Tabla de contenidos para 2025-11-27 en Cape Times

Government weighing a national levy on gross gambling revenue from online betting and gambling South Africa is considering one of its most significant gambling policy shifts in decades, with the National Treasury proposing a new national tax on online and interactive gambling amid explosive growth in the digital betting industry and rising concerns about social harm. If adopted, the national tax would mark the most far-reaching reform of South Africa’s gambling tax framework since the mid-1990s. Treasury discussion paper titled "The Case for a National Online Gambling Tax" and released on Tuesday, reveals that government is weighing the introduction of a 20% national levy on gross gambling revenue (GGR) from online betting and any future interactive gambling activities. This would be imposed in addition to existing provincial gambling taxes, potentially…

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen on Wednesday announced a sweeping national plan to vaccinate South Africa’s entire cattle herd against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) as the country battles one of its most severe outbreaks in decades. Addressing the African Farmers' Association of South Africa (AFASA) Leadership and Strategic Partnership Conference, Steenhuisen said the government will implement a comprehensive, phased national vaccination strategy, starting with the provinces hardest hit by the disease: KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and North West. “The Department of Agriculture has resolved to implement a comprehensive strategy to vaccinate the entire national herd. This initiative will position us to apply to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) for recognition of freedom with vaccination status,” he said. “This plan, however, will rely on a consistent, high-quality…

South African households experienced modest financial relief in the first half of 2025, but their overall financial resilience remains under severe strain, according to the latest Altron FinTech Household Resilience Index (AFHRI). The index, released on Wednesday, shows a year-on-year improvement of 2.3% in the second quarter, supported largely by May’s interest rate cut and stabilising employment trends. However, despite this short-term uptick, the long-term picture is far less encouraging. Since the beginning of the South African Reserve Bank’s (Sarb) interest rate hiking cycle in late 2021, household financial resilience has improved by an annual average of just 0.2%, effectively stagnating. The AFHRI report underscores how deeply high borrowing costs have eroded household finances. With population growth averaging 1.4% annually since 2014, the index shows that the real financial position…

In the words of business magnate, Richard Branson, “Success in business is all about making connections”. While this remains inherently true, networking behaviours – like what draws people to in-person events, how they prefer to connect, and which formats foster the strongest engagement – continue to evolve. Today, business owners are networking with purpose – not just for handshakes, but for insights and innovation. This is according to the 2025 trends report by Freeman, a global leader in events, which reveals 61% of respondents network primarily to learn something new, while 58% do so to exchange ideas and 54%, to identify collaboration opportunities. Preparation is your secret weapon Walking into a networking event without preparation is a bit like pitching to an investor without a business plan – you might…

OPEC+ nations gathering this weekend are once again grappling with the thorny question of how much oil they’re physically able to pump. In May, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies launched a new assessment of members’ “maximum sustainable capacity” to help set production quotas in 2027. With output levels for the months ahead already set, delegates say this longer-term review will likely be one area of focus at Sunday’s meeting. The process looks increasingly necessary, as the struggle by some OPEC+ members to increase supplies as much as agreed this year indicates they may be nearing output limits. Clarifying their full capacity would help align quotas more closely with reality - and make any future cutbacks more credible. OPEC’s readiness to make new curbs could be…

THE Standing Committee on public account (Scopa) has set its sights on piling more pressure on former Road Accident Fund (RAF) CEO Collins Letsoalo by having a criminal complaint lodged against him for failing to appear before a parliamentary inquiry. The committee will now ask the concurrence of National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza for Parliament to lodge a criminal complaint against Letsoalo. This after he was subpoenaed to attend. Parliamentary legal advisor Fatima Ebrahim confirmed that they received a letter late on Tuesday from Letsoalo’s attorney, stating that he would not attend the inquiry. “He maintains that the committee is not the appropriate forum to deal with the issues we deal with and that remains in the ambit of the Portfolio Committee on Transport,” Ebrahim said.…

