Indice dei contenuti per 2025-10-07 in Star

Barloworld Limited’s path to delisting gathered significant momentum this week, with Newco — the consortium leading the take-private transaction — announcing that it has received valid acceptances for 108 million ordinary shares under its Standby Offer. The accepted shares represent approximately 58% of Barloworld’s total issued ordinary shares, excluding treasury stock. Combined with the consortium’s and the Barloworld Foundation’s existing holdings, Newco now controls 81.4% of Barloworld’s ordinary shares, positioning the group firmly on course to take the 122-year-old industrial giant private. Sydney Mhlarhi, spokesperson for Newco, hailed the progress as a “major milestone” for the transaction. “We are delighted to have achieved major transaction milestones this past week. The Standby Offer becoming unconditional has prompted a surge in valid acceptances received,” Mhlarhi said. “Together with the Consortium’s existing…

The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) has reported a sharp rise in pension-related complaints during the 2024/25 financial year, largely linked to the rollout of the new Two-Pot retirement system introduced in September 2024. According to the OPFA’s latest annual report, released on Sunday, the number of new complaints increased by 13% year-on-year to 10 331, compared to 9 177 in the previous period. Of these, the office managed to resolve 10 100 cases. The report noted that 239 complaints were directly related to the two-pot system in the first seven months of its implementation. The system allows retirement fund members to access part of their savings without resigning from their jobs — a reform designed to provide financial flexibility to workers. However, the OPFA said many funds…

The expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act at the end of September marks a watershed moment in the US-South Africa relationship. While Agoa had been effectively undermined by the Trump tariffs imposed earlier this year, it nevertheless provided a backstop for our trade relationship – a framework and a reason to work hard towards agreement on new trade terms. The Trump administration indicated a desire to extend Agoa by one year shortly before its expiry, but Congress has been unable to act on that ambition due to the government shutdown. There remains a possibility that an extension could be included in legislation required to end the shutdown, but even then, it is unclear whether South Africa would be included, given the broader issues that have arisen between our…

36ONE Asset Management, a leading South African asset manager, has announced a landmark Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) deal with a consortium led by MI Capital, the investment arm of The Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII). The deal sees the consortium, which includes staff of 36ONE, and communities of youth in MII through The Invincible Empowerment Trust, acquire a 22% stake in 36ONE Asset Management. This partnership is a significant milestone that unites a top-tier financial firm with a proven leader in youth education and empowerment. It will help advance the educational mission of MII and help to uplift previously disadvantaged South African youth for generations to come. Cy Jacobs, co-founder of 36ONE Asset Management, said, "We are thrilled to partner with the Maharishi Invincibility Institute through MI Capital. “This partnership…

One Direction’s former band members, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik, are getting back together for a fun and heartfelt road trip series. The three-part documentary, which is set to premiere on Netflix, will show the two stars as they explore America while reflecting on their lives and the tough times they’ve faced. Around a year ago, tragic news struck the music world with the passing of their friend and bandmate Liam Payne. During an emotional tribute paid on stage, Malik called Payne his “brother”, and Tomlinson described him as “the most vital part” of One Direction. This series is said to give them a chance to talk more about their special bond with Payne, making it a truly touching experience for fans. The untitled docuseries will be directed by…

The neighbouring Kingdom of Eswatini is set to receive another batch of convicted criminals from the US this month, a move that has previously raised significant concerns in South Africa regarding regional security and immigration protocols. In August, IOL reported that the South African government had raised “deep concern” following the arrival of the initial group of five convicted criminals deported from the US in the neighbouring Kingdom of Eswatini. In the recent development, acting spokesperson for the government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Thabile Mdhuli, said 11 convicted criminals would be arriving in one of the world’s last remaining absolute monarchies. “Government wishes to inform the nation that the Kingdom of Eswatini will receive 11 third-country nationals from the United States of America during the month of October 2025.…

