Table of contents for 2026-04-23 in Star

A momentary boost was given to global markets after United States (US) President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran. The US blockade of the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz is set to remain in place, which keeps concerns over oil supply firmly on the table. Trump said the ceasefire would last until such a time as Tehran could submit a 'unified proposal' to end the war. Brent crude oil prices remained elevated as it tested the $100/barrel level yesterday morning, with market analysts taking a cautious approach. It dropped slightly as the day went on to about $98 per barrel. Neil Wilson, Saxo UK Investor strategist said, "The direction of travel is what matters here, and the extension of the ceasefire…

Consumer price inflation (CPI) data released yesterday indicated a slight increase to 3,1% in March 2026 from 3,0% in February 2026. Economists have warned that the slight increase is calm before the storm and inflation could spike from this month due to rising oil and fuel prices caused by Middle East tensions. Stats SA said that annual consumer price inflation was 3,1% in March 2026, up from 3,0% in February 2026. “The CPI increased by 0,6% month-on-month in March 2026.” John Loos, an independent economist, said that Headline CPI (Consumer Price Index) inflation in March accelerated slightly. “The Housing and Utilities CPI was the biggest single driver of overall CPI inflation, increasing its contribution due to a residential rental inflation acceleration." Investec chief economist Annabel Bishop said that March’s CPI…

South Africa’s economic narrative is increasingly framed around renewal, with a push to reposition the country as competitive, modern, and investment-ready. Recent investment momentum, alongside the government’s emphasis on the so-called “3Ds” - digitisation, decarbonisation and diversification - signals a clear ambition to reshape the economy for a changing global landscape. Yet beneath this optimism lies a more complex and uneasy reality. South Africa is not merely navigating a transition on the one hand and seeking to attract trade and investment on the other; it is confronting a polycrisis in disguise. While digitisation, decarbonisation and diversification are often framed as solutions, they can equally become a web of interconnected risks that, if poorly managed, may reinforce one another and undermine the very gains the country seeks to achieve. 3Ds and…

Each year, South Africans commemorate Freedom Day as a reminder of the country’s journey toward democracy, dignity, and the right to choose one’s path. The 2026 theme, “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship,” invites deeper reflection. It shifts the conversation beyond political liberation to the systems that sustain it, and the role citizens play in shaping the country’s future. In this context, freedom extends beyond the right to vote. It includes the ability to participate meaningfully in the economy, to exercise agency, and to build sustainable livelihoods. This reframing is especially urgent in South Africa, where the official unemployment rate remains above 31%, and youth unemployment exceeds 46%, leaving millions excluded from formal work despite democratic rights. Within these conditions, entrepreneurship becomes more than an…

As one of my favourite actors and writers, I was thrilled to see Dan Levy leading the line in Netflix’s new series Big Mistakes. The crime comedy – which centres on incapable siblings being blackmailed into working for gangsters – is a hilarious take on the underbelly of the organised crime world. It is witty, fast-paced, and has enough twists and turns to keep you glued to your screen while you laugh out loud at the ludicrous cast and their very questionable antics. And while the eight-episode programme’s writing and comedy is brilliant, it is Levy who is the star of the show. Big Mistakes marks his major return to television following the huge success of Schitt’s Creek, and what a welcome appearance it is. In his brand-new offering, which…

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says he is still awaiting the ANC national leadership’s decision on when he will be allowed to resume his duties as a National Executive Committee (NEC) member after damaging claims were made against him by KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mchunu had appeared before the Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission to justify his decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and respond to allegations of corruption, specifically regarding his ties to a tender tycoon and interference with police operations. This was after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July, accused Mchunu of instructing the disbandment of the PKTT on December 31, 2024, without consulting national police leadership, allegedly to protect politically connected individuals. Yesterday, Mchunu’s spokesperson Sithembiso Mshengu said…

Suspended SAPS Organised Crime Unit Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, will remain behind bars after the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court denied him bail yesterday. Nkosi faces charges of theft, defeating the ends of justice, and possession of unlicensed ammunition and a stun grenade. He is also charged under firearm laws after seven guns were found at his home. Police told the court that a raid earlier this month uncovered six original police dockets containing evidence, 98 rounds of state-owned live ammunition, a stun grenade, and R52 700 in cash. The arrest was carried out on April 2 by a task team investigating evidence linked to the Madlanga Commission. The State opposed bail, arguing that Nkosi’s access to sensitive police material and the seriousness of the charges justified his continued detention. Nkosi will…

