Tabla de contenidos para 2026-01-09 en Star

S&P Global reports that December saw the strongest downturn in operating conditions South Africa’s manufacturing sector closed out 2025 on an exceptionally weak footing, with business activity contracting sharply as demand dried up and firms cut back on inventories and employment, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data released on Thursday. The Absa PMI fell by a further 1.5 points to 40.5 in December 2025, moving even deeper into contractionary territory and marking its lowest reading since 2020. The index remains well below the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction, underscoring the severity of the downturn in manufacturing activity as the year came to an end. The bleak Absa PMI reading followed the release of the S&P Global South Africa PMI earlier in the week, which also…

A lot of noise has surrounded the issue of National Health Insurance (NHI), some saying it is unaffordable whilst others say the government is not ready. There is also the option of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) versus NHI. To me the UHC and NHI difference is semantic and not substantive. The point is health is a matter for the government. A bifurcation of focus leads to a number being left behind. My mother ultimately took her last breath at Baragwanath Hospital in South Africa in October of 1964. With all the will in the world, my parents - both teachers - their income would never afford a private facility. Fast forward to the days of medical insurance schemes. I have walked through the corridors…

South African amapiano producer Sam Deep is in his winning season as he dominates the music charts. In December, the trailblazer released his new album – Who I am – which is filled with bangers. Known for his clean production, infectious grooves and signature deep-soul touch, Sam Deep has used Who I Am to showcase growth, versatility, and renewed artistic confidence. “This album reflects my journey, the highs, the lows, and the moments that shaped my sound. It’s me, fully,” shared Sam Deep. One of the lead singles from the album, Shela has become a firm fan favourite. Released in August, just before Women’s Day, the song features Nia Pearl, Boohle, and Mano. Shela blends flirty lyricism with nostalgic undertones, anchored by a reimagined chorus inspired by KB’s early 2000s…

Matthew Koma woke up and chose pettiness. The 38-year-old musician and professional internet menace found himself dragged into celeb mum group discourse after his wife, Hilary Duff, was quietly name-checked by the internet following Ashley Tisdale’s essay for The Cut about leaving a “toxic mum group”. You know the kind: brunches, side-eyes, strategic seating arrangements, and Instagram Stories doing the most. In the essay, Tisdale detailed moments of feeling iced out, from being excluded from group hangs she only discovered via social media, to realising she’d been placed at the end of a dinner table, far from the rest of the mums. The internet, naturally, put two and two together and landed on the high-profile mum circle that included Tisdale, Hilary Duff, Meghan Trainor and Mandy Moore. Then came the…

A suspect connected to an R5.1 million property in Bryanston that was unlawfully occupied and altered to house several people has been detained by the City of Johannesburg. Following years of lawlessness during which the occupants and the alleged landlord disregarded a seven-day notice to vacate in December 2025, City Manager Floyd Brink led a multidisciplinary operation that resulted in the arrest. The landlord reportedly collected up to R2 000 a month from residents living in makeshift structures. Previously, The Star reported that city officials visited the property to enforce a court-ordered relocation. The site, which housed over 400 people without water, electricity, or sanitation, has become a dumping ground. The alleged landlord had previously demanded R50 000 per family member, claiming he inherited the main building decades ago, while…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern over the high levels of unemployment in the country, revealing that the issue often keeps him awake at night. Speaking at Sun City in Rustenburg on Wednesday during the ANC’s January 8 celebrations preparations, Ramaphosa acknowledged the country’s ongoing challenges, including crime, state capture, and other socio-economic issues, but stressed that unemployment remains one of his biggest priorities. “The issue of unemployment keeps all of us here on the stage awake,” he said, adding that the gravity of the situation particularly troubles him personally. “It especially keeps me awake at night in terms of trying to find solutions.” His comments come just days after ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe sparked controversy during an interview with SABC. Mantashe criticised the dynamic between government and society,…

The B Xulu and Partners Incorporated (BXI) has filed an urgent court application to halt the appointment of the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), arguing that serious procedural flaws undermined the fairness and transparency of the selection process. The move comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Advocate Andy Mothibi, head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), as the country’s new NDPP on Tuesday. Mothibi is set to assume office on February 1. The appointment follows an advisory panel’s review, which concluded that none of the interviewed candidates were suitable. This highlighted the challenge of replacing outgoing NDPP Advocate Shamila Batohi. In a statement on Tuesday, Barnabas Xulu – the long time counsel for former Western Cape judge president and now MK Party deputy president, John Hlophe – said…