Four people were killed on Sunday morning in a head-on collision between a light delivery vehicle (LDV) and a sedan on the N2 between eMkhondo and Pongola in Mpumalanga, authorities confirmed. The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison said three of the deceased, two men and one woman, including the driver, were occupants of the sedan. “The fourth person, a female, was a pedestrian whose body was found near the wreckage of the LDV. All victims died at the scene,” said department spokesperson Moeti Mmusi. The male driver of the LDV and a child passenger sustained serious injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital in eMkhondo, Mmusi said. He confirmed that a police investigation was under way and noted that reckless driving had not been ruled out…

The DA has sounded the alarm over what it calls a shocking case of mismanagement in Emfuleni, where water worth a staggering R880 million has been lost, even as the municipality poured R57m into repairing leaks. The party has slammed the crisis as a “catastrophic failure of governance”, revealing that it has formally requested the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to investigate Emfuleni for violating residents’ constitutional right to access clean water and proper sanitation. The DA said it was now awaiting the commission’s findings, warning that the municipality’s negligence had turned a basic human right into a daily struggle for survival. Kingsol Chabalala, DA Emfuleni North constituency head, revealed that the municipality lost an astonishing 16.4 million kilolitres of clean water in the 2024/2025 financial year, valued at…

The owner of a car has taken legal action against Discovery Insure as it refused to reimburse her for the theft, as the insurer claimed that the tracker device in the vehicle was faulty and that this was contrary to their agreement. Nicole Hoolsema (plaintiff) turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, for an order compelling Discovery to pay her for her loss. The plaintiff concluded an insurance agreement with the insurer in January 2021. In terms of the agreement, Discovery insured Hoolsema’s vehicle against perils such as theft, hijacking and damages. The insurer’s obligation to indemnify the plaintiff is conditional upon the installation of a Discovery Insure Crowd Search motor vehicle tracking device. This device must be in full working order at all times. In terms of the agreement,…

How Herman Mashaba convinced Xolani Khumalo to run for Ekurhuleni mayor Television personality and anti-crime activist Xolani Khumalo has expressed confidence in his ability to turn around the City of Ekurhuleni, after being announced as ActionSA’s mayoral candidate in the upcoming local government elections. IOL reported over the weekend that ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba unveiled Khumalo’s candidacy on Saturday, describing him as an “ethical leader.” Khumalo, best known as a former presenter on TV channel Moja Love’s Sizokthola, revealed that his entry into politics came after a conversation with Mashaba. He explained that he initially approached the ActionSA president to seek support for his foundation. “As an activist, I run the Xolani Khumalo Foundation. For us to work, we rely on donations from companies and individuals. I went to ask…

The Kaizer Chiefs head honchos — and not their former superior, Nasreddine Nabi — will decide the fate of co-interim coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. Kaze and Ben Youssef have been holding the fort at Chiefs in recent weeks, following the suspension of head coach Nabi over issues such as mistrust and coaching credentials. Since Nabi’s departure, Kaze and Ben Youssef have endured a rollercoaster ride. They managed to progress to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, but were eliminated from the Carling Knockout last 16 by Stellenbosch on Sunday afternoon. Their Betway Premiership campaign has also been topsy-turvy. They are winless in their last three games, having lost to Sekhukhune United and drawn against Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu, respectively. Given all the challenges the…

McLaren clinched the Formula One constructors’ title, but their drivers’ tempers frayed in the heat of a Singapore Grand Prix won by the Mercedes of George Russell. Here, we highlight three talking points from Sunday’s night race — one of the most physically brutal tests of man and machine on the motor racing calendar. Gloves off for Piastri and Norris With the constructors’ championship safely tucked away for a second successive season, the question now is: will McLaren let the gloves come off in a head-to-head fight for the drivers’ title? If the start of the Singapore Grand Prix was anything to go by, the battle between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris over the final six races could be very spicy indeed. Norris forced his way past Piastri into third…

