Table of contents for 2025-07-08 in Star

A new customs duty has been slapped on vaping liquid, which will result in higher prices. On Friday the South African Revenue Service (SARS) introduced important amendments to the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, aimed at tightening the regulation of electronic cigarettes and vaping products. These changes, reflected in amendments to Schedule No. 1 (Parts 1 and 2A) and Schedule No. 6 (Part 1E), include the insertion of new tariff subheadings, the introduction of an excise duty on vaping liquid, and the implementation of new rebate provisions for defective or exported products. XA Global Trade Advisors explained that under the amended tariff structure, a new subheading, 8543.40.10, has been inserted to specifically classify vaping devices presented with vaping liquid, whether or not the liquid contains nicotine. The customs duty applicable…

The Banking Association South Africa (BASA) and five major lending banks have filed an application to appeal a recent order by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, in a legal battle that could redefine consumer credit relationships. The court's declaratory order, handed down by a full bench on 12 May, affirmed that an application for debt review, or a debt review order, does not remedy the default status of the original credit agreement under section 103(5) of the National Credit Act (NCA). This section is pivotal for consumers as it caps the total interest, fees, and charges accruing on a defaulted credit agreement, thereby safeguarding borrowers from potential exploitation by lending entities. This ruling positions the notion of 'default' as permanently tied to the original credit agreement, irrespective of…

Debt experts and economists are gearing up for what could be a pivotal moment at the end of July as South Africa's monetary landscape evolves. The highly anticipated meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) may see a further reduction in interest rates, offering hope to beleaguered consumers grappling with escalating costs and economic uncertainty. Casey Sprake, economist at Anchor, on Monday said the interest rate outlook continued to tilt dovish, with markets now pricing in a 66% chance of another 25 basis points cut. “While the pace has been more gradual and staggered than initially anticipated—particularly following the last rate hike exactly two years ago—the Sarb's cautious approach has still delivered meaningful relief to highly indebted households,” she said. Sprake added that…

Last month, news broke about Kenya's KCB Group being on track to become the first foreign bank to secure entry into Ethiopia's newly liberalised financial sector. This represents a historic shift ending five decades of state control dating back to the 1974 Derg nationalisation. It's the kind of development that Bernard Laurendeau spent years laying critical groundwork for during his time embedded within Ethiopia's government machinery, though not all his efforts bore fruit. Government whispering After 15 years advising Fortune 50 clients (from Google and Cisco to UAE's Ministry of Finance), Laurendeau returned to Ethiopia in 2019 to serve as senior advisor to the jobs creation commission under the Prime Minister's office. The work wasn't always successful. For instance, a startup act he helped draft "never saw the light of…

Primary Health Properties (PHP), a leading investor in modern primary care facilities in the UK and Ireland, in a trading update released on Monday said improving rental growth and stabilisation in yields underpin valuation growth. For the six months to 30 June net rental income rose 3.1% to £78.6 million (R1.9 billion) with adjusted earnings per share up 2.3% to 3.54 pence. Dividends declared were 3.55 pence up 2.9%. PHP said it had continued to focus on delivering organic rental growth derived from its existing assets. This growth arises mainly from rent reviews and asset management projects with income increasing by £2.2m, or 1.4%, in the six-month period. The company generated an additional £2.1m of extra rental income from its rent review activities, both in the UK and in Ireland.…

After a five-year hiatus, Samthing Soweto, real name Samkelo Lelethu Mdolomba, makes his return to the music scene with the release of his highly anticipated second album, Touch Is a Move: Good Morning. The album is deeply rooted in his personal philosophy, echoing a rule from games played in childhood: once you touched a piece, you had to make the move, no hesitation, no take-backs. The second phrase, Good Morning, echoes a ritual Soweto initiated in 2023, a daily greeting to his online audience that has fostered community ties. Together, these themes frame an album dedicated to exploring the weight of words and routines in our lives. The journey of Touch Is a Move: Good Morning unfolds like a day in Soweto, beginning at dawn's early light and gracefully transitioning…