A decade of marriage is an achievement worth shouting from the rooftops. To celebrate their upcoming ten-year milestone, Olympic champion Caster Semenya shared a touching tribute to her wife, Violet Raseboya. The heartfelt social media post offered fans a glimpse into their enduring bond and the deep commitment that has defined their journey as a couple. Semenya shared a photo of the couple on Wednesday, with a caption calling upon God and their ancestors to bless and strengthen their union. “Today marks our 9th chapter of our union nke Modimo le Badimo barena ba re kgontshe go feta mo. (May God and the ancestors give us strength) Moshate,” she wrote. Joining in on the celebrations were fans, friends and family who wished them well as they continue to love…

Kaizer Chiefs’ return to continental relevance faces its sternest examination as the CAF Confederation Cup group stage resumes later this month. Amakhosi must navigate a compressed, unforgiving schedule that could shape the trajectory of their entire season. Having kicked off the new year back on the training ground, Chiefs are sharpening their edge for a demanding run that spans the Betway Premiership, the Confederation Cup, and the Nedbank Cup. The AFCON pause has offered reflection rather than rest, with the technical team acutely aware that margins are thinning fast. Domestic duties resume swiftly once Africa’s champions are crowned on January 18. Chiefs return to league action on Tuesday, January 20, hosting Lamontville Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium — a fixture that doubles as both a tune-up and a pressure point…

While the Lions’ results remain inconsistent, their performances are on an upward trajectory, and flanker Siba Qoma reckons they are not far off a "purple patch". The Lions have been doing things in threes this season: they began with three losses, then won three in a row, before another sequence of three defeats. They ended that latest streak with a last-minute 23–22 victory over the Sharks last week, and Qoma — who has been making a huge impact off the bench — is hopeful that another, longer winning run has started. “We have to be more consistent, more clinical in our finishing,” he said ahead of tomorrow’s home Challenge Cup match against Lyon. “When you have your hand on their throat, you have to squeeze harder.” Qoma is enjoying a…

The Africa Cup of Nations reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend with a series of mouthwatering ties between the continent's heavyweights. AFP Sport picks out five stars enjoying their first AFCON to look out for in the last eight: Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid/Morocco) Moroccans were perhaps pinning their hopes of Cup of Nations glory on home soil on skipper Achraf Hakimi. But while the African Footballer of the Year hardly featured in the group stage as he recovered from injury, Diaz wasted no time in becoming their key man. Diaz, 26, has scored in every game, including the crucial strike to beat Tanzania in the last 16. That makes him the tournament's leading marksman with four goals. Born in Malaga, Diaz was capped by Spain at senior international level in…

WeBuyCars has ditched Dekra Automotive for vehicle condition reports, replacing it with its own subsidiary, Inspectify, in an attempt to provide clearer, more accurate information to customers. This move comes just a month after the automotive retail giant was hit with a R6 million settlement with the National Consumer Commission, following complaints that its sales agreements were unclear or in breach of the Consumer Protection Act. There also appear to have been complaints from consumers over the quality and accuracy of vehicle condition reports, with some buyers stating that previous Dekra reports were difficult to understand. The company's Head of Strategy, Willem Kloppers, told IOL that Inspectify was created to improve transparency and consistency in vehicle inspections, giving customers clearer, more understandable information about the cars they are considering. "WeBuyCars…

When South Africa hosts a global platform like the G20, the temptation is to treat it as a moment — a diplomatic success, a media milestone, a week of global attention. That would be a costly mistake. The real value of hosting the G20 did not lie in the summit itself, but in what comes after: the legacy we deliberately design, institutionalise, and activate. South Africa has been here before. The 2010 FIFA World Cup demonstrated that global events can be catalytic — not only for infrastructure delivery, but for confidence, reputation, and long-term positioning. The question now is whether we have the strategic discipline to move from hosting to harvesting the goodwill we created at the G20 Global Leaders’ Summit. The G20 as a Strategic Inflection Point The recent…

