Table of contents for 2025-06-24 in Star

Decisive move underscores authority’s commitment to enforcing compliance within the sector The Prudential Authority (PA) has unleashed a wave of administrative sanctions on three prominent international banks operating within South Africa following notable breaches of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Act. This decisive move underscores the authority's commitment to enforcing compliance within the financial sector, as mandated by the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb). In a recent statement, the PA said it imposed administrative sanctions on Citibank N.A. South Africa Branch (Citibank) as a result of its non-compliance with certain provisions of the FIC Act.This followed an inspection conducted on Citibank in 2022 in terms of section 45B of the FIC Act. "The administrative sanctions imposed on Citibank consist of a caution not to repeat the conduct which led to…

The recent escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran has sent shockwaves through global markets, raising alarms about potential economic repercussions around the world. Over the weekend, the United States launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, further intensifying the already fraught situation. International relations expert, Dr Noluthando Phungula, on Monday said that on a socio-economic aspect, the escalation of conflict is likely to see instability in exchange rates and oil prices. "Sadly this will be felt most in poorer nations. The South African government has been dragging its feet in terms of coming out on its position," she said. "This has been the case with politicians that are often vocal on social media platforms. This makes complete sense considering the recent SA - US disastrous meeting." Malcolm Hartwell,…

Harmony Gold is set to meet its production, grade, and cost guidance for its financial year to June 30, 2025, the 10th consecutive year of meeting its targets, the company said in an update to its shareholders via the JSE on Monday. It had been “another landmark year underpinned by exceptional operating free cash flows, improved recovered grades whilst advancing our copper-gold growth strategy,” CEO Beyers Nel said in the update. As the financial year drew to a close, total production was expected to be in line with guidance of between 1.4 million to 1.5 million ounces, while all-in-sustaining costs would be between the guided range of R1 020 000/kg to R1 100 000/kg. Underground recovered grades would be higher than the guided 6g/t, while capital expenditure would be slightly…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has joined the calls for the removal of Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, saying she is not fit to hold the position. The party was responding to the calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove Nkabane amid allegations of corruption at the Construction Sector Education and Training Authority (CETA) and claims that she misled Parliament. Nkabane is already under scrutiny for misleading the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education about the composition of the panel responsible for recommending appointments to the boards of Sector Education & Training Authorities (SETAs), which appointed ANC-aligned individuals. This week, fresh revelations emerged in reports that she ignored whistleblower reports detailing tender fraud and governance irregularities at CETA, which has a budget exceeding R20 billion. The whistleblower, Tumiso Mphuthi, a…

Gauteng residents are warned to expect a temperature drop on Friday, with cold conditions persisting on Saturday and a return to winter conditions from Sunday. During a media briefing in Pretoria yesterday, Lehlohonolo Thobela, meteorologist and weather forecaster at SAWS, said: “It is just a drop in temperature. We don’t have rainfall that is expected with the system.” He warned that the expected windy conditions could increase the risk of runaway fires. SAWS will closely monitor the weather systems and provide updates as necessary. For the latest information, follow SAWS on X (@SAWeatherService), Facebook (South African Weather Service), or other supported social media platforms. However, a serious warning has been sent to other parts of the country. South African Weather Service (SAWS) senior manager Rudzani Malala issued a stark warning…

A man arrested for playing music too loudly never made it to the police cells and instead spent six days in ICU in hospital after the police, en route to the police station, attended a crime scene with him in the back and he was shot by robbers. The Middelburg High Court in Mpumalanga had strong words for the carelessness of the police, which will now result in the taxpayer having to dig into their pockets to pay damages to Enock Ximba. The court found that the minister of police is 100% liable for the damages Ximba can prove that he has suffered. He was shot in the stomach during crossfire between the police and the robbers. The court also questioned why it was in the first place necessary for…

The world at large is a much safer place than it was 2 days ago, but Trump's critics are quick to jump to conclusions that there must be some political motivation for this attack on Iran's nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. Depending on where you stand with Donald Trump, or what your ideological or religious views are, the way that you reason and the conclusions that you will reach will be directly linked to your belief systems. I do not believe that when a regime warns of your annihilation and keeps enriching uranium to weapons grade, I must be naive to think they have just been saying this for fun, for several decades now. Iran’s ties with North Korea and Russia, as well as China, are enough to…