Eskom has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to stabilise South Africa’s electricity supply, as the utility proudly announced that Unit 4 of the Medupi Power Station has been successfully returned to service. The Medupi Power Station, located in Lephalale in South Africa’s Limpopo province, holds thedistinction of being one of the world’s largest dry-cooled, coal-fired power plant The unit, which is now operational, adds an impressive 800MW to the national grid, further reinforcing the country’s energy security. The return of Unit 4 follows extensive repairs and a strategic approach that allowed it to come back online a remarkable eight months ahead of the original schedule. This expedited process was made possible through the innovative use of a refurbished Generator Stator, which served as an alternative to waiting…

SOCIAL media is abuzz with a video clip a video circulating on TikTok that appears to show a police officer in uniform under the influence of alcohol. This video has generated significant public discussion, with a group of individuals accusing the officer of drunkenness. “The Provincial Commissioner, who has a clear stance against ill-discipline and intemperate behaviour by our members, views these allegations with utmost seriousness. “As a result, the District Commissioner has been instructed to launch an immediate investigation. Should these allegations be substantiated, it would constitute not only serious misconduct but also a criminal offence. We believe these allegations are damaging to the integrity and professional image of the SAPS, further contributing to the trust deficit between the police and the community.” According to police, preliminary investigations indicate…

Spain’s ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) has banned its members from paying for sex and warned that violations could result in expulsion. The decision, announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, comes in response to a corruption scandal involving senior party officials and allegations of using public funds for illicit activities, including hiring sex workers. Santos Cerdan, former organisational secretary of the PSOE and a close ally of Sanchez, was ordered into pre-trial detention without bail by the Spanish Supreme Court in June. He faces charges of bribery, criminal conspiracy, and influence peddling related to the alleged rigging of public contracts worth over €500 million ($585 million). Prosecutors allege that Cerdan played a central role in orchestrating the scheme, which purportedly involved distributing at least €5m in kickbacks among senior officials, including…

South Africans can expect a mix of cool and cold conditions this week as winter’s grip strengthens across the country. According to the latest forecasts issued by the South African Weather Service, most regions will see stable and fine weather, but some areas will experience light showers and brisk winds. Today, there are no severe weather warnings in place, with the national impact-based warning map indicating “NIL” across all provinces. However, rain is expected in parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, where the rainfall probability sits at 30%. Areas including Polokwane, Phalaborwa and Mbombela might see isolated showers, while parts of the northeastern coast near Richards Bay could also experience light rain. By tomorrow, July 9, a cold front is set to brush the Western Cape, bringing isolated rain over the…

Donald Trump’s fresh threat to slap an additional 10% tariff on any country backing the BRICS alliance is accelerating a decisive shift among global investors – one that’s moving capital, attention and confidence away from the United States, says Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory deVere Group. “This policy announcement is confirmation of a growing narrative that the US is drifting toward economic isolation,” says Nigel Green. “Investors are reacting to that – not with panic, but with reallocation.” Trump’s warning, issued Sunday on Truth Social, comes just days before the expiry of the 90-day pause on steep tariffs. From August 1, higher levies will hit countries that haven’t signed trade deals with Washington. So far, only three nations – China, Vietnam and the UK – have finalised agreements.…

Chelsea’s young side are targeting a place in the final of the Fifa Club World Cup when they take on Fluminense in the last four on Tuesday, with the Brazilian team marshalled by former Blues defender Thiago Silva, who is still going strong at the age of 40. Silva was already a veteran when he signed for Chelsea in 2020 before going on to have an impressive four-year stint at Stamford Bridge. One of the finest centre-backs of his generation, Silva arrived after eight years at Paris Saint-Germain and, in his first season at Chelsea, won the Uefa Champions League. He played 155 games for the London club and left 12 months ago after helping oversee the development of some of the young talents now featuring regularly under Enzo Maresca.…

Novak Djokovic said it was “good to break the curse” in front of Roger Federer after coming from a set down to beat Alex de Minaur and reach his 16th Wimbledon quarter-final on Monday. Djokovic looked sluggish and unusually tentative in the early stages of his last-16 clash against the Australian 11th seed on Centre Court, but eventually found his rhythm to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The victory keeps the seven-time champion on course for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title — a feat that would crown his extraordinary career. If he wins the title on Sunday, the 38-year-old Serb would also equal Federer’s men’s record of eight Wimbledon crowns. The retired Swiss great was watching from the royal box as his long-time rival endured his toughest test of…