A 58-year-old church elder accused of raping a 12-year-old girl in Dobsonville has abandoned his bail application, as public outrage over the case continues to intensify. The accused,Tshepo Ntsimane, appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where protesters gathered outside demanding that he remains behind bars. The case has drawn widespread attention following reports that the alleged assault took place over the Easter weekend, with disturbing details emerging about how the incident unfolded. According to earlier reports, the suspect, described as a clergyman and local political figure had gained the trust of residents, with children frequently visiting his home. It is further alleged that ongoing electricity outages in the area made his residence a common gathering point for children, as it had access to Wi-Fi. A neighbour who responded to…

The Department of Home Affairs has firmly dismissed widespread claims that citizens of the Kingdom of Lesotho can now enter South Africa without a valid passport, warning that such reports are false and misleading. The department said it had “noted with concern various unfounded media reports and social media posts” suggesting that Lesotho nationals would be allowed to cross the border using only national identity documents. “These reports falsely claim that citizens of the Kingdom of Lesotho may now enter the Republic using only their national ID cards. No such agreement has been reached between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho,” the department said. Authorities stressed that any move to allow passport-free travel would be unlawful under current legislation. “Allowing entry without a valid passport would…

There you have it – the winner of the Fortuner Challenge 2026 is none other than Stephan Jacobs, who walks away with a brand-new Toyota Fortuner. Representing Independent Media, Jacobs was announced the winner on Tuesday night following two days of intense and demanding challenges at the Asara Wine Estate and Hotel. The competition pairs four members of the public with four sporting heroes, with each team representing a major media house. This marks the third consecutive year that a representative of Independent Media has won the competition. The Toyota Fortuner Challenge 2026 kicked off in Cape Town on Monday delivering high-intensity action as competitors battled through a series of gruelling tasks. Hosted in the Western Cape, the two-day event – powered by Quartz Engine Oil – brought together athletes…

Marco van Staden spent much of his formative rugby years playing scrum-half and centre before settling on flank. He has started a Test match for the Springboks at No 8, and now has added the position of hooker to his repertoire. The product of the agricultural school Bekker in the Magaliesberg only became a loose forward in matric. At 30, he says he is now confident in the No 2 jersey after being encouraged by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus to broaden his versatility a few years ago. Van Staden came on at hooker during the Bulls’ second-half demolition of the Dragons last week, scoring a quick-fire two tries to take the game away from the Welshmen. He replaced Johan Grobbelaar, who had just scored a try himself in the 47-7…

Orlando Pirates continue to mirror the vision, philosophy and policy of the club, but their ambition to dominate across the board has left little to chance both on and off the pitch. They assembled a strong squad this season and made it count, winning a cup double – the MTN8 and Carling Knockout – while remaining in contention for the Betway Premiership title. However, despite the excitement around the new signings, only Sipho Mbule and Abdoulaye Mariko have previously won league titles at other clubs, bringing experience alongside veteran Deon Hotto. That lack of title-winning experience has recently been exposed, with Pirates dropping crucial points at home to Siwelele and away to Richards Bay respectively. Those slip-ups left visible frustration on the faces of the technical team and players, as…

There were no overt celebrations when the beleaguered Somalian referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan blew the final whistle at Loftus Versveld on Saturday afternoon. Besides captain Ronwen Williams’ fist pumping and embrace of left-back Divine Lunga, the celebrations from the rest of the Mamelodi Sundowns players were rather muted. For a team accustomed to winning, it was almost routine, with all the players tamely congratulating each along with coach Miguel Cardoso. It was not until chairman Tlhopie Motsepe came down from his VIP enclosure to join the players on the field did the celebrations get into some sort of a festive mood with the squad saluting the sold out crowd that came out to support the Masawandana. But this was no ordinary victory. Sundowns had kept four-times CAF Champions League winners…

Capitec’s annual financial results showcase its rapid growth into a highly contested and relatively new initiative by the bank: business banking. Business banking gained strong momentum as more entrepreneurs and small businesses responded to their value proposition built on low fees, strong service, and faster credit approvals, CEO Graham Lee said at the release of annual results for the year to February 28. Capitec first announced its plans to enter the business banking market in 2019. Since then, there has been a wave of new initiatives, such as Tymebank Business launched in 2023, Bank Zero's app-based business banking, and Lulalend expanding from SME lending into full-service digital banking. Other major banks—Standard Bank, FNB, Absa, and Nedbank—have also all enhanced their business banking offerings. Capitec’s results yesterday showed that businesses and…

South Africa’s new vehicle market has roared into 2026 with renewed momentum, surpassing a key milestone for the first time in a decade as improving economic conditions boost consumer and business confidence. Data reported to the Automotive Business Council (naamsa) shows that combined vehicle sales for January and February reached 103,918 units, marking a strong 9.8% increase from the 94,632 units recorded during the same period in 2025. The performance represents the first time since 2015 that cumulative sales have exceeded the 100,000 mark by the end of February. In March, aggregate domestic vehicle sales climbed to 58,060 units, marking a 17.3% increase compared to the same period last year. According to Lightstone Auto data analyst Andrew Hibbert, the early-year surge signals a significant recovery in the domestic automotive sector.…

Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has emphasized the importance of tourism as a pillar of the South African economy. She spoke in a webinar with the eThekwini Mayor and KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) on Wednesday on the readiness for the 2026 Africa Travel Indaba taking place in Durban from 12-14 May. De Lille said that they want stronger continental collaboration and increased investment in the sector ahead of Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026. “His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa will open the trade show this year. Tourism is not merely a sector, but a powerful economic lever capable of delivering immediate, inclusive, and geographically distributed impact across the country.” De Lille said this webinar forms part of their ongoing efforts to keep stakeholders informed, aligned, and…

Many South Africans see entrepreneurship as a fast-track to economic freedom, however in reality, many local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) must operate against formidable odds. Fortunately, there are a range of entrepreneurship support initiatives available to level the playing field. These support initiatives come in various forms, ranging from targeted public-sector funding programmes to technology-driven private-sector fintech solutions. Below are just some of the initiatives that have the potential to play a crucial role in so many South African entrepreneurial success stories. n The Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) The Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) Tourism remains one of South Africa’s most labour-intensive sectors, yet access to capital has long been a barrier for many black-owned and emerging tourism businesses. The Tourism Equity Fund was created to address this gap by…

DHL Supply Chain is strengthening its transport-led logistics capabilities in South Africa following approval to acquire three companies from the Vital Group, a move aimed at enhancing distribution networks and supporting customer growth across the country’s diverse retail landscape. The deal, cleared without conditions by the Competition Tribunal earlier this month, includes Vital Distribution Solutions, Staffing Logistics and Vital Fleet. The businesses will continue operating as subsidiaries of DHL Supply Chain, maintaining their existing customer relationships and regional presence. DHL forms part of a global transport and logistics group offering a broad range of third-party services across multiple sectors. Its activities span international and domestic express delivery, import and export services, e-commerce solutions and specialised services such as on-demand delivery, hazardous materials handling and customs clearance. The target firms operate…

President Cyril Ramaphosa faces growing calls to extend the duration of the Madlanga Commission and expand its scope to probe the emergence of new relationships within the criminal networks. The calls for the extension follow allegations made by suspended Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Daphney Semakaleng Manamela, who claimed that her seniors protect corrupt officers and accept bribes. Ramaphosa has extended the work of the Commission to August but crime experts say the extent of criminality and political interference requires the inquiry to sit for years instead of months. Retired Interpol Ambassador Andy Mashaile said the commission should be extended to thoroughly investigate deep-seated criminality and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system, saying Manamela’s allegations could be true. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said he would not comment on the…

More than 80 unroadworthy minibus taxis have been forced off Gauteng roads in a sweeping crackdown that has laid bare alarming levels of lawlessness, with hundreds of drivers operating illegally and unsafe vehicles ferrying commuters, a crisis the department has warned is “risky, unacceptable and puts other road users in extreme danger”. A week-long high-impact operation led by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), working with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), targeted Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, where dozens of vehicles were found to be unfit for public use. In Ekurhuleni alone, 10 vehicles were impounded while 82 taxis were immediately discontinued, 64 in Johannesburg and 18 in Tshwane, effectively removing them from operation. Officials said the removals were driven by serious mechanical defects that posed a direct threat to passenger…

Eleven accused persons and four companies have appeared before the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court in Polokwane following their arrest in connection with an alleged fraud and theft scheme targeting National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary funds intended for disadvantaged students. The suspects were arrested on Monday, by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit and made their first court appearance on Tuesday. They remain out on bail and are expected to return to the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on May 7. Those accused include Sydwell Khulu Molala (47), Mokgere Anna Mamabolo (55), Maxwell Claudius Chinyemba (42), Matlaakhudu Cate Mogano (37), Malefetsana Johannes Mogano (31), Mokgopo Elias Mogano (42), Mmalegasa Piccah Semenya (30), Matome Aaron Maake (29), Salome Mmamotshaba Kganyago (52), Mmakgomo Lucy Semenya (49) and Moketla Nelson Mamabolo (27), alongside…

The loss of R1.37 million which went missing from ATMs over six months while nine G4S guards were responsible for transporting the cash, resulted in their dismissal as they could provide no explanation for this shortfall. The Labour Court, Johannesburg, overturned an earlier arbitration finding which found their dismissal following a disciplinary hearing to be unfair. G4S Security Solutions brought a review application against labour union Numsa, which acted on behalf of the nine employees. The matter relates to deliveries carried out by all the employees as custodians on behalf of Capitec for the period January to June 2019. During this time, there was a shortage of R1.37m in respect of the ATMs, that could not be accounted for. These shortages led to a number of individual claims made by…