Politicians will do almost anything to earn votes. This was demonstrated yesterday when ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba launched his party’s 2026 local government election campaign by personally repairing potholes in Alexandra. The campaign launch took place on London Road (Vincent Tshabalala Road), where Mashaba was joined by Tshwane mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, Member of Parliament Athol Trollip, and ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont, among others. According to the party, the campaign marks the start of an intensive, nationwide effort to “fix local government” in South Africa, where service delivery failures have long denied residents basic services and human dignity. “Communities like Alexandra continue to be left behind,” Mashaba told the media. “They are left without reliable access to clean water, electricity, refuse removal, and functioning sanitation. Sadly, this is not…

Anne Burrell’s death is said to be under investigation by police as a possible drug overdose. The Food Network TV chef, 55, was found unconscious and unresponsive in her Brooklyn apartment surrounded by about 100 pills, according to the New York Times, with her body discovered in the bathroom of the home she shared with her husband, Stuart Claxton, early on Tuesday. According to NYPD documents seen by The New York Times, Anne was found “in the shower unconscious and unresponsive surrounded by approximately (100) assorted pills”. And on Saturday, Page Six said police are now probing her death as a potential drug overdose. The outlet reported: “Anne Burrell’s death is being investigated by the New York City Police Department as a possible drug overdose, Page Six can confirm.” Emergency…

In their upcoming 2025 Fifa Club World Cup clash against Brazilian Série A side Fluminense, the equation is brutally simple for Mamelodi Sundowns: win or go home. But Sundowns’ Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende remains unfazed by the do-or-die situation, confident that the South Africans will secure victory, advance from Group F, and book their place in the Round of 16. The match takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, US, at 9pm. After a promising start to the tournament with a win against South Korea’s Ulsan HD, Sundowns suffered a setback when they were defeated by Borussia Dortmund in their second game on Saturday. The results mean that only a win against Fluminense will suffice; a draw will not be enough due to Dortmund’s superior head-to-head record.…

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has named a 26-player squad for the upcoming 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will be hosted in Morocco next month. The defending champions head into the tournament with a balanced squad built on continuity, experience, and emerging local talent, as they aim to retain the continental crown they famously lifted in 2022. The absence of star striker Thembi Kgatlana has dominated headlines in the lead-up to the final squad announcement, but Ellis believes her side has enough quality to soldier on without her. “When we won the tournament in 2022, we played without her due to injury and the players stepped up,” said Ellis. Banyana will be the team to beat at the showpiece event, as they attempt to retain the title…

Prosus, the Amsterdam and JSE-listed global technology group and Naspers subsidiary, gained up to 3.57% on the JSE yesterday after reporting a maiden annual profit, a year after the appointment of CEO Fabricio Bloisi, who put the group on a new strategy. The strategy that Bloisi began implementing in July last year, shortly after his appointment, entailed a move away from being mainly an investment holding company toward building large-scale lifestyle platforms across sectors like food delivery, classifieds, fintech, and edtech. The strong results meant the group was able to raise the dividend 100% to €0.20. Shareholders also benefited from $50 billion in share buybacks that drove 15% growth in net asset value per share. Adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) increased to $179 million versus a loss of…

Primary Health Properties (PHP) on Monday raised its offer for a leading UK healthcare real estate investment trust Assura to around £1.79 billion (R43bn), securing backing from Assura’s board and paving the way for the creation of a major UK-listed healthcare real estate investment trust (REIT). Under the revised terms, Assura shareholders will receive 0.3865 new PHP shares and 12.5 pence in cash for each Assura share. They will also receive a special dividend of 0.84 pence, bringing the total implied value to 53.3 pence per share based on PHP’s closing price on June 20. Including previously declared dividends, the offer rises to 55 pence per share. The increased offer represents a 5.8% premium over a rival bid from Sana BidCom a consortium led by private equity firms KKR and…

