Star -julkaisun 2026-04-17 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

In a landscape marked by geopolitical tension, a wave of optimism swept through the global markets yesterday, buoyed by positive developments in peace negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. The potential for a ceasefire has sparked renewed hope among investors, who are now closely monitoring further updates from Iran and the White House regarding ongoing negotiations. Wall Street stocks surged to record highs, with the major indices closing up as strong corporate earnings painted a promising picture for the American economy. The anticipation of a potential deal between Iran and the US catalysed the bullish sentiment, further energising the market. “The positive sentiment continues as peace talks between Lebanon and Israel indicate the potential for a ceasefire,” said Bianca Botes, Managing Director at Citadel Global. “This optimism is not just a…

The Durban High Court has postponed the liquidation case against Tongaat Hulett. This decision follows a last-minute agreement between the company's Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for R200 million in funding. The supplementary affidavits detailing the IDC's proposed R200 million funding were filed two days before the hearing on Thursday, resulting in the temporary halt of the liquidation proceedings on Thursday morning, just before they were set to begin. Advocate Arnold Subel SC, representing the BRPs from Metis Strategic Advisors, informed the court that the new funding arrangement fundamentally altered the situation. “IDC’s funding allows BRP to continue day-to-day operations, but it won’t last till the end of June,” he stated. Subel argued that the funding offered a breather until the end of June to…

South Africa's small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are currently grappling with a severe cash flow crisis, compounded by a staggering R12.4 billion in government invoices that remain unpaid after 30 days. This statistic, reported by the National Treasury, underscored the silent yet devastating impact of delayed payments on the backbone of the nation's economy. Private sector payment cycles can stretch between 90 to 150 days, often jeopardising the survival of SMEs and stifling their growth. “Waiting three to six months to be paid is simply not compatible with running a healthy small business," Daniel Goldberg, Founder and CEO of Bridgement, a South African fintech lender that is rising to the challenge of the ongoing crisis, said. "Our mission is to give SMEs a funding partner that moves at the…

About 70% of South African gig workers are using ride-hailing as a secondary source of income, underlining its growing importance as a dependable side hustle in a constrained economic environment. At the same time, 30% rely on it as their primary source of income, highlighting its role as a daily livelihood for many households navigating high unemployment and rising living costs. These insights form part of the flagship Gig Economy Report released by Bolt in partnership with Ipsos, offering a detailed look at how digital platforms are reshaping the way South Africans earn, spend, and sustain themselves. The findings point to a significant shift, where ride-hailing is no longer viewed merely as a transport solution, but increasingly as a practical pathway into income generation and entrepreneurship. According to Simo Kalajdzic,…

The looming KwaZulu-Natal High Court hearing on the potential liquidation of Tongaat Hulett is being described as a defining moment for South Africa’s sugar cane industry, with thousands of livelihoods hanging in the balance. SA Canegrowers on Thursday raised serious concerns ahead of the hearing, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, warning that the outcome could have devastating consequences for rural economies. The company’s business rescue practitioners filed for provisional liquidation in February after a proposed sale agreement with the Vision consortium fell through. Key stakeholders, including SA Canegrowers, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau, are opposing the liquidation application. At the heart of the concern is the heavy reliance of sugarcane growers on Tongaat Hulett’s milling operations.…

Lira – Still Here! Legendary South African songstress Lira is bringing her one-woman show Still Here to Joburg this weekend. This is more than a concert – it is a celebration of healing, courage and the transformative power of music. Lira spent the last few years recovering from a stroke. During this time, she lost her speech and the ability to read and write. It’s been almost four years of hard work on the road to recovery, and she is finally able to perform again and serenade the crowds with their favourite tunes. “I’m going to tell my story through music and movement, and it’s going to be an entertaining yet powerful and healing experience,” she recently told Independent Media Lifestyle. During this show, Lira will be accompanied by her…

Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has claimed that his ongoing prosecution is politically motivated, alleging a “hidden hand” at play in the judicial process against him. Political commentators, at the same time, say that the case raises complex legal and political questions. Malema said this was part of a broader and orchestrated campaign to disrupt his political career and stifle the EFF’s influence ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Malema was addressing his supporters outside the East London Magistrate’s Court following his sentencing for the unlawful discharge of a firearm during a 2018 rally. Malema was sentenced to five years of direct imprisonment yesterday. However, he was released on warning following his immediate appeal against the sentence. This was after he was found guilty…

​ Two Tembisa SAPS police officers were arrested for drug possession at the Boksburg Correctional Centre. The incident took place around 09:30 on Wednesday during what was described as a routine search of vehicles entering the facility. During the search, a Correctional Services official discovered a blue plastic bag tucked away beneath one of the seats inside a​n SAPS vehicle. The bag contained 82 mandrax tablets and a significant amount of dagga. At the time of inspection, two members of the South African Police Service occupied the vehicle​ –​ one in full uniform and the other in civilian attire. Both officers were arrested at the scene and are expected to appear in court shortly on drug possession charges. Further details have not yet been released as the legal process continues.…

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is not merely a poor diplomatic choice. It is a shameful, pathetic, and deeply humiliating act of surrender that confirms what many of us have long suspected: the true liberation of the black majority was deliberately derailed three decades ago and is now being openly auctioned off to US imperialism and the protection of white privilege. History has no empty pages, and those of us who lived through the transition know the truth intimately. During the CODESA negotiations, I served as National Spokesperson of the ANC and as a junior member of the ANC’s negotiating team. From close quarters – attending sessions, observing side meetings, and monitoring the daily interactions between the delegations –…

Former Minister of International Relations, Dr. Naledi Pandor, has issued a scathing critique of recent legislative movements within the Israeli Knesset, drawing direct parallels between a proposed death penalty for Palestinians and the judicial mechanisms of South Africa’s colonial and apartheid past. Pandor highlighted a draft bill discussed during a March 30 session of the Knesset that seeks to mandate the death penalty for Palestinians involved in attacks resulting in the loss of Israeli life. According to Pandor, the legislation bypasses traditional judicial safeguards, representing a “mandatory” sentence dictated through legislative act rather than a standard court hearing or trial. Pandor, who has long been a vocal figure in South African political communications and international strategy, likened the bill to laws enforced under British colonial and early South African rule…

The South African chapter of the International Association of Women Judges has expressed its enthusiastic support following the recent appointments of Justices Nambitha Christabel Dambuza-Mayosi and Katharine Mary Savage to the esteemed Constitutional Court bench. “This appointment marks a moment of profound significance – not only as a personal achievement of exceptional merit, integrity, and judicial excellence, but as a collective milestone in the ongoing advancement of women within the highest echelons of leadership in the legal profession. We celebrate this elevation as a powerful affirmation of the principle that the judiciary is strengthened when it reflects the diversity, experience, and perspectives of the society it serves,” the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges said in a media statement. This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed…

Kaizer Chiefs’ chances of finishing in the Top 3 have gathered momentum after winning five games in a row this week. However, given the high spirits in camp, the team is not ruling out a potential runners-up finish in the Betway Premiership. Chiefs thrashed Magesi 4-1 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night to secure five consecutive league wins – their best run since winning eight in a row during the 2019/20 season under Ernst Middendorp. The victory cemented Chiefs’ third place on the log with 45 points after 23 rounds of matches. They trail second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have played one game more, by 10 points. With Chiefs set to face Pirates in the return leg of their league clash at FNB Stadium on April 26, Amakhosi…

Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs has delivered a blunt assessment of the Betway Premiership title race, insisting it is no longer in the Buccaneers’ hands following their recent slip. Pirates were held to a dramatic draw by Richards Bay FC last Friday, rescuing a point late on but missing a crucial opportunity to seize control at the top. Instead, they remain behind Mamelodi Sundowns, who hold a one-point lead with a game in hand — a gap that could stretch to four with just six matches left. For Josephs, the issue runs deeper than the dropped points. Speaking on the Soccer Beat podcast, the Mitchells Plain-born legend pointed to a recurring pattern that has undermined Pirates’ challenge — an inability to deliver in decisive moments. “Sundowns have got acres…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that sub-Saharan Africa’s recent economic progress is under increasing strain, as global shocks, rising debt, and declining external support threaten to derail growth and development across the region. In its April 2026 Regional Economic Outlook titled “Hard-Won Gains Under Pressure,” the IMF on Thursday painted a mixed picture of the continent’s economic trajectory. While 2025 was described as a relatively strong year for many African economies, the outlook has since darkened significantly after global instability, particularly the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has pushed up fuel, food, and transport costs. The IMF downgraded the region's growth forecast by a cumulative 0.4 percentage point, and is now forecasting growth of 4.3% and 4.4% in the two years, respectively, while in January it…

South Africa’s efforts to contain the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) are showing encouraging early signs, with no new outbreaks reported among vaccinated herds, according to Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. Announcing the latest update this week, Steenhuisen said preliminary data suggests the country’s mass vaccination strategy is beginning to yield positive results. Since February 2026, more than 2 million animals—specifically 2,033,289—have been vaccinated across all provinces as part of a nationwide effort to curb the disease. Steenhuisen said while outbreaks have been reported across all nine provinces, the intensity varies significantly. “We have strengthened surveillance and implemented a centralised reporting system, allowing for earlier detection and faster data capture,” he said. “Furthermore, heightened awareness has helped identify “sub-clinical” cases – where animals carry the virus without showing…

April is Financial Literacy Month, a dedicated time to build essential skills in budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It’s a reminder that building long-term financial security doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require informed decisions. Whether you’re saving for your child’s education, planning for retirement, or simply wanting your money to work harder, understanding your investment options is the first step. One of the most accessible and transparent tools available to everyday investors is the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), an investment vehicle that is steadily democratising access to markets. ETFs are a powerful way to start investing because they offer affordability, transparency, and diversification all in one product. Whether you invest R100 or R10 million, you get access to the same fund, on the same terms, with…

A new international partnership between Heraeus Precious Metals and Sibanye-Stillwater is set to reshape the economics of glass fibre manufacturing, with a strong focus on reducing costs while unlocking new demand for palladium. The two companies on Thursday announced the joint research and development initiative, which will focus on creating a new generation of glass fibre bushings using platinum-palladium (PtPd) alloys enhanced by Heraeus’ proprietary dispersion hardening (DPH) technology. The collaboration brings together Heraeus’ advanced materials engineering capabilities and Sibanye-Stillwater’s expertise in platinum group metals (PGMs), aiming to deliver more efficient and cost-effective industrial solutions. It also builds on previous joint efforts between the two companies, including the development of a ruthenium-based catalyst for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water electrolysis. That breakthrough significantly reduced dependence on iridium, another costly and…

Namibian–South African actress Zenobia Kloppers is set for a rare “double premiere” tonight as she appears in two films released simultaneously on different streaming platforms. Kloppers appears as Grace in 180, a South African Netflix original crime thriller, and as Frances in HIVE (not available in SA), a Tubioriginal socially-conscious horror-thriller. Across the two films, she takes on distinctly different roles, from a character navigating emotionally complex and morally challenging circumstances in 180 to a more grounded, perceptive presence in HIVE, carrying a quiet sense of authority in the face of a sinister presence hiding in plain sight. “Each role asked something different of me, and it speaks to the kind of work I’m passionate about: stories that challenge, stretch, and connect across different audiences and genres. I’m deeply grateful…