Kaizer Chiefs’ goalkeeper Brandon Petersen says they must “suffer now, enjoy later” as they endure an intense pre-season camp in The Netherlands. Chiefs have been in Apeldoorn, in the east of the country, since Friday, working hard through demanding training and gym sessions. “It’s now pre-season, where we lay the foundation,” Petersen told the Chiefs’ media team. “It’s when we suffer and sweat now, so that we can shine later.” It’s the second consecutive pre-season camp Chiefs have held in Europe, after touring Turkey last winter. Following a season in which their preparations only delivered the Nedbank Cup, Chiefs are leaving nothing to chance in the Netherlands, aiming to challenge for everything next season. They are putting their money where their mouth is — not only through intense training sessions,…

Age or nationality is neither here nor there for Marumo Gallants chairman Abram Sello when it comes to appointing a new head coach. Gallants have named Lafitte Alexandre as their new head coach, replacing Abdeslam Ouaddou, who recently joined Orlando Pirates. At just 28-years old, Alexandre becomes the youngest coach in the DStv Premiership ahead of the new campaign. But this is not unfamiliar territory for Gallants, who previously appointed 31-year-old Romain Folz. Although Folz’s stay at the club was brief, he went on to make a name for himself at Horoya AC, Fifa, AmaZulu, and Mamelodi Sundowns. Speaking at Alexandre’s unveiling at Hotel Sky in Sandton on Monday — alongside the club’s new signings — Sello explained their approach to recruitment. “I think as our payline, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa,…

President Trump announces additional tariffs on countries aligning with BRICS The rand weakened to its lowest in nearly two weeks against the major currencies on Monday as global risk was seen to have escalated following US President Donald Trump’s tariff threat. On Sunday, Trump announced an extension to the tariff deadline, pushing it to the beginning of August while imposing an additional 10% tariff with “no exceptions” on countries aligning with the policies of BRICS—a bloc of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Trump also reiterated previous warnings of imposing tariffs of up to 100% on BRICS nations should they abandon the US dollar in bilateral trade, and further warned other countries against joining the alliance. The expanded BRICS bloc now encompasses 11 countries, representing 43%…

President Donald Trump just launched a fragrance called Trump Victory 45 - 47, part of the "Fight Fight Fight Collection". The lid of the $249 (R4 427) bottle is a (obviously) gold statuette of Trump, tummy flat, shoulders back, looking like the Oscar for Best President in the World Ever. You get $100 off if you buy two. The President's fragrances, for there is one for boys, one for girls, is "For Patriots Who Never Back Down, Like President Trump. This Scent Is Your Rallying Cry In A Bottle. Featuring Trump’s Iconic Image And Raised Fist, This Limited-Edition Cologne Embodies Strength, Power, And Victory." And yes, the first letter of every word is capitalised. Since Trump took office, the Trump Store launched 168 new products, including clothing, hats, BBQ snacks,…

It’s been about two years since generative AI exploded onto the mass market and into the boardroom buzzword lexicon. What began as a curiosity has quickly snowballed into a business necessity. It might sound hyperbolic, but those who are not exploring how AI can support their businesses are already falling behind. But we’ve seen big tech ideas arrive, explode into the mass market and then quietly subside before. Remember when brands couldn’t launch NFTs and Metaverse activations fast enough? Generative AI has promised similar seismic change but unlike those other technologies, it is actually here to stay. It is powerful and it is changing the way businesses operate. Is it all it’s cracked up to be though? Not yet. What AI is doing well right now At Euphoria, we’ve been…

South32 plans to sell Cerro Matoso in Colombia to a subsidiary of the global mining, industrial, and financial group, CoreX Holding, for up to $100 million (R1.78 billion) but will take a $130m impairment. The global mining and metals company said Monday that the deal followed a review of its operations in response to structural changes in the nickel market. The transaction is expected to be finalised in late 2025. CoreX will take control of Cerro Matoso, including all liabilities, after paying up to $80m based on future production and nickel prices, and up to $20m in four equal payments based on milestones within the next five years for the Queresas & Porvenir North nickle exploration and development project. "The transaction is consistent with our strategy and will further streamline…

