Table of contents for 2025-08-26 in Star

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has moved to fortify its fuel security amid the country’s ongoing energy challenges, with CEO Mpumi Mpofu warning that South Africa’s heavy reliance on fuel imports remained a risk to airport operations. Acsa has in the recent past faced significant disruptions to flight operations at its airports as a result of fuel supply challenges due to a variety of reasons, the latest being the shutdown of the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref), which caught fire on 4 January. Speaking at the release of Acsa’s financial results for the year ended March 2025, Mpofu on Monday said the company had ramped up its jet fuel storage capacity to 10 days as a safeguard against supply disruptions, which have previously caused significant operational setbacks. Mpofu…

For too long, governance has been reduced to the production of paperwork, compliance checklists and board reports. Many boards take comfort in approving strategies, signing off policies and publishing annual reports as if these activities, in and of themselves, are proof of effectiveness. Yet an uncomfortable truth remains: outputs alone do not guarantee that governance is working. The real test of governance lies not in the number of policies approved or reports filed, but in whether those actions translate into meaningful and measurable impact. In other words, governance maturity is not about outputs but about outcomes. King IV reminds us that governance must deliver four intended outcomes: an ethical culture, good performance, effective control and legitimacy. These are the benchmarks against which boards should ultimately be judged. Outputs are easy…

At some point groceries will be delivered at your doorstep without ordering but based on years of shopping data collected by retailers.The so called smart trolley, or the Xpress Trolley, by Checkers and Shoprite is an important step towards such a future. It started with the rewards card that has also been collecting data about shopping habits and behaviour. Consumers have not yet seen the full effects of this development within the retail sector. The latest product by ShopriteX is another shiny thing launched by a group of innovators within the Shoprite Group. They have designed the cart to let customers scan items as they shop, see a real-time running total, pay directly on the trolley, and receive in-store navigation and personalised promotions. It is claimed that all of…

ADvTECH, South Africa’s largest private education and human capital group, reported healthy enrolment, moderate fee increases, improved debtors control, and better margins in the six months to June 30. Normalised earnings per share increased by 16% to 113 cents, revenue increased 10% to R4.68bn, and operating profit increased by a healthy 14% to R982 million. An interim dividend of 45 cents (2024: 38 cents) per ordinary share was declared. Enrolment increased 13% to 105 701 students. Schools Rest of Africa enrolments were up 40% year-on-year to February 2025, while tertiary full qualifications enrolment increased 14%. Half-year headline earnings per share increased by 15% to 112.7 cents. “We continued to build competitive advantage by investing in technology to enhance teaching and learning…ADvTECH delivered another strong set of results,” said the CEO…

South Africa has never had a female head of state in its history, although the country has had female politicians in high-profile roles such as Deputy President and Speaker of Parliament, and Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri briefly served as acting president in 2005 and 2008. Continentally, Ellen Eugenia Johnson Sirleaf (born 29 October 1938) has paved the way when she became the first elected female head of state in Africa. She served as the 24th president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. The persistent question is, “Is South Africa is ready for woman president?” Political analyst, Kenneth Moeng Mokgatlhe, agrees but says: “Let us begin here, we only have two women as premiers out of nine in South Africa, that is embarrassing. Thinking from the top of my head, I can only…

South Africa’s driving licence woes are far from over, but there could be light at the end of the tunnel, the Department of Transport (DOT) says. South Africa relies on a single machine to print licence cards. It has been operational since 1998 and is currently prone to breakdowns. The most recent of these took place in February, rendering the machine inoperable until May as it was being repaired by its original manufacturer in France. The effect of this printing backlog is still being felt today. Department of Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi told SABC News recently that even though the Drivers’ Licence Card Agency (DLCA) has printed over 800 000 cards since operations resumed in May, there was still a backlog of 539 000 cards. However, the department remains confident…

The recent meeting between Thabo Mbeki Foundation (TMF) and the US Embassy could be a signal of disregard for President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Cabinet, with experts saying this is not a good sign for diplomatic clarity. Last week Friday, the TMF announced on X that it had a meeting with a representative from the US Embassy to prepare for a visit from a delegation from the US. “Today, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation met with a representative from the US Embassy in South Africa to prepare for a delegation from Washington DC that will be paying a courtesy visit to the Foundation next week,’’ said the foundation. The foundation’s spokesperson Anga Jamela refused to comment and share details about the upcoming meeting. However, it is believed that the two had…