A R16 million fleet procurement scandal in the Emfuleni Local Municipality has sparked a political clash between ActionSA and Gauteng’s COGTA, with accusations of a cover-up and growing calls for accountability. As previously reported by The Star, the controversy centres on a fleet procurement deal in which the Emfuleni Local Municipality allegedly spent over R16m on trucks, graders and bakkies that were never delivered or quickly became unserviceable. Investigations suggest that while payments were processed through an approved National Treasury contract, several vehicles including trucks and bakkies never reached the municipality, with at least one reportedly unaccounted for. Further scrutiny has revealed alarming irregularities in the procurement process, including invoices signed off as proof of delivery despite missing vehicles, duplicate engine numbers, and assets registered to third parties instead of…

Confusion and anxiety have gripped Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders after a televised interview sparked fears of policy changes, prompting the Department of Home Affairs to issue an urgent clarification that no changes have been made to their legal status. This follows follows remarks made by Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza during an interview on Newzroom Afrika, where discussions around the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection were widely interpreted as signalling imminent changes to the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) programme. In a bid to correct what it described as “misinterpretations”, the department stressed that all current Zimbabwe Exemption Permits remain valid until May 29, 2027, in line with an extension granted in June 2025. Department spokesperson Thulani Mavuso said the spread of misinformation has created unnecessary…

Build One South Africa (BOSA) notes the resignation of Professor John Lamola as CEO of South African Airways following nearly four years in the role, much of it served in an acting capacity. We extend our congratulations to Professor Lamola for his leadership during a critical period in the airline’s recovery and wish him continued success in all that lies ahead. BOSA further wishes the incoming CEO every success in building on the progress made to date. This is a pivotal moment for SAA, and it is essential that the next phase of leadership is marked by decisiveness and strategic clarity. A perfunctory, run-of-the-mill approach will not suffice. The airline requires a results-driven new CEO to consolidate stability and drive sustained growth. Above all, SAA must remain on a path…

The controversial issue of physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia for terminally ill patients will once again come under the spotlight in the Gauteng Division of the High Court – this time with DignitySA asking the court to declare the current blanket prohibition of assisted dying unconstitutional and invalid. While DignitySA will turn to the Pretoria High Court, palliative care doctor Suzanne Walter and her patient Diethelm Harck more than five years ago lodged a similar application before the Johannesburg High Court. This application was stayed after Harck and Walter gave evidence before the main proceedings had kicked off in light of their medical conditions. It is not clear at this stage if and when their legal challenge to legalise euthanasia in South Africa will continue. DignitySA has meanwhile filed its own…

The US-Iran ceasefire, announced on April 7 by US President Donald Trump, brings a cautious sense of optimism and hope that the war may eventually come to an end. However, a ceasefire is not a peace agreement. The two-week pause in hostilities could unfold according to different scenarios: it could lead to meaningful negotiations and ultimately a comprehensive peace deal, or it could be terminated, and the conflict would enter a new phase. Moreover, we shouldn’t underestimate the fragility of such agreements. A ceasefire can be broken at any moment. It’s entirely possible that Washington could abruptly change its stance; for instance, Trump might claim that Iran is acting in bad faith and use that as justification to end the ceasefire and resume military operations. At the same time, the…

Khulumani Ndamane is living the dream by competing in the CAF Champions League, which is why he has embraced the challenges that come with the competition as he looks to help Mamelodi Sundowns succeed. Sundowns have one foot in the Champions League final, as they need just a draw at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday (3pm) to progress, following their historic 1-0 win over Espérance in the first leg in Tunis last Sunday. Reaching the semi-finals of the competition for the second time in a row has already been a milestone for the team and some individuals, including Ndamane. The towering left-footed defender is playing in his first season in the competition, having arrived at the club from TS Galaxy in January. His stint so far has been impressive, as he…

So much has happened since the halcyon days of the ICC Women’s World Cup final when the Proteas and India met at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai last November. The focus has naturally shifted from 50-overs to the shorter format with the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup on the horizon. India have flourished in the interim, hosting the Women’s Premier League (WPL), whitewashing Sri Lanka in a five-match series, before an historic 2-1 triumph over Australia on their own soil Down Under. On the other end of the scale, Laura Wolvaardt’s Proteas have lost five of their last six T20Is against Pakistan and New Zealand. The obvious deduction would therefore be that the visitors should start as overwhelming favourites in the much-anticipated five-match T20I series that gets…