Old Mutual announced Monday that Prabashini Moodley has been appointed as its CEO of a newly configured Life & Savings segment, while Clarence Nethengwe, CEO of the to-be-launched OM Bank, has also been appointed to executive oversight of OM Finance and OM Transaction Services. The life assurance and financial services group said Moodley’s appointment was effective August 1, 2025. She will report directly to the group CEO, Jurie Strydom. The Life & Savings segment will consist of four business units: Personal Finance, Old Mutual Wealth Management, Old Mutual Corporate, and the Mass and Foundation Cluster (MFC) - excluding banking. The MDs of these business units will report to Moodley. The formation of the Life & Savings segment will enable more effective delivery to customers and intermediaries in South Africa and…

In a dramatic public statement released this week, Johannesburg Councillor Kabelo Gwamanda accused Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of running a rogue intelligence operation within the City of Johannesburg, unlawfully procuring surveillance equipment from Israeli contractors and using his position to target political opponents. Gwamanda’s statement, issued in his capacity, laid out a chilling picture of institutional capture, political retaliation, and deep-rooted corruption inside the South African Police Service. Gwamanda, who briefly served as Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, alleges that during Sibiya’s tenure as Group Head of the City’s Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS), the unit acquired intelligence-gathering tools through illegal channels, concealed damaging forensic reports, and weaponised law enforcement to protect political allies. “This raises serious questions about political interference and institutional failure,” said Gwamanda, pointing to…

Sibusiso Ncengwa who was convicted of the 2017 killing former ANC Youth League Secretary-General Sindiso Magaqa, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by the Pietermaritzburg High Court. The sentencing was handed down for the following: Count 1: Conspiracy to commit murder – 25 years Count 2: Murder – 25 years Count 3: Attempted murder – five years Count 4: Attempted murder – five years Count 5: Attempted murder – five years Count 6: Malicious injury to property – three years Count 7: Malicious injury to property – three years Count 8: Malicious injury to property – three years Count 9: Unlawful possession of fully automatic firearm – five years Count 10: Unlawful possession of a firearm gun – five years Count 11: Unlawful possession of ammunition…

South African prisons have become hotspots for organised criminal syndicates who smuggle cell phones and other gadgets that are used to scam South Africans and demand ransom from the families of kidnapped victims. This comes as the National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, led a specialised team in a targeted operation that uncovered an undisclosed number of cell phones and other gadgets, allegedly being used by inmates to commit crimes from behind bars at the Bavianspoort Correctional Centre in Pretoria. It is reported that a group of inmates at the facility, who were found with mobile phones were actively scamming members of the public, resulting in the confiscation of several mobile phones and other contraband items. Speaking on behalf of the department, Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson,…

Mayibuye National Convenor Floyd Shivambu says South Africa is facing a dangerous moment of truth and must act swiftly to stop political interference and criminal collusion within law enforcement. His comments come after KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, revealed that Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu interfered in sensitive investigations by disbanding the elite Political Killings Task Team. “We commend Commissioner Mkhwanazi for his courage and integrity,” Shivambu said. “His principled stand affirms that there are still patriots within the state apparatus committed to the rule of law and the protection of our democracy.” “The responsibility now lies with the public, media, judiciary, and crucially President Ramaphosa, to take bold action and ensure that accountability triumphs over impunity,” he said. Mayibuye Consultation Process (MCP) spokesperson Sidney Baloyi expressed…

Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge said the claims by a judge’s secretary that he tried to solicit oral sex from her in chambers never happened, and that the allegations are malicious and hurtful. Judge Mbenenge took the stand yesterday in the Judicial Conduct Tribunal’s sexual harassment probe against him. Judge’s secretary Andiswa Menge claimed that Judge Mbenenge had made unwanted sexual advances towards her. These include that on either November 14 or 15, 2022, he called her into his office and tried to solicit oral sex from her by attempting to open the zip of his pants. In defending these allegations, Mbenenge said that he hoped that he did not need to answer to these allegations, as they were all lies and never happened. He said that if proper…