The National Treasury on Monday said the government has signed a $1.5 billion (R26bn) Development Policy Loan (DPL) from the World Bank. DPLs are robust, flexible and quick-disbursing financing instruments that help countries achieve development results by supporting a program of policy and institutional reforms provided through general budget financing. This agreement reinforces the robust and constructive collaboration between the World Bank and the South African government, paving the way for transformative changes aimed at elevating the country’s economic landscape. This strategic partnership aims to bolster structural reforms that enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of the nation’s infrastructure services, particularly in the crucial sectors of energy and freight transport. This multi-faceted loan marks a significant intervention in the face of persistent economic concerns, including low growth and alarmingly high…

QATAR said it had successfully intercepted an Iranian missile attack yesterday on the United States’ Al Udeid base, the largest US military facility in the Middle East. “The Ministry of Defence announced that Qatari air defences successfully intercepted a missile attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base,” it said in a statement, adding that “the incident did not result in any deaths or injuries”. Qatar has described the attack on the US base as a ‘‘flagrant violation’’ of sovereignty. “We express the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the attack on Al Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and consider it a flagrant violation of the State of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, as well as of international law,” foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari stated. Explosions could be heard…

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya has strongly condemned an alleged bribery attempt by an individual claiming to be the chairperson of the Somali Association in South Africa. The individual sought a private meeting with Moya, apparently to facilitate the reopening of a foreign-run shop in Mamelodi that was closed for violating municipal by-laws. A video on X captured Moya's conversation with the individual, who suggested a private meeting with her, allegedly to bribe her into reopening the cash ’n carry business. Moya has shared the video on her X account, showing her rejecting the proposal for a private meeting. She added that her administration will not be influenced by threats or bribes. When Moya questioned why he needed to discuss the business closure with her, the individual replied: "Because you are…

The number of unclaimed bodies at state mortuaries is showing signs of improvement, with figures reported at the end of February, revealing that the tally has dropped to 2 858, a decline from the 3 186 recorded in August 2024. This was disclosed by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi when he stated that there was a total of 3 819 pauper burials between April 2024 and April 2025 when he responded to parliamentary questions from ANC and Rise Mzansi parliamentarians. Motsoaledi said the total number of unclaimed bodies in state mortuaries due to next-of-kin being unknown stood at 2 858 as at the end of February. “There has been a general improvement in the management of unclaimed bodies in all provinces. The total number of unclaimed bodies stood at 2 858…

Floyd Shivambu’s aspirations of forming a new leftist political party have received a major boost in KwaZulu-Natal, with former EFF provincial chairperson Vusi Khoza giving his his backing. Khoza, who associated himself with former president Jacob Zuma’s MKP in last year’s general elections, has shown a keen interest in Shivambu’s public consultation drive, confirming that he would participate in the consultative process, Mayibuye, announced by Shivambu last week. Khoza said there is a need for a new political party in South Africa “that will truly represent people’s interests not, the ones currently claiming to do so, but doing the opposite”. He has already signed up as Mayibuye volunteer team member, heeding Shivambu’s call for public members to volunteer their time in organising public consultative forums. The team is currently circulating…

Global airlines have suspended or reduced flights in the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Iran rages and the US joins the fight. The US carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear sites overnight Saturday to Sunday after over a week of deadly missile exchanges between Israel and Iran. Here is the latest airline situation: - European airlines - British Airways cancelled flights between London's Heathrow Airport and Dubai and Doha on Sunday following the US strikes on Iran. But the airline said that it was ‘‘scheduled to operate as normal’’ on those routes. Air France halted flights to Saudi Arabia and the UAE until at least today, the airline said. It also extended the suspension of the Paris-Tel Aviv route until July 14. Flights of Air France’s low-cost…

A French woman from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe has been identified as the only known carrier of a new blood type, dubbed "Gwada negative," France's blood supply agency has announced. The announcement was made 15 years after researchers received a blood sample from a patient who was undergoing routine tests ahead of surgery, the French Blood Establishment (EFS) said on Friday. "The EFS has just discovered the 48th blood group system in the world!" the agency said in a statement on social network LinkedIn. "This discovery was officially recognised in early June in Milan by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT)." The scientific association had until now recognised 47 blood group systems. Thierry Peyrard, a medical biologist at the EFS involved in the discovery, told AFP that a…