The “quasi-equity” €75 million investment will also enable an additional $20m senior loan Biovac, based in Cape Town, will become Africa’s first multi-vaccine manufacturing site after a R1.47 billion investment by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, the financing arm of the European Union, the European Commission and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The “quasi-equity” €75 million investment will also enable an additional $20m senior loan, as well as further senior financing from the IFC, a statement said Thursday. The investment is backed by a European Commission EFSD+ guarantee under the Human Development Accelerator (HDX), part of the EU's Global Gateway strategy. The EFSD+ guarantee acts as a safety net for lenders, covering potential losses if projects fail. In blended finance operations, the EU combines a small grant contribution with…

The world is witnessing more than a geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. It is witnessing a profound reconfiguration of global talent flows. Wars have always shifted borders. Today, they are shifting brains. The current conflict, centred around the escalating tensions involving Iran and the Gulf, has triggered not only a humanitarian crisis, but a silent, strategic migration of skills. Tens of thousands of professionals are reassessing where they live, work, and build their future. Entire ecosystems of talent are being disrupted, relocated, or redeployed. This moment presents both a warning and a once-in-a-generation opportunity for countries like South Africa. From brain circulation to brain flight Historically, globalisation enabled what we called “brain circulation”—talent moving fluidly between hubs like Dubai, London, Singapore, and New York. Today, that model is…

What may start out as a seemingly harmless “side hustle” can quickly spiral into serious financial consequences,including frozen bank accounts, fraud listings, and long-term damage to one’s financial standing. The Banking Division of the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa (NFO) has raised concern over a sharp increase in complaints linked to the misuse of personal bank accounts. This growing trend is fast becoming one of the most significant risks facing South Africa’s financial sector. According to Nerosha Maseti, lead ombud for the NFO’s Banking and Credit Division, there has been a notable rise in cases where ordinary consumers are drawn into scams or informal financial arrangements. These often involve individuals allowing third parties to use their personal bank accounts to receive and transfer funds, typically in exchange for small…

PSG Financial Services’ headline earnings per share increased by a strong 33% in the year to end-February after it benefited from positive markets, improved investment income, and a rise in performance fees. The return on equity for the group that provides financial services for investments, retirement, stockbroking, and insurance came to 317%. Considering the strong cash position, a final gross dividend of 45 cents a share (2025: 35 cents) brought the dividend to 65 cents for the year, up 25% from 52 cents in 2025. “Against a demanding backdrop, the group delivered solid growth, reaffirming that our advice-led model and diversified businesses provide consistent increases in earnings and a clear competitive advantage,” said CEO Francois Gouws. CFO Mike Smith said in an interview gross net inflows came to R25 billion,…

The MK Party has joined several other political parties in opposing the appointment of Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s new Ambassador to the United States. The opposition stems from Meyer’s history as a former National Party Minister during the apartheid era. The party said that while it does not reject individuals based on race or past political labels alone, historical responsibility and political accountability cannot be ignored when determining who should represent the democratic will and aspirations of the people of South Africa on the global stage. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment on Tuesday night. The President confirmed the appointment on the sidelines of the National Local Economic Development (LED) Summit in Boksburg. The appointment sparked significant criticism and debate across the political spectrum. The EFF also condemned the…

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Limpopo arrested four senior municipal officials in connection with alleged fraud and corruption at the Molemole Local Municipality. The group, aged between 35 and 60, was arrested on Wednesday on allegations of irregular tender procedures. Hawks spokesperson Colonel Avele Fumba said the unit had intensified its clampdown on corruption. Fumba said the suspects were arrested following an intensive investigation into alleged irregularities in municipal procurement processes. “It is alleged that the officials were involved in the omission of proper tender procedures, in contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).” He said preliminary investigations indicate that the alleged misconduct may have resulted in financial prejudice to the municipality. “The exact value is still subject to verification as investigations continue.” Fumba said the…