The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) says it will investigate claims that Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) is seeking to claim co-payments back from its members due to an error at South Africa's biggest medical aid in December. The CMS said it had received no formal complaints from Discovery Health's members who had alleged claims processing errors, but Medicheck, a consumer health advocacy organisation in South Africa, had subsequently lodged a concern with the regulator. DHMS has sent communication to about 0.6% of its members requesting them to repay co-payments after a processing error saw claims incorrectly paid out at a higher rate than their plan's benefits allow. Media reports suggest Discovery is claiming as much as R22 000, R25 000 and R37 000 back from some of its members.…

The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria has set aside the controversial contract with French tech firm IDEMIA for the printing of the country’s driving licences and ordered the Department of Transport to re-advertise the tender within 30 days. Pending the appointment of a successful service provider under the re-advertised tender, the department has also been allowed by the court to outsource the services of printing and issuing of driving licence (cards) to the Department of Home Affairs. The department announced in September last year that it had appointed biometric security company, IDEMIA, as the preferred bidder for a tender to print new South African driving licence smart cards. IDEMIA is a French multinational technology firm that provides biometric identification and security services. The tender has been advertised and withdrawn repeatedly in…

The City of Tshwane has bolstered its energy and electricity teams by hiring a private contractor to augment the internal capacity to fix multiple cable faults and restore power to East Lynne and Jan Niemand Park after a December 26 fire at Koedoespoort Substation left residents in the dark. This comes after the city had called back some of its workers from leave to assist in the ongoing power outage in the East Lynne area. On Sunday, residents in East Lynne staged a protest, blockading the Stormvoël and Baviaanspoort roads to express their frustration over prolonged power outages that left them without electricity beyond New Year’s Day. The protesters highlighted the growing discontent among locals affected by the ongoing power crisis. They demanded immediate action from the authorities, expressing their…

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Thami Ntuli has thrown his weight behind provincial police commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, endorsing him for a second term. Ntuli confirmed the endorsement following high-level engagements with National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola last week, just months before Mkhwanazi’s current five-year term expires at the end of March. The move signals political confidence in a police chief whose tenure has been defined by aggressive crime-fighting and unprecedented public allegations of systemic corruption. Mkhwanazi has earned a reputation for a hardline, uncompromising approach to organised crime in KZN, one of the country’s most violent provinces. However, his leadership has also placed him at the centre of a national storm after he made explosive claims in July last year, alleging deep-rooted political interference and criminal capture within the South…

Former EFF deputy president and Afrika Mayibuye Movement leader Floyd Shivambu celebrated his 43rd birthday by giving 105 pairs of school shoes to needy pupils at Winnie Mandela Primary School in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni. The handover took place on Wednesday as part of Shivambu’s giving back initiative following his January 1 birthday. The donation came after the community asked for help for a nine-year-old child without a wheelchair. Afrika Mayibuye national spokesperson Sydney Baloyi said the drive aimed to uplift disadvantaged children. “In his speech to the community, president Floyd Shivambu said it must become a tradition within the Afrika Mayibuye Movement to give instead of receiving gifts as part of birthday celebrations,” Baloyi said. He said Shivambu also expressed dismay at what he described as the cruelty of a government…

Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada are best mates. But the Proteas seamers are also among the fiercest competitors and enjoy a healthy rivalry. So, when Ngidi became the first bowler to claim a Betway SA20 hat-trick on Wednesday evening, he could not wait to get off the field to let Rabada know that he too had joined the exclusive club. Rabada is, of course, already a member after his three-peat at the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup against England in Sharjah. “I definitely didn't know it was the first hat-trick in the Betway SA20. I knew it was my first one, but since you guys have let me know, I think once I get my phone, I'll just send him a little message asking if he saw that,” Ngidi said…

Nigerian sharpshooters Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will provide a stern test for the flawless record of Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane — son of French football icon Zinedine Zidane — in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals in Morocco. Zidane is the only first-choice goalkeeper among the eight quarter-finalists to have kept a clean sheet in all of his tournament matches so far, but the task facing him in Marrakesh tomorrow will be formidable. Former African Footballer of the Year winners Osimhen and Lookman have tormented defences throughout the tournament, scoring three goals each. Zidane, 27, kept clean sheets in group matches against Sudan and Burkina Faso, before being rested against Equatorial Guinea. He was recalled for the last-16 clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo and was again unbeaten…