Kids these days aren’t just doing homework, they’re drowning in it. I see it with my own daughter every afternoon, and honestly, it makes you wonder when teachers expect kids to just relax and, well, be kids. As parents, we all try to help when they’re stuck. But one mom admits that, after seeing her children’s frustration, she often just gives them the answers, sometimes even doing their school projects for them. Influencer mom Lottie Weaver, who has over two million TikTok followers, recently shared a video confessing how far she goes to help her kids. Predicting some backlash from teachers, she opens her clip with: “If you’re my kids’ school teacher, just keep swiping.” She explains: “After the kids have been at school all day, done their work, been…

The Springboks will be at full strength for their two-match trip to New Zealand, with Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Willie le Roux medically cleared. Kolisi has recovered quicker than expected from a knee knock that ruled him out of last week’s second Test against the Wallabies, while flank Du Toit has been passed fit after a concussion. The Boks depart for New Zealand today, giving them time to recover from jet lag before facing the All Blacks in Auckland on 6 September and in Wellington a week later. The matches will be pivotal as the team seeks to defend the Rugby Championship title they won last season for the first time since 2019. Coach Rassie Erasmus has stuck largely with the squad that faced Australia. A…

President says country will continue to engage with partners in the Global North, and Global South President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the nation will persist in its strategic engagement with partners from both the Global North and Global South. Ramaphosa’s remarks came in the aftermath of a fruitful engagement at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, highlighting South Africa's commitment to bipartisan approach to international relations and diversifying its export markets. In his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa said South Africa’s economic diplomacy was centred on securing market access, attracting investment and promoting sustainable development. Drawing inspiration from leading Pan-African advocate Kwame Nkrumah, Ramaphosa said South Africa will continue to engage with partners in both the Global North and Global South. “Our approach is…

Every year, headlines highlight South Africa’s growing IT skills shortage. From software developers to cybersecurity experts, the conversation is often dominated by the scarcity of qualified professionals. But this narrative, while not entirely inaccurate, risks missing a more urgent and empowering opportunity. Instead of simply counting vacancies and lamenting the lack of talent, what if we shifted the conversation to how we are using the skills we already have? A narrow focus on scarcity breeds stagnation. We should instead shift our focus from the lack of skills to also asking whether existing talent is being deployed effectively and whether businesses are missing opportunities by failing to nurture potential and tap into untapped talent pools. The skills gap may not be as insurmountable as it appears if organisations start approaching talent…

In a notable display of resilience amidst challenging market conditions, Italtile has declared a special dividend of 98 cents per share for the financial year ending June, showcasing its strong cash reserves that exceed operational requirements. This dividend marks a significant increase from the 78 cents special dividend declared in the previous year and accompanies an ordinary dividend of 50 cents, inching up from 49 cents last year. Collectively, the special and final dividend amounts to 148 cents, reflecting a 16.7% increase from 127 cents per share in the preceding year. Following the announcement, the share price surged by 5.7%, reaching R10.99 on the JSE on Monday morning. Lance Foxcroft, CEO of Italtile, who was interviewed by BR, attributed this positive performance to a steadfast focus on customer experience, which…

Violence is increasingly spilling into South African schools, turning once-safe learning spaces into scenes of chaos. Last week, a Gauteng school principal was stabbed while trying to break up a fight between learners from West Ridge High and Hoërskool Roodepoort. In Klerksdorp, North West, several pupils from Hoër Tegniese Skool were suspended two days ago after a viral video showed them attacking a teacher, throwing objects and drenching him with a bucket of water. Statistics highlight a worrying reality: 74 rapes were recorded in schools between October and December 2024, alongside 290 incidents reported in 2023. These figures underscore the urgent need for proactive measures, such as the National School Safety Framework (NSSF), which all state schools are required to implement to ensure safe learning environments. In a more recent…

An 18-year-old man accused of raping his nine-year-old sister, together with their mother, who is charged with failing to report the crime, are expected to appear in the Letsitele Magistrate’s Court today. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the shocking case unfolded earlier this month in Lwandlamuni village, in Limpopo. Police said the incident allegedly occurred on August 8, at the family’s home. It is alleged that the teenager called his younger sister into the house, where he then sexually assaulted her. The child later disclosed the ordeal to community members, who on August 20, escorted both the victim and her brother to the N’wa Mitwa satellite police station. Police immediately registered a case of rape at Letsitele Police Station. The matter has since been handed over…

The high-profile case involving the brutal murder of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdluli, has been postponed to September 3, to allow the indictment to be prepared and presented. This comes after the five accused, Father Samuel Mogowe, 40, Lucky Sikhosana , 40, Thato David Madisha, 25, Sello Edward Eoane,44, and Thabang Isaac Hlophe, 30, appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga yesterday. The spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Monica Nyuswa, said all accused are remanded in custody after abandoning their bail applications. The accused face serious charges, including two counts of kidnapping and two counts of murder. The four initial suspects had previously abandoned their bail applications. They were arrested during what authorities described as “an intelligence-driven operation by the police.” Ndlovu and Mdluli…