THE State’s failure to intervene and stop the ‘vigilante obstruction’ at public clinics when individuals seeking access cannot provide their South African identity documents, infringes on the constitutional right to access healthcare. This is one of the arguments civil society organisations advocating for equitable access to healthcare in public facilities have made in their urgent application at the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg. The organisations are seeking immediate intervention to end the obstruction that has left vulnerable patients unable to access essential medical services. Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), and Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX) - represented by Section27- have brought this application against several state respondents, including the City of Johannesburg, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH), and the South African Police Service (SAPS).…

CONTROVERSIAL tenderpreneur and attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala accused former police minister Bheki Cele of being dishonest under oath. Matlala also claimed that he had paid Cele a total of R500 000 in cash when he testified before the Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate the allegations made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Head, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He told MPs that Cele had told him that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on enforced leave, wanted to be president. Cele had allegedly said: “He thinks he (Mchunu) can be president of the country.” EFF leader Julius Malema referred to Cele’s testimony before the committee when MPs asked him: “Why do you keep Matlala close to you?” His response…

As part of its 25th anniversary edition, the Italian Film Focus (IFF) extends its reach beyond traditional festival venues with “Mitchells Plain meets Italy” – a special screening at RLabs in Mitchells Plain. RLabs is a vibrant community hub empowering local youth through creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship. It runs innovative programs ranging from digital skills and leadership training to community projects focused on recycling and social innovation, giving young people a platform to learn, create, and engage with the world. "Partnering with RLabs enables IFF to connect Italian cinema with new audiences and invites local film talent to engage with the festival and its collateral events – including masterclasses, workshops, and co-production opportunities," organisers said. The screening today will feature the lively Italian comedy U.S. PALMESE, where football becomes a…

With its affordable price tag, Nissan’s Indian-built Magnite has become one of South Africa’s most popular compact SUVs, and soon the carmaker will aim to emulate that success in the segment above that. At the recent Red Sea drive event held in Egypt, Nissan Africa president Jordi Vila confirmed that the all-new Nissan Tekton would be launched in South Africa in 2026. Set to be built in India, the new model will slot above the Magnite, serving as a (likely) more affordable replacement for the Qashqai, and going up against vehicles such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The new vehicle has yet to be fully revealed, but the teaser images you see here do give us a strong indication of how it will look on the outside. Created…

Blitzbok flyer Shilton van Wyk returns to the scene of a triumphant desert debut at the Dubai Sevens four years ago, hoping to recreate past successes and get the Springbok Sevens team’s campaign off to a fast, winning start this weekend. Van Wyk burst onto the international rugby sevens stage in the UAE in November 2021, at 21-years old, immediately turning heads by scoring a try in each of his first three matches against Japan, Ireland, and Great Britain. The Blitzboks went on to win the tournament and followed up with another title just a week later. “It was a dream come true to make my debut for the Springbok Sevens, especially here in Dubai, where the Springbok Sevens had massive success over the past years.” said the Saldanha speedster.…

The long-running R60 billion class action bid against South Africa’s major banks reaches a critical procedural stage today as the Gauteng High Court will hear an interlocutory application that could determine how much evidence will ultimately be allowed before the court. This comes as major banks will next year defend themselves in court over claims that they repossessed hundreds, if not thousands, of people’s homes and sold them far below market value, cheating them of the earned interest on those properties over years. The evidentiary battle comes ahead of the main certification hearing scheduled for the last week of February 2026, where the court will decide whether the matter can proceed as a national class action on behalf of affected homeowners, nearly a decade after it was launched in 2017.…

Net salaries remained unchanged in October, according to the PayInc Net Salary Index, which tracks the average nominal net salaries of around 2.1 million South African earners. The index moved sideways during the month but remained higher year-on-year, signalling stronger spending ahead of the year-end shopping period. However, companies continue to face pressure as productivity fails to keep pace, strengthening the case for greater technology adoption. “The PayInc Net Salary Index held steady at R21 414 in October, maintaining a 1.8% year-on-year increase,” said Shergeran Naidoo, the head of Stakeholder Engagements at PayInc. The upward trend in net salaries continued through 2025, with the average nominal net salary rising 4% in the first ten months, compared to 4.6% in the corresponding period in 2024. In real terms, the PayInc Net…