Last season, the so-called Big Six in the English Premier League gave way to a Top Eight as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur lost their place at the top table, while the emergence of the likes of Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Fulham, Brighton and Crystal Palace suggested a shake-up in the established order. For more than a decade, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham monopolised the Uefa Champions League places, dictated the title race, and appeared untouchable. But last season’s shifts — not just in final log positions, but also Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph and Newcastle’s dramatic League Cup win — signalled the cracks beginning to show. Any suggestion that this was a temporary wobble has been dispelled by the early weeks of this campaign. Bournemouth…

Discovery Green, the renewable energy business of Discovery Limited, and Glencore Operations South Africa, part of a global diversified natural resources company, said on Monday they had signed a 20-year renewable energy supply agreement. The deal will replace the majority of the electricity consumption at four of Glencore’s major mining operations with renewable energy. Starting in 2027, Discovery Green will supply renewable energy to the Goedgevonden, Tweefontein, and iMpunzi mine complexes near eMalahleni, in the Nkangala District. The electricity consumption across these operations is estimated to exceed 290 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year. This long-term agreement is expected to substantially reduce the operation’s direct carbon emissions, while providing Glencore with stable, predictable electricity costs. “We are excited to support Glencore, a major player in South Africa’s economy, on their journey towards…

The stalemate between the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and the Postbank over the former's stipulation of a three-month extension of a Master Service Agreement (MSA) affecting about 3 million beneficiaries has to go back to the Presidency after as tensions heat up between the two entities. This is as the Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) cited by both parties in the dispute as a mandated mediator referred to the appointment of an inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to the Presidency, suggesting the mediation process has not begun. DPME Ministerial spokesperson Litha Mpondwana referred responses to the Presidency as the establishment of inter-governmental committees was the prerogative of the Presidency. "The DPME has been involved in intergovernmental relations processes, which seek to facilitate the optimal provision of social…

A full percentage point and a quarter in interest rate cuts over the past year have eased financial pressure on South Africans — but not enough to make a meaningful difference, according to leading debt experts. The South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) has reduced the repo rate by a cumulative 125 basis points since August 2024, bringing it down from 11.75% to 10.5%. While this marks a gradual easing of monetary policy after years of high borrowing costs, analysts say the relief has been offset by the soaring cost of living. Neil Roets, the founder and CEO of Debt Rescue, said that while the rate cuts were welcome, many consumers are still under severe financial strain. “While this 125 basis point reduction has provided some relief on paper, the reality…

South Africans are no strangers to the rising cost of living. Grocery prices continue to rise, fuel costs swing unpredictably, and households are stretched thin trying to make ends meet. Yet, amid this financial strain, one essential service has provided rare relief: internet access. The Competition Commission’s August 2025 Cost of Living Report highlights something perhaps worth celebrating. The communications sector has made real progress in driving affordability and accessibility of internet services. It’s a reminder that the tides are slowly turning and that even in tough economic times, targeted interventions can help ease pressure on households. The internet is no longer a luxury, it is an essential service, as important as electricity or water. This recognition reflects the lived reality of millions of South Africans for whom being offline…

Mondi’s share price fell by a whopping 16.7% on Monday morning after reporting softer markets and extended maintenance shuts for its third quarter to September 30. The JSE and London Stock Exchange-listed global sustainable packaging and paper group said in a trading statement that underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) came to €223 million, including €20m of forestry fair value gain. This was lower than the second quarter EBITDA of €274m, which included a €16m forestry fair value gain. The first quarter EBITDA came to €290m. The share price fell to a new 12-month low of R203.10 on the JSE on Monday morning, and the price had fallen more than 37% over a year. "Trading conditions in the third quarter were challenging, with softer volumes and declining…