There are coaches who change clubs, and there are coaches who change leagues. Pitso Mosimane belongs firmly in the latter category, which is why his potential return to Mamelodi Sundowns carries implications far beyond Chloorkop. Reports that Sundowns are in advanced talks with Mosimane — amid growing discontent over Miguel Cardoso’s tenure — feel less like nostalgia and more like inevitability. At a club built on dominance, second place is rarely tolerated, even when the margins are fine. Sundowns currently sit second in the Betway Premiership table, two points behind Orlando Pirates and narrowly ahead of Sekhukhune United. In most environments, this would be an acceptable position at the halfway mark. At Sundowns, it is viewed as an underachievement — particularly when silverware has already slipped away. The failure to…

South Africa’s manufacturing sector lost momentum in November 2025, with production contracting year-on-year and month-on-month as structural pressures and weakening demand weighed heavily on key industries, according to data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Thursday. Manufacturing production declined by 1.0% in November compared with the same month in 2024, while seasonally adjusted output fell by 1.1% compared with October. The month-on-month decline followed a 1.0% increase in October and a 0.3% rise in September, signalling a sharp reversal in recent gains. Stats SA said the largest negative contributions to annual production came from the wood and wood products, paper, publishing and printing division, which contracted by 7.9%. This was followed by basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery, which fell by 2.5%, while…

Global cooperation is proving more resilient than expected despite deepening geopolitical tensions, but it is increasingly fragmented and falling short of what is required to address mounting economic, security and environmental risks. This is according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Cooperation Barometer 2026, which was released on Thursday ahead of the WEF's 2026 Annual Meetings in Davos later this month. The Barometer, now in its third year and developed in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, shows that while overall levels of global cooperation have remained broadly unchanged in recent years, the form of cooperation is shifting. According to WEF, traditional multilateral mechanisms are under strain, giving way to smaller, more agile coalitions of countries and, in some cases, private-sector players that are stepping in to fill gaps left…

Celebrity drama has kicked off 2026 in full force because celebs are already serving us tea, twists and trends. Explore this week’s celebrity gossip: 1 Musa Mseleku’s remarks on Uthando ne’Sthembu: Uncut leaves viewers stunned A trailer of the upcoming episode of Uthando ne’Sthembu: Uncut has been released and in the clip, Musa Mseleku’s third wife, Thobile “MaKhumalo” Mseleku is seen taking a tour of her new house. However, what can also be seen is the strained relationship between Mseleku and MaKhumalo. A confessional from Mseleku is also shared, in which he implies that his third wife is where she is today because he opened doors for her. These remarks sent fans into a frenzy, with many expressing that he is making it sound like he is the reason behind…

The United State’s decision to withdraw from 66 international organisations has been described as a political signal that rules and institutions matter less than the country’s personal interests. This is according to political analyst Professor Theo Neethling, who said this also reflects another shift away from multilateralism in favour of unilateral power projection under the President Donald Trump administration. This is after Trump announced that his administration has withdrawn from 66 international organisations to prioritise “America First” interests. The organisations include key climate treaties, health bodies and a UN body that promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment. He said these organisations operate contrary to US national interests. The move, which could affect nations from Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, includes United Nations (UN) and non-UN commissions. Those directly impacting…

With fears of water contamination spreading and taps still dry in parts of Soweto, anxiety and uncertainty have become part of daily life for residents who now rely on tanker-delivered water, which many say must be boiled before it is safe to drink. The concerns follow a recent 52-hour water shutdown to allow for maintenance on the Eikenhof water supply system, which authorities said was completed ahead of schedule. Despite this, water has yet to fully return to several areas, leaving households dependent on water tankers and neighbours for survival. In Meadowlands, residents say they are increasingly alarmed by the quality of water supplied by tankers, adding that boiling it has become a necessary precaution before consumption. For many families, the prolonged disruptions have forced difficult choices just to meet…

