first half of 2026, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has indicated that it may take place after the local government elections. Mashatile said this during the 2026 National Dialogue Steering Committee (NDSC) induction session on Saturday. The two-day induction, held at Unisa’s Muckleneuk main campus in Pretoria, concluded yesterday afternoon. The induction took place to formally prepare the 99-member committee for its role in leading a nationwide consultative process and it followed a handover from the Convention Organising Committee. The steering committee is tasked with outlining the practical roadmap and phased plan for dialogues across the country. The induction session of the National Dialogue team consisted of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), the NDSC and the Secretariat of the dialogue.…

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie has urged members of the public to stop sharing graphic images and videos of road crashes on social media, warning that such content can cause lasting psychological harm to victims and their families. Macie was reacting to a recently circulated video of a crash near Balfour that showed bodies lying on the road and severely damaged vehicles. He said while crashes often occur in public spaces and attract the attention of bystanders, the sharing of graphic material was insensitive and traumatising, particularly for families and survivors who may encounter the images without warning. “Crashes have an impact on the mental health of both primary and secondary victims. The images are at times received by psychologically unprepared victims, with long-lasting effects,”…

Just a week after Donald Trump first took office as president, he signed Executive Order 13769 – his first travel ban. It halted refugee admissions and suspended entry into the US for citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. All of these countries have a Muslim majority. Because of that, and also because Trump had previously said that he intends to ban Muslims from the US, critics referred to the order as a “Muslim ban.” The backlash was immediate and broad, coming from Republicans and Democrats alike, as well as US diplomats, business leaders, universities, faith groups, and international organisations such as the UN and Amnesty International. Protests erupted in airports and cities across the US. A friend and I – both of us immigrants to the…

There is plenty of conjecture surrounding which batting position is best suited to Aiden Markram in T20 cricket. The Proteas T20I captain’s most profitable T20 World Cup experience came when he was batting at No 4 during the global jamboree held in the UAE in 2021. Markram struck two half-centuries and averaged 54 with a strike rate of 145.94. Equally, his overall career numbers suggest that he is better suited to the middle order, with Markram having scored 650 runs in 23 matches, with a highest of 56, at an average of 36.11 and a 146.72 strike rate. Yet, that is not where Markram will be lining up at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month. Proteas coach Shukri Conrad wants his skipper…

Sunrisers Eastern Cape roared to the top of the Betway SA20 table to eliminate MI Cape Town at a rousing St George’s Park yesterday. MI Cape Town needed a bonus point victory to remain in contention for a playoff spot but were instead edged out by seven wickets. Sunrisers’ Jordan Hermann struck the winning boundary with one ball remaining to send the Orange Army into raptures. New boy Chris Green, fresh from arriving from Australia only two days ago, made an immediate impact with the ball for Sunrisers. The off-spinner claimed both MI Cape Town openers Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen before having the last laugh against George Linde to finish with the impressive figures of 3/29 from his four overs. They would have been even better had…

Team South Africa will use the global spotlight of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos to project a renewed image of economic stability, reform momentum and investment readiness, as a high-level government delegation prepares to attend the gathering. The delegation will be led by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana and includes Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, and Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni. Their participation comes as the WEF convenes under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”, reflecting growing global concern over geopolitical fragmentation, economic volatility and weakening multilateral cooperation. The government on Friday said South Africa’s engagement in Davos is aimed at positioning the country as a…

The global economic outlook has shown modest improvement heading into 2026, but uncertainty remains high as a complex mix of elevated asset valuations, rising debt burdens, geoeconomic realignment and the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape growth prospects. This is according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) latest Chief Economists’ Outlook published on Friday. While caution still dominates sentiment, the survey points to a measurable easing in pessimism compared with late 2025. Some 53% of chief economists now expect global economic conditions to weaken over the coming year, down sharply from the 72% who held this view in September 2025. The shift suggests a growing belief that the global economy may avoid a severe downturn, even as structural vulnerabilities deepen. "The Chief Economists survey reveals three defining…

Andile Mngwevu, a member of the City of Ekurhuleni’s Mayoral Committee for Roads and Transport, is reportedly missing after the car he was in was carried away by floodwaters in Chokwé, southern Mozambique. Mngwevu was visiting Mozambique as a member of an official delegation when the region experienced severe flooding. According to the municipality, the vehicle he was in was washed away by fast-moving water. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with Mozambican authorities and emergency teams working to locate Mngwevu and any others who may have been affected by the incident. The City of Ekurhuleni said it is deeply concerned and remains in constant communication with authorities on the ground. The SABC reported that members of Mngwevu’s family have travelled to Mozambique to support the search efforts. Furthermore, the…