Taylor Swift feared her songwriting would “dry up” once she was “truly happy”. The 35-year-old pop idol has just released her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, and as she’s happier than ever – having just got engaged to her longtime partner Travis Kelce. Swift was concerned she would have nothing to write about, because she’d had always assumed she was a tortured poet. Speaking on the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast With Greg James about her follow-up to 2024’s The Tortured Poets Department” she said: “It’s wonderful. I used to kind of have this dark fear that if I ever were truly happy and free, being myself and nurtured by a relationship, what happens if the writing just dries up? “What if writing is directly tied to my…

The government has been accused of sabotaging the Madlanga Commission following remarks made by former chief evidence leader, advocate Terry Motau, regarding its inadequate budget. The commission last week confirmed that Motau had stepped down from his role as chief evidence leader, adding that he left the commission on good terms but it did not provide reasons for his departure. Speaking with Radio 702 last week, Motau revealed that he had tendered his resignation on September 11, following a long-lasting discussion with commission leadership. Central to his concerns was the lack of budget clarity. Motau stressed that this was a lesson that should have been learned from the Zondo Commission, which ballooned past R1 billion in cost and left several legal professionals unpaid in its final months. He said the…

A domestic dispute ended in tragedy in Lulekani, Limpopo, when a man shot and killed another man he suspected of having a romantic relationship with his wife before turning the gun on himself. Police responded to the incident in the Lulekani new stands at around 5 am on Saturday. On arrival, officers found the victim lying unresponsive with gunshot wounds. Paramedics were called to the scene but declared the man dead, according to Limpopo provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba. “Further investigation indicated that a male individual shot at the victim he accused of having a romantic connection with the wife. “Following the shooting incident, the suspect went to his parental home in Kurhula, where he allegedly shot himself in the head, dying instantly,” said Ledwaba. “The firearm believed to…

The City of Tshwane has been embroiled in a controversy over the monthly cleansing levy of R194 after approximately 12 000 customers were incorrectly billed in September. However, the municipality said it would only do a reversal credit and that no cash refunds would be issued to affected residents. The Gauteng High Court previously ruled the levy unlawful, and the city has since petitioned the Supreme Court of Appeal to challenge the judgment. Municipal spokesperson Selby Bokaba explained that the city’s appeal automatically suspended the high court’s judgment. Despite the controversy, the city has assured customers that it is making steady progress in resolving affected accounts. About 12 000 accounts, representing less than 2% of the city's 780,000 customers, were impacted by the billing anomaly. Bokaba said: “Our preliminary assessment…

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) wants the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) to be changed so that “delinquent director” court applications could be brought against malfeasant accounting authorities of all state-owned entities (SOEs), including those that are not registered as companies. Outa, which filed its case at the Pretoria High Court, said this will enable civil society organisations to take such actions to hold individuals who mismanage and abuse SOEs accountable, adding that the law allows delinquent director actions against directors of registered companies, which excludes many SOEs. The Minister of Finance and Minister of Trade are cited as the first and second respondents, respectively. However, the spokespersons for both departments did not comment at the time of publication. The SOEs that are not registered as companies in South…

President Cyril Ramaphosa says Eskom’s return to profitability for the first time in eight years is a clear sign that South Africa’s efforts to stabilise the power utility and end the electricity crisis are beginning to yield results. In his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa said the improved financial position at Eskom was the result of “staying the course” on reforms and investing in long-term solutions, even when under pressure. “When we announced the National Energy Action Plan in 2022, the national power utility’s losses stood at R12.3 billion and its debt had ballooned to over R300bn,” Ramaphosa said. “At the time, Eskom’s auditors noted that there was ‘material uncertainty relating to Eskom’s ability to continue.’” Ramaphosa said the turnaround was largely due to increased collaboration between government departments,…

A Russian cargo aircraft which has been blacklisted by the US and landed in Upington on Thursday, was offloading transport general cargo, civilian helicopters and acrobatic aeroplanes, the Department of Transport confirmed on Sunday. The aircraft belongs to Abakan Air, which was blacklisted by the US in June 2024, for transporting Russian military equipment and supporting Russia’s defence industrial base during its war against Ukraine. The landing of Abakan Air in South Africa has raised concerns that this could exacerbate the already prickly relationship between South Africa and the US. According to media reports, the Ilyushin IL-76 cargo aircraft landed heavily loaded before it was later seen empty when it stopped for fuel at Lanseria Airport. The last recorded position on Flightrader24 (FR24) for the aircraft shows that before the…