DA federal Council chairperson, Helen Zille, said only the biggest parties, the ANC or DA have what it takes to effectively govern the City of Johannesburg – if they win the local government elections outright. In an interview with eNCA on Sunday, Zille dismissed the city’s patchwork coalition government as a circus of instability, blaming splinter parties and voter apathy for the decline in service delivery across Johannesburg. She urged voters of Johannesburg to stop splitting their vote amongst “all sorts of tiny little parties” if they want to see change in the city. “There are only two parties that are big enough to take Johannesburg. One is the ANC and one is the DA,” she said. “If they’re going to split their vote amongst all sorts of tiny little…

The South African Delegation will represent the country at the upcoming BRICS+ Fashion Summit, a major international platform shaping the future of the global fashion industry. The delegation includes Stephen Manzini, Founder and CEO of Soweto Fashion Week & SA Fashion Association; Vusi Ngobeni, Head of Design at National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; Tinyiko Baloyi, Lecturer at University of Johannesburg. Leaders from fashion associations, textile and manufacturing companies, industry experts, designers, and buyers from more than 60 countries will gather for the event, which will take place in Moscow from August 28 to 30. Over the past three years, the BRICS+ Fashion Summit has showcased emerging fashion industries from more than 90 countries, amid the rapid expansion of Moscow’s own fashion sector. From Brazil and Ecuador to the…

Kaizer Chiefs head into their clash against Mamelodi Sundowns best placed to continue their decent start to the season when the two sides clash at the FNB Stadium tomorrow (7.30pm kick-off). With Sundowns on the backfoot following their 4-1 loss in penalties against Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals of the MTN8, there is an unfamiliar lack of confidence and momentum surrounding the defending league champions, and Chiefs could be best placed to go into the match a lot more confident than they have in recent meetings. Amakhosi, together with Sekhukhune United, remain the only unbeaten teams in the league, having won all their matches so far. And while the Brazilians are favourites on paper, the hosts’ current form could prove decisive. Assistant coach Cedric Kaze believes they are well prepared…

Ruben Amorim’s much-vaunted rebuild at Manchester United could be a false dawn for the former giants if he does not heed the lessons of the past. There is little to criticise in the Red Devils spending nearly £200 million on attacking reinforcements Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this transfer window, given United’s paltry return of 44 goals in 38 league games last season. Fans should be concerned that United are signing new players before clearing out those who have underperformed, do not fit Amorim’s tactical system, or are simply not in his plans. Many supporters had hoped his arrival would bring a revival reminiscent of the Ferguson era. The Portuguese coach insists he cannot put his project on hold for players to leave. Fair enough. But this impatience…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has appointed Job Stadi Mngomezulu as acting CEO of the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) after seconding him from the National Treasury. This decision comes in the wake of Godongwana placing Kedibone Madiehe on precautionary suspension with full pay, effective immediately, as her tenure has recently come under sharp scrutiny over allegations of procurement irregularities. Moreover, Godongwana announced that the Office of the Accountant General (OAG) unit has commenced a detailed forensic investigation into all allegations of financial misconduct at the agency. The GPAA is a government component which reports to the Minister of Finance and administers the pension affairs of approximately 1.7 million government employees and pensioners, as well as the affairs of their spouses and dependants. The agency has been rocked by allegations of…

In November 2025, Johannesburg will host the G20 Summit — the world’s most influential gathering of political and business leaders — alongside the second Future of Jobs Summit™. This rare convergence of global attention and local action presents South Africa with a once-in-a-generation opportunity: to commit to and co-create one million new jobs by 2030. The idea is not unprecedented. When India hosted the G20 in 2023, they turned the moment into a national economic accelerator, creating over a million jobs in under two years through targeted industry investment, fast-tracked infrastructure, and SME empowerment. South Africa can follow — and even surpass — this example if we act decisively, align our national priorities, and work in true partnership across business, government, and labour. The Power of Co-Creation Co-creation is not…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and workplace chat tools are transforming how organisations operate, communicate, and manage workloads. For middle managers, this shift is particularly profound. Tasks that once dominated daily management responsibilities, such as analysing performance, creating reports, and managing projects, are rapidly being automated, challenging middle managers to urgently redefine their roles. Shifting from oversight to insightHistorically, middle management acted as the bridge between senior leadership and frontline employees. They were responsible for translating strategy into actionable steps, tracking progress, and ensuring teams stayed aligned. Today, AI and chat technologies are changing that dynamic. Digital platforms can deliver real-time insights, automate scheduling, and generate reports with a speed and accuracy that greatly reduces the need for hands-on oversight. Meanwhile, chat tools enable faster, often direct communication between different levels of…