Two tourists have died after an elephant attack during a safari in a national park in eastern Zambia, the southern African country’s police have said. The incident happened last week inside South Luangwa National Park, about 600km (370 miles) from the capital, Lusaka, Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said in a statement published by local media. According to the statement, the tourists, Easton Janet Taylor, 68, from the UK and Alison Jean Taylor, 67, from New Zealand were part of a guided group when the female elephant that was with a calf charged at them. Safari guides accompanying the group had attempted to stop the elephant by firing shots, wounding the animal, but were unable to prevent the attack. Both elderly women died at the scene, the police commissioner…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng welcomes the release of the long-awaited Municipal Economic Review and Outlook (MERO) report by MEC for Finance, Lebogang Maile, this week. Since 2020, the DA has been calling on the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) to release a MERO report, as is done in the Western Cape. It is heartening to see that our plea did not fall on deaf ears. This crucial report provides proper data on service delivery pitfalls in our municipalities and highlights gaps and improvements needed. Gauteng municipalities are in serious trouble when it comes to financial sustainability due to increasing debt, decline in revenue collection and mismanagement of funds. This has severely affected the delivery of basic services, such as water, electricity, roads, and sanitation to our residents. This report…

BRICS leaders at a summit on Sunday took aim at US President Donald Trump’s “indiscriminate” import tariffs and recent Israeli-US strikes on Iran. The 11 emerging nations – including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – account for about half the world’s population and 40% of global economic output. The bloc is divided about much, but found common cause when it comes to the mercurial US leader and his stop-start tariff wars – even if it avoided naming him directly. Voicing “serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff” measures, BRICS members said the tariffs risked hurting the global economy, according to a summit joint statement. Trump fired back at the bloc directly on social media Sunday night. “Any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS will…

Springbok laws and discipline advisor Jaco Peyper says the Boks have approached World Rugby’s refereeing department for clarity on “one or two things” ahead of Saturday’s second Test against Italy — particularly around the breakdown, where the team was outplayed in the series opener. Peyper, the vastly experienced former referee who joined the Springbok setup in early 2024, was clear that the approach was part of a normal feedback process — not a complaint. “First of all, the refereeing team here, led by Holly Davidson and company, have a great ethic,” said Peyper. “They are people you can give feedback to, and they give it back. World Rugby encourages this. “We had a few questions after last week’s game, and they will give us honest feedback. Italy had a clear…

Now that the dew has settled on the Springboks’ iffy performance against Italy, the players and coaching staff have a different perspective on what panned out in the 42-14 win at Loftus Versfeld, and it is hardly doom and gloom. Those were the wise words of squad newcomer Thomas du Toit, who added that not enough credit has been given to a plucky Italian side that came hard at the Boks and slickly executed a well-constructed plan. Du Toit is fresh from a dream season in England in which he won three trophies with all-conquering Bath, while reaching new heights in his personal game, including scoring 10 tries, a record in the Premiership for a prop. “I would not say we have had a wake-up call,” Du Toit said. “It…

The tragic passing of star Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has been a stark reminder of how we often perceive our sporting idols as objects, not people. It took a conversation with Liverpool legend Michael Owen to prick my conscience. Asked what the potential implications of Jota’s death alongside his brother André Silva were to Liverpool, Owen chose instead to focus on what it meant to those closest to him. He chose to focus on the pain felt by those mourning the loss of a father, son and husband — of a mother who has just lost two sons. And he has a point. No matter how many songs Reds fans sing in his honour next season, or what grand gestures are planned in the 20th minute of matches to pay…

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has unveiled a bold strategy aimed at improving South Africa's transport sector's freights and goods handling capacity and to transform the passenger, freight, and aviation sectors over the next four years. Speaking at the 2025 Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) in Pretoria on Monday, Creecy said the first target was to increase freight volume on the Transnet network to 250 million tons annually by 2029, a move that is expected to strengthen the backbone of South Africa's logistics framework. Addressing port efficiency, Creecy also said South Africa aimed to achieve an international operational benchmark of 30 gross crane movements per hour when loading and unloading vessels, a standard necessary for remaining competitive in global markets. “We need to achieve this standard to remain globally competitive,” Creecy…

In a fast-evolving world where markets, mandates and morals are shifting, organisations are being called to govern differently. The traditional rule-bound model of governance is increasingly insufficient in the face of systemic risks, stakeholder activism and digital disruption. As governance thinking evolves, new frameworks continue to emerge, each responding to the demand for purpose-driven, context-sensitive leadership. This proliferation of frameworks reflects the increasing complexity and diversity of modern governance challenges. The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) draft Corporate Governance Framework (CGF), released in May 2025, exemplifies this shift, but its relevance to Africa hinges on aligning its structural approach with local realities. Developed with US public companies in mind and globally recognised for its work on internal controls, the framework nonetheless raises critical questions for governance communities worldwide. In contrast…