The 30-year-old Constitutional Court is a living shrine to the supreme pledge of equality and justice in democratic South Africa. The real test of the highest court in the land is whether it is an effectual guardian of the people, especially of the most powerless and marginalised in society. In the injustice of apartheid, courts accorded legality to an inhumane regime and the judiciary was weaponised against the African majority. In democratic South Africa, justice must be done and seen to be done so that the historically disempowered can believe in the promise of a free and equitable nation. Early landmark judgments in the Constitutional Court affirmed the right of citizens to access life-saving HIV treatment, adequate water and housing. These judgments created an air of optimism that the apex…

The 2024/25 campaign has ushered in a new generation of exciting young talent, especially in midfield, where numerous players not only rose to the occasion but flourished when it mattered most. At the same time, seasoned professionals ontinued to impress, delivering high-calibre performances without letting up. With the midfield proving to be a hotbed of excellence, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has found himself spoilt for choice, as several standout players made compelling cases for national selection. Here, we highlight five midfielders who have emerged as strong contenders for the coveted PSL Midfielder of the Season honour. Teboho Mokoena The ever-reliable and experienced midfielder delivered yet another stellar campaign, acting as the vital link between defence and attack for Mamelodi Sundowns. Renowned for his thunderous strikes from both open play…

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has confirmed that mass vaccination efforts against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) have officially commenced in Gauteng as the agricultural sector is facing a significant challenge against the outbreak. This announcement was made during Steenhuisen's visit to the Karan Beef Feedlot on Monday where he underscored the critical nature of the ongoing vaccination campaign following last week’s delivery of over 900 000 vaccine doses from Botswana. This is the first time the department is vaccinating at feedlot level to get FMD under control. Steenhuisen highlighted the severity of the FMD situation, noting outbreaks primarily in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, with additional cases emerging in Mpumalanga and North West province. “We urge farmers and workers to follow the regulations we have put in place. It's the cooperation that will…

Only 13 of the JSE Top 40 companies disclose any measurable gender pay gap data, a new briefing by Just Share reveals. Companies that disclosed gender pay were: Anglo American (UK only); Anglo American Platinum; British American Tobacco; Clicks; Discovery; Gold Fields; Impala Holdings; Investec plc, Investec ltd, MTN, Nepi Rockcastle and Vodacom. Despite making up 46% of South Africa’s economically active population, women earn on average 30% less than men, and South Africa’s largest listed companies appear to be doing little to change that. Just Share said even among these, transparency is inconsistent and often limited to international operations where disclosure is mandatory. Fourteen companies offer only vague commitments to “fair pay”, while 13 fail to mention gender pay at all. International compliance While the JSE’s Sustainability…

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and British International Investment (BII) have embarked on an ambitious journey to enhance investment collaboration across Africa, encapsulated by a newly minted Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement, signed recently, outlines a joint commitment by Africa’s largest asset manager and the UK’s prominent development finance institution to explore impactful investment opportunities that align with the continent’s sustainable economic growth mandates. The MoU sets the stage for a collaborative approach, enabling both organisations to share deal pipelines and exchange promising investment opportunities across a diverse range of economic sectors, including agriculture, financial services, infrastructure, and climate initiatives. This strategic partnership aims to facilitate regular dialogue and co-investment possibilities, pulling from the wealth of expertise each organisation brings to the table. In their efforts to promote transformative…

The high-profile tax fraud trial tied to the SAPS “blue lights” corruption scandal descended into chaos in the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court yesterday, after the prosecution failed to produce a valid charge sheet, despite claiming to be ready for trial. The case, which includes former acting police commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane, businessman Vimpie Phineas Manthata, and bookkeeper Judy Rose among the accused, was meant to proceed with evidence from SARS officials. Instead, it was marked by confusion, missing documentation, and fierce courtroom arguments. In a stunning turn, Defence Attorney Piet du Plessis, who represents Phahlane, called for the charges to be withdrawn entirely, stating that the State had repeatedly failed to meet even the most basic requirements for a fair trial. “We are in 2025, and the State still does not…