City of Tshwane mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya yesterday declared that she was not surprised by revelations at the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry relating to malfeasance in the municipality. Delivering her second and last state of the capital address of the current council term and before the local government elections at the University of South Africa in the city, Moya said the evidence presented before the commission confirms that the issues identified by Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke were real and require consistent and disciplined action. “It is against this context that the matters currently before the Madlanga Commission do not come as a surprise,” she said. The municipality has suspended Tshwane Metro Police Department Deputy Chief Umashi Dhlamini after evidence presented at the inquiry chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli…

Aucor auctioneers have an opportunity for investors with the live timed auction of assets from Bokoni Platinum Mines in Limpopo. Items going under the hammer include assorted metal, conveyer belts and work benches, as well as steel tanks with pumps, pipes, valves, telecommunications cables and more. There are also TME spare parts, wheels, tyres and trackless mining equipment, including a ‘01 Atlas Copco drill rig. Also on offer are cranes, construction vehicles, LDVs and buses. Buyers can look out for scissor lift platforms, steel stands, steel work benches, cages and offcuts. The auction opened on April 2 at 12pm and will close on April 22 at 12pm. Viewing is on April 20 and 21, from 9am to 3pm from 9am to 3pm, strictly by appointment with the site manager. Please…

Parliament says fewer than half of lifestyle audit cases identified across the public service are currently under investigation, with no clear timelines for when outstanding probes will be finalised. The update follows earlier reports that at least 24 senior officials in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet had been flagged through lifestyle audits, raising questions about progress and accountability. Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, Jan de Villiers, said the committee had stepped up oversight through engagements in March and April with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and provincial departments. “The committee has exercised oversight through several meetings held on the issue of lifestyle audits,” de Villiers said, adding that these engagements form part of efforts “to build a professional,…

Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt believes Sekhukhune United's decision to change their coach this late in the season may be a galvanising factor ahead of the Betway Premiership clash between the two sides at Athlone Stadium tonight (7.30pm). Sekhukhune United gave former coach Eric Tinkler the boot at the beginning of the week and handed the reins to his assistant Paulos Masehe for the remainder of the season. Calling on his vast experience in local football, Hunt is acutely aware that this may give the Babina Nako players extra motivation for their trip to Cape Town. “Sekhukhune obviously just changed their coach. So that's always dangerous, you know, when you play against a team that have just changed their coach,” Hunt said on Thursday. “It changes them because there are…

Mikel Arteta insisted Arsenal's angst-ridden progress to the Uefa Champions League semi-finals proved they have the character to cope with the mounting pressure of their bid to end a six-year trophy drought. Arteta's side survived an anxious quarter-final second leg against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday as they held on for a goalless draw that secured a 1-0 aggregate victory. The Gunners were well below their best at the Emirates Stadium, but Sporting could not take advantage as Geny Catamo went closest for the visitors with a first-half volley that smacked off the post. It was the latest in a growing list of spluttering displays from Arsenal, who have lost three of their last five games in all competitions, winning just once in that period. But Arteta is adamant Arsenal's ability…

Thrice before did the Lions come close to lifting the Super Rugby title, and on all three occasions, "The Pride" suffered heartbreak and anguish. Ah, yes — 2016, 2017, and 2018. These were the years when the men in the famous red-and-white hoops ruled not only South Africa, but arguably the most prestigious club rugby competition in the world. Don’t be deceived by what the Europeans argue regarding their leagues and pan-continental championships; there was a time when Super Rugby was, without question, the best competition on the planet. Every game felt like a season in itself. There were stakes and consequences, and a profound sense of history in every tackle. Admittedly, it wasn't always perfect. It would have been that much better had Australian and South African franchises done…