The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group’s (PMBEJD) Household Affordability Index for November shows a slight month-on-month decline in food costs, but civil society groups warn that nutritious food remains out of reach for millions of South Africans as the festive season begins. The index, released on Wednesday, shows that the average household food basket cost R5 413.53 in November, down R27.07 (-0.5%) from October. However, the basket is still R52.49 (1.0%) more expensive than it was a year ago. PMBEJD director Mervyn Abrahams said 17 of the 44 tracked foods increased in price during November, while 27 items became cheaper. Using Pietermaritzburg-based transport and electricity costs, PMBEJD estimates that these two necessities consume 60.4% of a worker’s wage (R2 781.85 of R4 606.40). That leaves only R1 824.55 for…

Recent reports of an uptick in business liquidations in South Africa, 145 in October alone, may have understandably set off alarm bells about the health of the country’s small business sector, but while closures have a profound impact on communities and livelihoods, they don’t tell the full story. A sector under pressure, but still standing Beneath the surface, the reality is more nuanced. South Africa’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are showing remarkable resilience, adaptability, and even growth, often fuelled by digital transformation and an entrepreneurial spirit that refuses to be extinguished. Despite the uptick in liquidations, SMEs remain a driving force in South Africa’s economy. According to the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci), the country is home to approximately 2.67 million small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs).…

Vukile Property Fund has upgraded its full year guidance and has a strong pipeline of potential new property deals that may see it spend R5 billion of cash over the next six months of its 2026 financial year, CEO Laurence Rapp said Wednesday. The group, which holds 53 assets between South Africa, Portugal and Spain, on Wednesday reported a 9% increase in half-year dividend per share (DPS), while guidance for the 2026 year was now at least 9% growth in dividend per share and funds from operations (FFO). Previously the forecast was for around 6% growth in the two metrics. About two-thirds of Vukile's assets and net property income are generated in two of Europe's major economic drivers, Spain and Portugal, through its 99.6%-held subsidiary, Castellana Properties. The countries are…

THE review of the Broad-Based Economic Empowerment Act is geared towards ensuring that South Africa's legal framework supports broader transformation, says Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau. He disclosed this during a question-and-answer session to DA MP Toby Chance in the National Assembly when he revealed that the review of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) will be executed in two phases. The first phase will be a short-term review, focusing on refinement and review of subordinate legislation. “This should be completed by the end of this financial year,” he said, adding that they have been in a process of consultation to finalise the Transformation Fund, and its implementation was also part of the review process. Tau also said the second phase was a long-term review, which involved…

THE man who escaped from the Strand Magistrate’s Court a month ago has been rearrested and is under police guard in hospital after he was allegedly shot when he threatened an officer with a knife. Denver Pietersen, 34, who is facing attempted murder charges, escaped from the holding cells on October 27 along with two other fugitives. With him was Glenville Jantjies, 22, who is also charged with attempted murder, and 25-year-old Rastum Alfestus, who faces charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Alfestus was successfully apprehended at a residence in Strand the following day while Jantjies handed himself over on October 31 after a manhunt was launched. Pietersen was finally apprehended in the Strand informal settlement of Morkel Cottage. Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said:…

Toyota’s humble seven-seater Rumion people carrier has received a number of safety, exterior and interior updates for the new year. Exterior enhancements The Rumion’s roof has been extended by 120mm, the pillars are now 22mm wider and the rear overhang grows by 40mm, to refine the silhouette and also enhance practicality. A new rear bumper and redesigned rear combination lamps complete the refreshed look, while a roof-end spoiler and roof-side spoiler are now standard across the range. The updates build on the already black mesh grille introduced previously. Safety There’s a significant step forward safety-wise as it now comes with side and curtain airbags, and the third row receives three headrests instead of two. The second-row centre seatbelt has also been upgraded to a full three-point configuration. Interior Inside, the…