A 42-year-old Limpopo radio presenter is set to appear before the Moutse Magistrate’s Court on a rape charge after allegedly assaulting his 39-year-old ex-girlfriend, who is also a radio presenter. The alleged incident occurred on December 26 at an RDP house in Walkaal. Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the complainant reported that after finishing her shift, she returned to the radio station to collect belongings she had left behind. “The suspect allegedly followed her, offered to help carry the items to her home, and then allegedly raped her once they arrived,” Mashaba said. Mashaba added that the suspect was tracked down and arrested four days later, brought before court on the same day, and was expected to appear before the Moutse Magistrate’s Court yesterday, for a bail application…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the government will take action against groups and individuals lobbying the US to take punitive action against South Africa. He warned that such efforts threatened the country’s sovereignty and constitutional order. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday on the sidelines of the ANC birthday celebrations, Ramaphosa said the state was carefully assessing whether such actions crossed legal boundaries. He stressed that any response would be grounded in law and due process, rejecting calls for rash or politically motivated action. “We are examining these matters with care and diligence,” Ramaphosa said. “We are a constitutional democracy and we will act strictly within the law.” Groups such as AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement have, for years, promoted claims that South Africa is pursuing “race-based laws” and that…

If you’re one of the many voices calling for Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos to be fired, you’re simply mad. There, I said it. Yes, Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) campaign was a failure. Crashing out in the first knockout round is just not good enough. There’s a big caveat though, and that is that 2026 is a Fifa World Cup year and Bafana should be judged accordingly. At 73, Broos will likely not be around after the World Cup anyway. But back to Afcon. Bafana had their problems. They conceded in every game they played, which was just the four as they lost to Cameroon in the Round of 16 over the weekend in Morocco. Their two wins over smaller nations, Angola (2-1) and Zimbabwe (3-2), were far…

The contract to run the higher-speed express commuter rail system, Gautrain, is being put up for grabs this year by the Gauteng Roads and Transport Department. Details of the contract were revealed in a Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, case involving Bombela Operating Company, its subsidiary Bombela Concession Company, and Nedbank over a guarantee from the bank. In terms of the court action initiated by the Bombela Operating Company (BOC), Nedbank issued such a guarantee in favour of Bombela Concession Company (BCC), the concessionaire, in the amount of R205 934.250.39, to secure certain of its performance-related obligations in terms of the Gautrain operating contract. The contract stated that Nedbank would be obliged to pay over the money to the concessionaire if the concessionaire is able to demonstrate that it qualifies for…

In the aftermath of Bafana Bafana’s disappointing 2–0 defeat to Cameroon in the Round of 16, the spotlight has fallen on the effectiveness of the national player development programme. The defeat, marked by frustrating missed chances and a solid Cameroonian defence, prompted a candid response from coach Hugo Broos. He did not hold back, calling out issues within the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and questioning its effectiveness in preparing players for the fierce competition they face on the world stage at major tournaments. Despite enjoying significant possession against the Indomitable Lions, Bafana Bafana consistently struggled in the final third, failing to convert their chances. In contrast, Cameroon capitalised on theirs, converting two of the four shots they managed to direct on target. Broos noted the stark difference between the PSL…

Manchester United caretaker boss Darren Fletcher hopes Benjamin Sesko's double in a 2-2 draw at Burnley proves to be the launching pad for the Slovenian striker after a tough start to life at Old Trafford. Sesko had scored just twice in 17 appearances since his £74 million move from RB Leipzig prior to Wednesday's trip to Turf Moor. The 22-year-old produced two clinical finishes early in the second half to turn the game around for United after Ayden Heaven's own goal gave Burnley a half-time lead. But Jaidon Anthony's fine strike saw United drop points for the fifth time in six games. "I was so happy for him. I spoke to him yesterday and we presented a video showing his movement and showing his goals, just showing how it is…

When Bafana Bafana’s AFCON campaign ended on Sunday, their road to redemption at the upcoming FIFA World Cup finals in North America officially began. Bafana were not at their best during the tournament. Much was expected of them following their third-place finish in the previous edition in Ivory Coast, and there were early signs that they could emulate the victorious "Class of ’96". Regardless, they cannot afford to look backwards now; they must ensure they are ready to put on a clinical display at the World Cup. Based on performances in Morocco, we look at the players who have all but secured their tickets to the global showpiece, and those who are likely to miss out on the world’s biggest stage. Tickets Secured Ronwen Williams Williams has been the cornerstone…