We’ve waited ages for the new season of Euphoria, and hopefully it’s the last one because our blood pressure cannot keep doing this. For years, it has been nothing but whispers, theories and speculation on the internet. This is in, that is out; this character is dead, that one is redeemed. However, the truth is that we never really knew what to expect. All we knew was that the series ended with a situation hanging very awkwardly in the air. And let’s be real, that suitcase has been living rent-free in our minds for far too long. But anyway, the trailer has finally dropped, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from Euphoria: sex, drugs, violence and emotional damage served on a silver platter. This time, the show jumps five…

The South African Breweries (SAB) has hit back at Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s proposed total ban on drinking alcoholic beverages while driving, warning it will not necessarily decline consumption but it will shift into the illegal market. While presenting preliminary road safety statistics for the 2025/2026 festive season last week, Creecy announced plans to amend road regulations to ban drinking while driving, citing road fatalities as a major concern. But SAB has argued this move will fuel the illicit liquor trade, threatening the legal industry’s sustainability. SAB spokesperson Lungile Manganyi said the brewery giant had already submitted a stark warning to the Tax Policy Review process, arguing that excessive excise hikes will fuel the illicit liquor trade and threaten the sustainability of the legal alcohol industry. Creecy suggested that the…

The government plans to give the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) more wide-ranging powers to conduct lifestyle audits, whose outcomes could be made available to other organs of state, public entities, or municipalities at their request. According to the draft General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) Amendment Bill, the proposed law will allow the FIC to conduct lifestyle audits to continue strengthening the country’s AML/CFT system. The bill is also part of additions that will better prepare the country for the next Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation for South Africa that will commence in mid-2026 and conclude in October 2027. The FATF leads global action to tackle money laundering, terrorist, and proliferation financing. A lifestyle audit is described as an audit to determine if a person’s…

In a transfer window defined by noise, Kaizer Chiefs have chosen silence. And in South African football, silence is often mistaken for weakness. As rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns dive headfirst into the January market, Amakhosi find themselves under familiar pressure –the expectation to react, to respond, to reassure a restless support base by unveiling new faces. Yet, context matters. And Chiefs’ restraint, for now, may be more strategic than it appears. Pirates have moved decisively, adding Andre de Jong from Stellenbosch and bolstering their depth with Marumo Gallants duo Daniel Msendami and Mpho Chabatsane. Sundowns, meanwhile, have predictably dominated the headlines, prising Monnapule Saleng from Pirates and reinforcing with Colombian striker Brayan Leon and Bafana Bafana defender Khulumane Ndabame. It is the kind of activity that naturally sharpens…

Thomas Frank is in danger of being sacked after his future as Tottenham manager was reportedly discussed by the club’s hierarchy yesterday. Tottenham fans called for Frank to be axed during Saturday’s dismal 2-1 home defeat against struggling West Ham. It was Tottenham’s third defeat in a row and eighth loss in 14 matches, leaving Frank on the brink of being dismissed just seven months after arriving from Brentford. Tottenham captain Cristian Romero admitted his team are in a “disaster moment”, and reports yesterday said the North London team’s powerbrokers have met to debate Frank’s fate. Only half a season after being hired from Brentford with a reputation as one of the most talented managers in the Premier League, Frank is anxiously awaiting a verdict on whether he will avoid…

Aryna Sabalenka warned she was only going to get better as the top seed recovered from a slow start to launch her Australian Open with a straight-sets win yesterday. The world No 1 tamed French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-4, 6-1 as she bids to claim a third Melbourne crown in four years. The Belarusian faces Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia or Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan next. Sabalenka, who lost last year’s final, said that the first match of a Grand Slam was always tricky, especially against an opponent she had never played before. Sabalenka has been trying to expand her game, including going to the net more often, and said the variation made her a better player. “I was definitely working on serve and volley. I’m super happy to be…

There is a mixed industry reaction after the Competition Commission of South Africa confirmed that they are investigating alleged cartel behaviour linked to the prime rate among South African banks. The prime interest rate is the benchmark interest rate that banks and financial institutions use to set the interest they charge you on loans and credit cards. Siyabulela Makunga, the spokesperson of the Competition Commission, said that the Commission confirms that it is investigating a matter on prime lending rate. “The investigation commenced in 2021 and it is at an advanced stage. The Commission is looking into establishing whether or not there is a contravention in terms of section 4(1)(b) of the Competition Act.” Daniel Munslow, Absa Managing Executive: Group Communications, said that Absa supports constructive, industry-wide dialogue on matters…