Sasol’s share price shot up over 10% on Monday after headline earnings a share increased by 93% for the year to June 30, as it began to deliver on its Capital Markets Day (CMD) commitments it had outlined in May, and it reported less write downs. “We have delivered pleasing results in areas within our control particularly margin realisation, managing cash fixed costs, and optimising capital spend. These actions are building greater resilience… they give us confidence in …enabling us to reinstate dividends and support investment in future growth and transformation,” said CFO Walt Burns. The share price was trading at R119.80 on Monday afternoon on the JSE, continuing a steady recovery since the CMD, but it was still below the R147.96 that it was trading at on the same…

Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Lebogang Maile, who visited an Orange Farm convenience store that was gutted by flames last week, has reacted strongly to the arson attack. Lamani’s recently revamped store was set on fire just three months after opening an improved version, which included a grocery store. He revealed that this has resulted in death threats, with a call from an unknown person telling him to stop trading as he was ‘taking bread from his bosses’, shortly after opening his convenience store in June. The attack, reportedly linked to a string of death threats Lamani allegedly received following the store’s reopening, has ignited outrage within the community, sparking a broader conversation about safety and support for local businesses. On Sunday, Maile expressed his concern and support during his…

ANC veteran and former International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor has said the party has lost its glory and that South Africans now look at the once-revered liberation movement with “disdain, horror and shame”. Pandor made the remarks while delivering a lecture during the centenary celebration of former ANC Women’s League president Gertrude Shope on Sunday. Shope, who died in May this year was former Member of Parliament and veteran activist. She would have turned 100 this month. “Ma’ Shope would have been dismayed at our faltering progress,” Pandor said. “She was a keen observer of our country’s development over the past 30 years of democracy, and noted several advances which I sometimes had the opportunity to discuss with her – advances in education, science, innovation and technology, in…

EFF leader Julius Malema says South Africa should follow the example set with tobacco and impose a total ban on alcohol advertising, arguing that current marketing glamorises drinking while concealing its social costs. Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference in Enugu on Sunday, Malema criticised how alcohol brands portray alcohol consumption. “We don’t want alcohol advertised in South Africa because they advertise alcohol through the means that is not a true reflection of alcohol. “Why are you not advertising alcohol with drunkards and show people what alcohol will do to them? It cannot be that alcohol is advertised only with beautiful people at the beach. It must be a true reflection of what this will do to you,” he said. Malema compared his call to South Africa’s…

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) announced it will introduce mandatory Beneficiary Biometric Enrolment in all its offices from September 1. The national spokesperson for Sassa, Paseka Letsatsi, said this new era is expected to revolutionise the administration of social grants, and the biometric enrolment is set to be the precursor to detect and nip in the bud any potentially fraudulent activities in the Sassa grant system. Letsatsi said this introduction comes after a marathon of engagements with organised labour on a myriad of issues, and these have since been successfully resolved, paving the way for a new age for Sassa in its resolve to administer a tight and credible grant system. Sassa CEO Themba Matlou said the implementation was supposed to take place earlier, but welcomed the progress…

SOUTH African learners consistently struggle with reading comprehension, performing poorly in both international and local assessments. A significant issue is that 81% of Grade 4 learners (aged 9 or 10) are unable to read for meaning: they can decode words, but do not necessarily understand them. While this problem has received considerable attention, no clear explanation has emerged. In my recent PhD thesis, I considered a crucial, but often overlooked, piece of the puzzle – the curriculum policy. My research sought to uncover and understand the gaps and contradictions in reading comprehension, especially between policy and practice, in a Grade 4 classroom. This research revealed a difference between curriculum policy and practice, and between what learners seemed to have understood and what they actually understood in a routine reading comprehension…

Former South African cricket icon AB de Villiers has dropped a major hint about a possible return to the IPL in a different capacity, expressing his desire for a coaching or mentoring role with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the future. De Villiers spent the majority of his IPL career at RCB. The wicketkeeper-batter started his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008 and played for them for three seasons before joining RCB in 2011. The South African legend, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2021, said that while a full-time professional commitment to the league is unlikely, his bond with RCB remains strong. If the Bengaluru-based franchise feels there is a role for him to be associated with the team, he is ready. “I…