Next year, the country will hold the local government elections. The election results are obvious: no political party will win with a majority. Coalition governments will be formed in most, if not many, municipalities. The challenge is that, in SA, coalition governments don't work at local government level. That said, the silly season is upon us. When it became public that Helen Zille is considering running for the Joburg mayor, the first person to jump was Action SA leader, Herman Mashaba. Mashaba went public to tell the world that Zille is not fit to run Joburg. The pertinent question is: Why is Mashaba worried about Zille’s interest in leading Joburg as a mayor? He seems to be afraid that she may garner more voter support and eat away at his…

Municipalities are drowning in debt largely because they cannot collect the money they are owed, according to Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa. Hlabisa made the remarks yesterday at a national dialogue in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, under the theme ‘‘Every Municipality Must Work – A Call to Collective Action.’’ More than 300 representatives from political parties and municipal councils gathered to reflect on the relevance of the 1998 White Paper in the context of local government performance. Hlabisa emphasised that the gathering was intended to facilitate open dialogue rather than deliver firm decisions. “As we embark on this critical process, we recognise the crucial role political parties play in shaping the future of our local government system,” Hlabisa said. “Local government is where policies become services, promises…

Young people need to be nurtured, encouraged and protected. These are the words of former Miss SA, Augustine Chuene, who at the weekend spent her day encouraging young people from Ezimbuzini informal settlement during an uplifting Breast and Reproductive Health Impact on Mental Health panel conversation event held at the iconic Eyethu Shopping Centre’s Heritage Hall in Soweto. The event which gave young girls a head-start on the importance of taking care of their bodies was organised by an international organisation Royal Table Global Consult, and Faith Ministry led by Dr Sindile Mathebula. “For me, being part of this event was a no-brainer as I have known Dr Mathebula from church for a long time. Besides that, I am from Soweto. I grew up here and like the young people…

In a boost for tourism and science education, South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced free entry to the new Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre at Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State from June 22 until September 30. The announcement was made on Sunday during the official launch of the centre, which was attended by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George, along with representatives from SANParks, the Department of Tourism, the Free State Province, and traditional leaders. The centre, which is located inside the national park in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District, is designed to offer visitors an “innovative, creative, and quality demonstration of world-class scientific knowledge in the paleontological, archaeological, and geological disciplines,” SANParks said. “This facility is a wonderful addition to our diverse…

Call South African politics and politicians many things but predictable is not one of them. Fresh from Liam Jacobs crossing over from the Democratic Alliance to his political nemesis, The Patriotic Alliance, South Africans were treated to another bombshell this week. Former EFF founder turned former uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Secretary General, Floyd Shivambu announced he was mulling the idea of forming a new party of his own – but not yet. He will remain a member of MK for now. Confused? Don’t be. Its the chess game of politics. Shivambu is pulling off the same stunt as that of former president Jacob Zuma, now MK leader. Remember how Zuma made the shocking announcement he was leading MK while still a member of the ANC in 2023? He was later…

The World Test Champions have not had much time to put their feet back up home after their heroics in England. Shukri Conrad has, though, refreshed the squad with a group of youthful stars looking to push for a place in the starting XI. Here, Independent Media’s Zaahier Adams picks five players that will hope to impress in Bulawayo. Kwena Maphaka The teenage fast bowler enjoyed a Test debut earlier this season in the New Year Test against Pakistan at Newlands, and was considered unlucky not to be selected in the 15-man travelling squad for Lord’s with Conrad opting for Lungi Ngidi’s experience instead. But with regular new-ball bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen rested, and Ngidi unlikely to feature in the first Test, it is an ideal opportunity for…

Glenrose Xaba is still hoping to qualify for the 5 000m and 10 000m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September, although the marathon remains a viable option for the in-form road and track star. Xaba revealed her ambitions for the global athletics showpiece after storming to victory in the Durban leg of the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge on Sunday, clocking 31:54. The Boxer Athletics Club ace made light work of the challenge posed by Ethiopian duo Diniya Abaray (32:09) and an out-of-sorts Selam Gebre (32:25), who settled for second and third respectively. The holder of the SPAR Grand Prix title — and early favourite to retain it this year — took control of the Durban race shortly after the 7km mark. Her rivals could not live with…