The National Red Meat Producers Organisation said that they welcomed any strategy to try and curb and address the devastating outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. This follows Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announcing last week the Department's 10-year plan to vaccinate the entire herd and get South Africa FMD free. Steenhuisen said that their strategy will be phased over 10 years, beginning with stabilisation and consolidation, before moving toward the eventual withdrawal of vaccination and final recognition of national freedom through vaccination by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Dr Frikkie Mare, the CEO of the National RPO, said while the Minister and Dr Mogajane outlined the vision of what they want to achieve and promised that a detailed plan would be shared, the confusion and uncertainty regarding…

The South African Breweries (SAB) has hit back at Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s proposed total ban on drinking alcoholic beverages while driving, warning it will not necessarily decline consumption but it will shift into the illegal market. While presenting preliminary road safety statistics for the 2025/2026 festive season last week, Creecy announced plans to amend road regulations to ban drinking while driving, citing road fatalities as a major concern. But SAB has argued this move will fuel the illicit liquor trade, threatening the legal industry’s sustainability. SAB spokesperson Lungile Manganyi said the brewery giant had already submitted a stark warning to the Tax Policy Review process, arguing that excessive excise hikes will fuel the illicit liquor trade and threaten the sustainability of the legal alcohol industry. Creecy suggested that the…

Andile Mngwevu, a member of the City of Ekurhuleni’s Mayoral Committee for Roads and Transport, is reportedly missing after the car he was in was carried away by floodwaters in Chokwé, southern Mozambique. Mngwevu was visiting Mozambique as a member of an official delegation when the region experienced severe flooding. According to the municipality, the vehicle he was in was washed away by fast-moving water. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with Mozambican authorities and emergency teams working to locate Mngwevu and any others who may have been affected by the incident. The City of Ekurhuleni said it is deeply concerned and remains in constant communication with authorities on the ground. The SABC reported that members of Mngwevu’s family have travelled to Mozambique to support the search efforts. Furthermore, the…

Kruger National Park has officially launched a relief fund aimed at rebuilding the infrastructure damaged by the recent unprecedented heavy rainfall, The Star has learned. Further details of the fund are expected soon. This critical announcement came from Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment Minister Willie Aucamp, who undertook an aerial assessment of the park to gauge the full extent of the destruction. During his flyover, Aucamp reported that the rainfall had wreaked significant havoc on pathways, accommodation facilities, and various essential amenities within the park. He expressed his relief that, despite the severe weather conditions, no lives had been lost. The newly established fund, according to Aucamp, will be overseen by an independent auditor, ensuring transparency and accountability in how resources are allocated. Aucamp has appealed to corporate entities, urging them…

Gift of the Givers is expanding its relief efforts in Limpopo following flooding that has ravaged the region. Ali Sablay of Gift of the Givers said the non-governmental organisation extended its humanitarian response in Limpopo after severe flooding left over 1 600 homes damaged, with many destroyed or submerged. The current number of fatalities is nine. “Relief operations have been logistically challenging, with extensive damage to both national and provincial road infrastructure,” Sablay said. He noted that affected routes include the R527 (Hoedspruit), R40 (Maseke), R71 (Gravelotte-Phalaborwa), R36 (Oaks–Ofcolaco), R578 (Selwana), R526 (R40–Gravelotte), and R529 (Greater Letaba–Eiland). Additionally, the R71 and R40 in the Phalaborwa area remain closed, while major sections of the R524 (Louis Trichardt–Punda Maria via Thohoyandou) have been destroyed. He said that working in close collaboration with…

Joburg Super Kings had two bites at the cherry, but they have to dust themselves off for what has turned out to be their most important game of the season. JSK suffered a shock loss to Pretoria Capitals on Saturday at the Wanderers when a victory would have sealed automatic progression to the Betway SA20 playoffs. The Super Kings started the game in dramatic fashion, cleaning up the Capitals’ top-order to reduce the visitors to 7/5 before Dewald Brevis and Sherfane Rutherford combined to rescue the visitors with a match-winning 103-run sixth-wicket stand. Stephen Fleming’s team now have to lift themselves again for a virtual quarter-final against Paarl Royals at Boland Park on Monday if they are to have any more interest in the competition. “We've still got a shot…

The long wait for domestic football comes to an end this week as the PSL resumes following the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations, with Mamelodi Sundowns wasting no time in returning to the title conversation. Masandawana host Orbit College at Loftus Versfeld tonight knowing the second half of the season leaves little room for error. Sitting second on the standings with 26 points, Sundowns trail pace-setters Orlando Pirates and must begin chipping away at the gap if they are to defend their league crown. The champions have been typically difficult to beat, suffering just one defeat so far while building a solid platform through control and defensive discipline. With 20 goals scored and only seven conceded, Sundowns have remained competitive even during periods where fluency has dipped. Their…