World Rugby’s annual failure to recognise the Springboks’ global supremacy by acknowledging Rassie Erasmus as Coach of the Year is farcical. The manner in which the blazered denizens of the World Rugby boardroom go out of their way to give the award to anyone but Erasmus would be amusing if it weren’t offensive. Indeed, South Africans are sometimes accused of having a persecution complex, but this reminds me of the old saying: “Just because I’m paranoid, that doesn’t mean they’re not out to get me.” This year, the award went to England Women’s coach John Mitchell. Mitch is a fine coach. He has my utmost respect for what he achieved with the All Blacks, the Lions, the Bulls, the Chiefs and the Western Force. But the much-travelled Kiwi has hardly…

Pepkor, the JSE-listed discount retailer fast expanding into the financial services sector, has received approval from the Prudential Authority to establish a "fully fledged bank" in South Africa over "the next couple years", said the CFO Riaan Hanekom. He said in an online presentation the group had been working on plans to form a bank for about two years, and an important step toward this was the acquisition of Cloudbadger in October 2023, a company that provides modern banking software platforms, and which he said represented a cost effective way for the group to obtain this technology. The move signals further crowding of the traditional banking market - Old Mutual launched its own bank this year, while in the retail space where Pepkor operates, Pick n Pay offers in-store banking…

South Africa’s First National Bank (FNB) expects Black Friday spending to exceed R3.3 billion this year, supported by sustained growth in digital payments, rising online shopping activity and steady consumer demand across the retail sector. The bank said early 2025 spending trends show continued uptake of secure digital payment tools, positioning this year’s event for “solid activity” both in-store and online. In 2024, FNB processed more than R5.4bn in transactions on its Speedpoint devices over the Black Friday weekend. E-commerce remained a major tailwind, with online transaction values rising 37% and volumes up 76%. Virtual Card usage climbed 59% year-on-year, contributing over R600 million to Black Friday spend. FNB said it expects similar patterns in 2025, with digital wallets and virtual cards among the fastest-growing payment options, while cash usage…

South Africa has officially done the unthinkable: pulled off the first-ever G20 Summit on African soil, smoothly, stylishly, and with enough gravitas to make global leaders nod thoughtfully while sipping rooibos tea. Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” Africa didn’t just host the summit. It owned it. And yes, while Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again relationship with attendance (“I’m coming. I’m not coming. Actually, where is South Africa again?”) gave international journalists enough drama to last the week, the real winners quietly stepped into the spotlight, the African MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). Besides the political ping-pong caused by the US, the summit ended on a high note. The G20 declaration noted that never-ending wars, terrorism threats, and ongoing attacks on civilians are the real enemies of economic growth and…

The commercial property market in South Africa is witnessing a significant resurgence, as demand now surpasses supply across industrial, office, and retail sectors. According to the FNB Commercial Property Finance’s latest Q3 2025 Property Broker Survey, this was so for the first time since the survey began in 2019. Demand outstrips supply According to the National Market Balance Survey, brokers report: n Industrial property remains the strongest segment, showing the most acute undersupply. n Office property shows a positive demand-supply balance for the first time, supported by repurposing activity, improving affordability, and lower vacancies in key metros. n Retail property also reflects a modest undersupply, indicating steady improvement in the sector. Decrease in average time on market Average time on the market has decreased across all property classes, giving further…

Tiger Brands' share price leapt 7.95% on Wednesday after it announced it plans to pay out a special dividend of 2 710 cents per share, or R4 billion, for the year ended September 30 off the back of strong financial performance. The South Africa packaged food company said the special final dividend, together with the interim special dividend of 1 216 cents per share declared in May, brought the total special dividend for the year to 3 926 cents per share or R5.8bn. This was on top of a final ordinary dividend of 1 229 cents per share, which was 79% higher than last year's as a result of a decision to reduce dividend cover, which with the interim dividend of 415 cents per share, brought the total ordinary dividend…