Today, access to the internet is as essential as electricity or running water. It’s how people find work, run a business, study, manage their money and stay connected to those they care about. Yet for too many South Africans, especially those living in rural or underserved communities, affordable, reliable internet remains out of reach. Terms like the digital divide are typically used to describe this phenomenon. But with such slogans, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that this profound lack of access holds back individuals, small businesses, and our country’s economic potential. The internet is infrastructure If we’re serious about growing South Africa’s economy and supporting entrepreneurs at every level, we need to start seeing the internet for what it truly is: vital infrastructure. Just as roads connect…

The Vision Consortium that has taken over the rescue of Tongaat Hulett has been directed by the Durban High Court to provide documents and disclosures relating to the Vision Group’s acquisition of the former Lender Group claims and security. The Court issued this ruling on July 4, 2025, following an urgent application brought by RGS Group Holdings, a company that had once planned to submit its own business rescue plan for Southern Africa’s biggest sugar group, but then withdrew from the bidding process after the validity of its proof of funding was questioned. Tongaat Hulett said in a statement on Monday that the ruling was limited to disclosure and did not affect the implementation of the business rescue plan (BRP) or the integrity of the acquisition itself. Over the past…

The South African REIT sector experienced a modest pullback in June, declining by 1%, trailing both equities (+2.4%) and bonds (+2.3%) for the month, following a really strong April. However, analysts caution against interpreting the decline as a reversal in fundamentals, pointing instead to profit-taking in larger counters, following an extended period of outperformance. In April, South Africa’s REIT sector gained 6.9% and outperformed equities (4.3%) and bonds (0.8%), despite a disrupted trading month due to public holidays. “The June dip appears more technical and structural. Many of the more liquid stocks have delivered stellar returns over the past 18 months, so some rotation was inevitable, particularly in a month where global sentiment was otherwise risk-on,” said Ian Anderson, head of listed property and portfolio manager at Merchant West Investments,…

Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald will have to explain his recent suggestion that corporal punishment should be revisited to alleviate overcrowding in prisons when he appears before the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today. The minister made the remarks when delivering his budget vote in the National Assembly last week. Groenewald was addressing the challenges faced by correctional services, including overcrowding, dilapidated infrastructure, a rising number of remand detainees, deteriorating facilities, staff shortages, the presence of crime syndicates and gangs within our institutions, and emerging crime patterns. He said corporal punishment will help ease overcrowding in the country’s prisons. Corporal punishment in South African schools was officially banned in 1996. “If you look at our criminal justice system, and specifically justice, we must start a debate to say, shouldn’t…

Ekurhuleni Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, has sounded a chilling warning: Unless South Africa protects the integrity warriors within its public institutions, the state faces a mass exodus of professionals – and with it, the collapse of public trust. Speaking at the funeral of slain forensic auditor Mpho Mafole on Sunday, Xhakaza delivered an emotional but forceful address, condemning what he described as a deepening climate of fear targeting civil servants confronting corruption head-on. “If we don’t pull up and enforce the law and ensure there are consequences, we will lose some of these professionals. They will want to leave the public service and it will mean the public trust will be eroded,” he said. Mafole, a respected figure in the metro’s anti-corruption unit, was gunned down in a brutal ambush last…

The Akasia police station in Pretoria, ranked among the top 40 stations with high serious crime rates, operates without a holding cell. This information came to light through Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s written responses to parliamentary questions by Crezane Bosch, the DA’s Gauteng shadow MEC for Community Safety. Bosch posed questions to inquire about the state of police stations in Gauteng, specifically asking about vacancies and plans to fill the posts. The 2024/2025 police crime statistics report shows that the Akasia police station is among the 40 stations with high rates of community-reported serious crimes, including sexual offences and attempted murder. Bosch said a DA-led Gauteng provincial government would work within the legal framework to facilitate the upgrading and construction of holding cells through intergovernmental cooperation. She noted that…