Kenny Kunene has officially returned to the plush City of Joburg Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport position, following a swearing-in ceremony officiated by Council Speaker Cllr Margaret Arnolds on Monday. Kunene, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president, previously resigned from his council and MMC positions amid controversy in July 2025, after being found at the house of Katiso “TK” Molefe, the murder accused in the case of musician DJ Sumbody. At the time, the PA suspended him pending an internal investigation. After being cleared of any wrongdoing, Kunene was reinstated as a councillor last month, with PA leader Gayton McKenzie threatening to withdraw the party from coalition agreements with the ANC in the city if Kunene was not reappointed to the mayoral committee. The MMC for Transport…

‘All Eyes on Gaza’ has become a vociferous rallying call, as it should, for Gaza is a site of horrific inhumanity. At the same time, more eyes are needed on Sudan. The conflict-ravaged nation is a humanitarian crisis, yet the world hardly looks upon the atrocities of Sudan. The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), commanded by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, is in its third year. Sudan is in a disastrous downfall. Many cities have been annihilated and are little more than heaps of ruins. Blockades and drone attacks are the day-to-day horrors of Sudan. Just weeks ago, 75 worshippers at a mosque were targeted and slaughtered. Multiple hospitals have been rendered dysfunctional due to the continued barrage.…

The defence of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) mace is set to officially get underway for South Africa as they begin the new cycle with a two-match Test series in Lahore and Rawalpindi this month. As the Proteas start the 2025–27 WTC cycle in Pakistan next week, they carry a target on their backs, having won the WTC final against Australia at Lord’s this past winter. It will be a new challenge for South Africa, given that every Test they play will now be closely examined by opposition teams — a level of scrutiny they most likely did not face in the previous cycle, when they flew under the radar due to a lack of stars and being generally underrated. Stand-in captain Aiden Markram emphasised the team’s desire to…

Good policies and good luck cushion emerging markets in face of global volatility, says IMF Emerging markets have shown remarkable resilience in the face of global financial volatility, thanks to a combination of “good policies” and, to a lesser extent, “good luck,” according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) released on Monday. The report's chapter 2, titled “Emerging Market Resilience: Good Luck or Good Policies?”, finds that many emerging economies are now better equipped to withstand global “risk-off” shocks — periods when investors retreat from riskier assets — than they were before the 2008 global financial crisis. The IMF attributes this resilience primarily to improved monetary, fiscal, and macroprudential frameworks, which have allowed central banks to act more independently, stabilize domestic economies, and reduce reliance…

In governance, silence is rarely neutral. It is a decision, and one that shapes the moral character of leadership. The most dangerous failures in boardrooms do not always come from the wrong actions of leaders, but from their refusal to act when duty demands it. Silence, like ego, has a governance cost. It corrodes accountability, weakens oversight and allows risk to grow unchecked beneath the surface. Every board faces moments when silence seems easier than confrontation. A director notices a recurring issue in audit findings but says nothing. A chair senses executive overreach yet avoids raising it to preserve harmony. The intention may be noble, but the outcome is not. When boards choose not to act, they drift from stewardship toward complicity. Inaction often hides behind professionalism. It wears the…

South Africa is standing at a defining moment. For generations, our growth has been tied to mining, manufacturing, and heavy industry — vital sectors, yes, but costly, resource-heavy, and often slow to create the kinds of broad, future-facing jobs our young population needs. Meanwhile, a new global engine is roaring ahead: gaming. Once dismissed as teenage pastime, gaming today is much more. It is a billion-dollar industry, a platform for technology innovation, a competitive sport, a tourism drawcard, and even a classroom tool. With the right choices in policy, education and investment, South Africa can do more than join this global wave — it can ride it to rebrand itself as Africa’s creative-technology hub, unlocking jobs, exports and skills development along the way. A booming market we cannot ignore The…