THE South African Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has blamed the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) for ignoring and encouraging discrimination against black people at the state-owned Hartbeespoort Dam shoreline in the North West. The area is also where indigenous people are made to feel unwelcome and inferior, according to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) commissioner, Professor Tshepo Madlingozi when delivering a report. The release of the report came after an investigation into the discrimination that is taking place with land allocations at the world-class tourism destination, situated in the Madibeng Municipality. The commission launched its investigation into the unfair treatment of black people after Mmeli Mdluli had complained on behalf of the Hartbeespoort Dam Development Initiative. Mdluli had complained about the dam’s white residents unfairly discriminating against…

HAWKS acting national head Siphosihle Nkosi believes the arrest of Gauteng High Court, Pretoria Judge Portia Phahlane along with her son and two others on corruption related charges demonstrate the elite unit’s unwavering commitment to tackling graft at all levels. “The meticulous work by the Serious Corruption Investigation team, supported by our partners in the National Prosecuting Authority, reflects the strength of our collective resolve. We will continue to pursue all those who abuse positions of trust and undermine the rule of law,” he said. Phahlane (57), identified as the the leader of the International Pentecost Holiness church (IPHC), along Mike Sandlana (64), the current spokesperson for the church, Vusi Ndala (49) and Kagiso Phahlane (32) appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes yesterday. Phahlane was released on R50 000…

Cape Town City Ballet invites audiences to tumble down the rabbit hole at Artscape this festive season with a brand-new production of Alice in Wonderland by internationally acclaimed choreographer Gerard Charles. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless tales Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, the enchanting ballet promises a theatrical journey filled with whimsy, wonder and artistry. Audiences will follow Alice as she steps into a fantastical world teeming with curious creatures, mischievous characters and unforgettable adventures, all brought to life through Cape Town City Ballet’s signature blend of classical grace and vibrant storytelling. Charles brings a wealth of experience of coaching international ballet performers to this premiere as well as an interest in creating a unique new interpretation for Cape Town dance lovers. Charles is celebrated for…

THE Labour Court, sitting at the Western Cape High Court, has overturned an arbitrator's decision and ruled in favour of an employee who resigned due to “intolerable working conditions”. The court awarded the former employee of a Gauteng-based debt collection company compensation exceeding R310,000, finding that the employer's actions — including abruptly terminating remote work arrangements and mishandling her medical leave — constituted constructive dismissal. The Labour Court found that the commissioner’s award - which stated it was not constructive dismissal - could not stand, set the arbitration award aside, and further ordered that the Gauteng-based debt collection company for which the woman worked, to compensate her with the total amount of R310,571.19. During the 2020 lockdown, the employee requested remote work from Cape Town due to her son's acceptance…

With everything to play for and only the narrowest of margins separating the two top competitors in the 2025 SA Rally-Raid Championship before the final round at the Northam Zondereinde Bushveld 400, it turned out to be a memorable weekend for Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA). It’s not often that one team takes all three podium places and in the process, clinches the title. Saood Variawa and his French navigator, Francois Cazalet, took both the Overall and Ultimate FIA T1+ Championships after a dramatic and fiercely contested final round, making the 20-year-old the youngest race winner in the history of the SARRC and also the youngest champion – a record previously also held by former teammate Henk Lategan. Tough track The season decider unfolded across Limpopo’s rugged bushveld, with…

Grovel. A term that has for long carried negative connotations within cricket due to former England captain Tony Greig’s comments almost 50 years ago ahead of the series against the all-black West Indies team. It was a different world back then. South Africa was still deep in the throes of Apartheid, and Greig, a South African-born white man, made his statements only a few weeks before the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when police opened fire on schoolchildren protesting to be taught in their mother tongue. So when Proteas coach Shukri Conrad, who was himself denied the opportunity to represent his country due to the colour of his skin, loosely tossed up the grenade on the eve of arguably one of the finest days in the Proteas’ Test history, the Indian media…