The attitude of the DA of withdrawal from the upcoming National Dialogue is part of its general strategy to “weaponise” government processes and its membership of the GNU to score political points for its own benefit. This is according to the South African Communist Party that noted the challenges between the ANC and the DA as key role players in the GNU with concern. “Although the position of the SACP towards the current configuration of the GNU has consistently been that of principled criticism, it is still our view that political instability in the working of government is undesirable and does not serve in any way the citizens of the country that await leadership and services from government,” SACP spokesperson Mbulelo Mandlana told IOL News. Mandlana said the SACP believes…

The Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) has firmly rejected the long-awaited Section 59 report, which yesterday found positive and glaring alleged racial bias and discrimination by medical health schemes against black health professionals. Presented by panel chair Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, the report found systemic procedural unfairness and a deeply entrenched power imbalance that over the years has disproportionately and negatively impacted black medical professionals. The inquiry commissioned by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), launched in 2019, scrutinised practices by medical aid schemes such as Discovery, Medscheme and the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) between 2012 and 2019. “We confirm the findings and recommendations in the interim report, that the procedure followed by medical schemes when they claw back monies allegedly owed by practitioners or when they investigate instances of…

The Democratic Alliance in North West wrote to the MEC of Health, Sello Lehari, demanding urgent intervention on health and safety risks at the Witrand Psychiatric Hospital in Potchefstroom. The DA also submitted a full report to MEC Lehari as well as the Head of Department (HOD), Obakeng Mongale, and the Chairperson of the Portfolio on Health and Social Development, Karabo Magagane, with details of the findings during an oversight visit done on July 2. To remedy such shortcomings falls outside the budget and procurement limitations of the hospital itself and must be procured through the provincial department. Unwashed linen and patient clothing are piling up in the facility’s laundry services area because there is only one small and one large industrial washing machine in working condition and only three…

In 1994, South Africa inherited an economy that was structurally designed to exclude the vast majority of South Africans. Apartheid’s distorted policies had created a dual economy: one of wealth and privilege and another of poverty and exclusion. This calculated economic strategy, structured along racial lines, created white-owned mines, farms, and factories. At the same time, many black South Africans languished on the fringes of the economy in an underdeveloped informal sector. Their meaningful participation in our nation's wealth was further eroded by discriminatory laws that restricted Black South Africans from owning land, accessing quality education, and entering skilled professions. These economic distortions, which were implemented over hundreds of years, continue to plague our nation today as we grapple with one of the highest levels of economic inequality in the…

Mamelodi Sundowns have officially confirmed the departure of five players as part of their off-season squad reshuffle, following their early exit at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. The reigning Betway Premiership champions announced on Monday that Sanele Tshabalala, Thabang Sibanyoni, Sifiso Ngobeni, Lucas Suarez, and Sipho Mbule have all left the club, as preparations intensify for the 2025/26 season. Goalkeeper Sanele Tshabalala, who joined Sundowns in 2020, leaves without having made a senior appearance. The 25-year-old goalkeeper was part of several title-winning squads but failed to crack the first-team pecking order and will now look for opportunities to revive his career elsewhere. Striker Thabang Sibanyoni, a product of the club’s development system, exits after spending much of his time out on loan. Despite showing promise during…

Wiaan Mulder broke numerous Test cricket records on Monday with an unbeaten 367 on Day 2 of the second Test between South Africa and Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The 27-year-old now holds several historic milestones: the highest score by a player in their first match as captain, the highest score by a player away from home, the highest ever score by a No 3 batter, the third-highest Test score by a captain, the best strike-rate for a triple century, the fifth-highest Test score in history, and the highest Test score by a South African. One of the records that appeared to hold personal meaning for Mulder — or perhaps even caused a twinge of regret — was surpassing Hashim Amla’s 311, which previously stood as the highest…

Abdeslam Ouaddou is an African through and through — and he firmly believes that African-born coaches have the competencies to lead the continent’s biggest football teams. Ouaddou is the new head coach of Orlando Pirates, the South African giants who famously won the country’s first CAF Champions League title in 1995. As such, expectations are high for him to awaken a sleeping giant, and to deliver domestic and continental success for the first time in 13 and 31 years respectively. The 46-year-old Moroccan, who earned 68 caps for his national team during his playing career, says he is ready for the challenge. Although he was largely unknown in local coaching circles before a recent stint at Marumo Gallants, many assumed he would bring his own trusted lieutenants to Pirates. Instead,…