The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), the state institution that aims to combat financial crime by mostly monitoring millions of reports from 55 262 institutions in South Africa, says it recovered R144 million in proceeds from crime in 2024/25. The FIC’s latest annual report shows this amount is 46% more than the preceding year. The FIC also claims to have blocked R157.5m as suspected proceeds of crime. The report comes in an environment where suspected financial crime totaling billions of rand is reported almost daily in South Africa’s media, and most of these funds will likely have passed through the financial system. The FIC said ithe 55 262 institutions registered on its database submitted more than 13.5 million regulatory reports in the year. Financial institutions are obliged by regulation to submit…

Jubilee Metals Group plans to concentrate solely on its Zambian copper projects and the Tjate platinum project in South Africa by the end of the year. The strategic shift is contingent on the disposal of its South African chrome and PGM operations, which is expected to be finalised soon. In an update released on Monday, the JSE and London-listed copper-focused producer revealed that shareholders had approved the sale of the chrome and PGM operations on August 25, 2025. The company has already received the first tranche of the sale consideration, amounting to $15 million. “Our Three-Pillar Strategy offers flexibility to our operations and supports a more robust business approach to withstand in-country risks while providing exciting growth opportunities for the Group,” said CEO Leon Coetzer. The company is awaiting approval…

Zamajobe Sithole, known simply as Zamajobe, is one of South Africa’s most distinctive voices. Her journey in music began in the township of Vosloorus, where she grew up surrounded by the sounds of community choirs, street melodies and the gospel tradition. She began singing in her local church choir at the age of nine, an experience that instilled in her discipline, vocal training and an early love for performing in front of audiences. Her first major mentor was Pastor Benjamin Dube, the acclaimed gospel artist whose influence on her development was profound. At home, Zamajobe pressed her father for a guitar, and once she got it, she began experimenting with writing her own songs. The instrument became her creative companion. Her breakthrough moment came when she entered Idols South Africa…

As thousands of industry professionals converge on Cologne for the esteemed Anuga Food and Beverage Trade Fair, South African companies are seizing the moment to showcase their quality products and tap into Europe’s lucrative market. This annual event, which runs until October 8, presents a vital opportunity for local manufacturers to establish significant trade connections, spurred by support from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). Its involvement plays a crucial role in enabling South African exporters to forge relationships in new territories. Among the companies participating is Zazi Productions, based in Johannesburg. Managing director Thobeka Ndabula expresses enthusiasm about presenting their 100% ready-to-drink juices and dried fruits to international importers. “We are confident that we will return home with several trade leads and at least one or two…

Limpopo police have launched a manhunt for a suspect after a 31-year-old Zimbabwean man was stabbed to death by another Zimbabwean national during an altercation at a tavern in Levubu. The incident happened on Sunday, 28 September 2025, at about 5.30pm along Levubu B Road. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds and was rushed to Tshilidzini Hospital, where he later died in the early hours of Saturday, October 4. Police have identified the suspect as Richard Chiraira, who fled the scene and remains on the run. The case, initially registered as attempted murder, has since been updated to murder. “A manhunt is under way, and we are appealing to anyone with information to assist the police in locating the suspect,” said provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba. Anyone with information…

The family of the late South African Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, is calling for clarity and answers surrounding his tragic death as his body is scheduled to be repatriated to South Africa. Mthethwa, 58, died after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris on October 2. The circumstances of his death remain unclear, prompting ongoing investigations by French authorities and collaborative efforts with South African law enforcement. On Friday, South Africa’s acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, said they had deployed five seasoned investigators to France. This delegation is led by Major- General Maqhashalala, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in the Western Cape, to work closely with French investigators and support the family’s quest for truth. Speaking from Mthethwa’s home in…

Judicial Service Commission interviews for superior court vacancies The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is conducting interviews this week to fill vacancies across the country’s superior courts. The interviews start today and will continue until October 15, where shortlisted candidates will be interviewed for vacancies in various courts, including the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, the Labour Court as well as various divisions of the high courts. Around 43 candidates for 27 judicial vacancies are expected to be interviewed. The JSC, however, last week issued a notice stating that owing to issues relating to the shortlisting of candidates for the three vacancies advertised for the Eastern Cape Division (Makhanda and Mthatha), the scheduled interviews have been cancelled. According to the JSC these vacancies will be re-advertised for interviews scheduled…

The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) Final Appeals Committee has ruled against the Healthy Living Alliance – Heala.org’s – claims in an advertisement in which it warns the public about the harms connected with the intake of fizzy drinks and fruit juice. The Advertising Appeals Committee (AAC) earlier this year ruled that the ad was misleading. Heala.org (appellant) subsequently turned to the final appeals arm of the ARB to appeal that ruling. But in a recent judgment, the tribunal once again ruled against the organisation. The ruling was in favour of a consumer who complained about Heala.org’s ad, which said: “Fizzy drinks and fruit juice make our children sick. With every sip, sugar is dumped into their bodies, leading to obesity, heart disease and diabetes as they age”. The advert calls…

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba’s “highly individualistic” leadership is allegedly fracturing the collective ethos of the ANC in the province, with IOL having received some complaints from ANC members. Some senior ANC figures accuse the premier of blatantly overshadowing her executive colleagues. The complaints focus on Ramathuba’s seemingly “relentless visibility” at official government engagements, which has led to the perception that she has a “vice grip” on Limpopo politics. “Ramathuba’s relentless visibility has created the perception that she wants to be both premier and MEC for every department. Rarely does an ANC-led government event in Limpopo unfold without her at the forefront. She often leads programmes, launches projects and positions herself as the main story,” one senior ANC activist in Limpopo told IOL. “While hands-on leadership is commendable, this approach…

The Springboks have returned home from London with the Rugby Championship trophy still overflowing with suitable refreshments, but Player of the Match in the finale against Argentina, Cobus Reinach, says one eye is already on the looming end-of-year tour. The Springboks beat the Pumas 29-27 at Twickenham to nail their first-ever defence of the Championship. In November, they will face Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales on a five-match tour to Europe. Reinach says the Boks are aiming for greater continuity. “You could see in the tournament how we’d lose one, win one, lose again, and then win a match,” said Reinach, who scored two tries against the Pumas. “Rugby is a strange game. But we know we have a lot of work to do before the year-end tour, and…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will do well to transfer his nonchalant and calm demeanour onto his players. Ahead of South Africa’s last two World Cup qualifying matches, there can be no denying that cool heads will be needed if the country’s senior national men's team are to make it to the global football showpiece. Tied on 14 points with Benin, Bafana are in second position due to an inferior goal difference. To qualify for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US, Ronwen Williams and Co have to beat Zimbabwe in Durban on Friday and Rwanda in Mbombela next Tuesday. Such pressure can often be too hard to bear, particularly for a squad teeming with fairly young players. And having lost their place at…

The Bulls land in Ireland on Tuesday with 13 Springboks in their ranks ahead of a three-match United Rugby Championship tour of Europe, where they will face Ulster, Connacht, and Glasgow in Scotland. Coach Johan Ackermann has included a host of Springbok stars fresh from their Rugby Championship heroics, though not all of them will feature in every game. The 2023 World Cup hero, Handré Pollard, has not played for the Springboks in their last three games, so he will be fresh and eager to make his second debut for the Bulls, the union that kick-started his career. Unfortunately, a failed HIA has scuppered Marcell Coetzee’s tour. The rugged flank will remain at home for now, undergoing regular assessments by medical staff. Coetzee had been exceptional in leading the Bulls…