Nissan is reshaping its African business with a sharper focus on profitability, model relevance and long-term sustainability, according to Massimiliano (Max) Messina, the chairperson for the AMIEO region. Speaking about the broader strategy at the Nissan Vision Event in Yokohama, Japan, Messina said that cutting uncompetitive models like the Qashqai was overdue. “We’ve been eliminating some models that were not profitable. The mistake was not to have done this before. What’s the point of keeping vehicles if they are not competitive in the market?” Locally, this means a more selective product approach, where only models that can compete on cost and positioning will remain. The reset, he said, allows Nissan to start “from a much more profitable line-up”, brought on, in part, by growing pricing pressure from new entrants, particularly…

They did their job well and prepared adequately for the challenge of the Glasgow Warriors, but the Lions are expecting an entirely different game from Connacht in Johannesburg. Following a runaway 54-12 victory over the United Rugby Championship (URC) log leaders, Ellis Park will welcome a desperate Irish club looking for a second consecutive victory on South African soil. Connacht upset the Stormers this past weekend and will look to give their hosts a run for their money on Saturday (4pm kick-off). While it was a comfortable victory over the Warriors, the Lions are bracing for a tough outing against a side still chasing a Top 8 and play-off spot. According to utility back Richard Kriel, they will take confidence from the Glasgow victory, but they cannot rest on their…

Liam Rosenior has been sacked as Chelsea manager following a run of five successive Premier League defeats, the club announced yesterday. The 41-year-old had only been in charge for just over three months after being lured away from French side Strasbourg which is affiliated to Chelsea’s American owners. Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton on Tuesday evening proved the last straw. It is the first time Chelsea have lost five consecutive league games without scoring since 1912, a run which has left them seven points adrift of the Champions League places. “Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior," read a club statement. “Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season. “This has not…

He just wants to be on the field – the position he plays in is secondary. For Damian Willemse, it doesn’t matter where the Stormers or Springboks deploy him; as long as he can play and contribute, the utility back is content. Willemse, who has effectively added a fourth role in the backline as a winger, continues to be praised for his versatility. The lingering question, though, is when he will return to one of his more familiar positions at fullback or inside centre for the Cape side. Ahead of a crucial top-of-the-table United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the Glasgow Warriors in Cape Town on Saturday (1.45pm start), indications suggest Willemse will start at fullback. He is equally comfortable in the No 12 jersey or at flyhalf. Most recently,…

Commission launches sweeping review of regulations that hinder growth of business activity The Competition Commission has launched a sweeping review of regulations that may be stifling competition and preventing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from entering or expanding in key markets, in a bid to reduce red tape and boost inclusive economic growth. The initiative, announced yesterday, forms part of broader national efforts to improve the ease of doing business and create a more competitive economic environment. It follows calls by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his 2026 State of the Nation Address to streamline regulatory processes and remove unnecessary administrative burdens that hinder business activity. Ramaphosa reaffirmed government’s intention to push ahead with the Business Licensing Bill, despite mounting opposition from business groups, civil society organisations, and small business owners…

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has set an ambitious target to facilitate more than 100,000 job opportunities in the new financial year, placing industrial expansion and investment at the centre of South Africa’s economic recovery strategy. Presenting the department’s Annual Performance Plan (APP) before Parliament’s portfolio committee on trade, industry and competition on Tuesday, Minister Parks Tau said the roadmap builds on the priorities of the 7th administration and seeks to translate policy into tangible economic outcomes. “This APP will outline our priorities for the coming financial year, including placing emphasis on our new industrial policy, our investment targets and our trade relations, emphasising implementation and moving from the foundation we built in the previous financial year,” Tau said. As South Africa seeks to rebuild its…

In a move set to transform the financial landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa, payments provider Ozow has announced a strategic partnership with the SME financial services platform Lula. This collaboration aims to simplify and expand access to much-needed business funding for SMEs that are grappling with economic challenges in the current climate. The partnership introduces a co-branded Ozow-Lula digital interface, allowing eligible businesses within Ozow’s merchant base to apply for funding with ease. The process is designed to be efficient, as applications will be assessed and fulfilled by Lula, leveraging Ozow's extensive payments ecosystem to facilitate access. Rachel Cowan, Ozow's interim CEO, said that the partnership is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting merchants beyond traditional payment solutions. “Our focus has always been…

JSE and UK-listed wealth manager Quilter has reported record net inflows of £3 billion in its first quarter to March 31, largely offset by market movements due to geopolitical events around the quarter end. On the JSE, the share price shot up 5.4% to R42.20 after the release of the quarterly update, a price that was also 28% higher than the price it traded at the same time last year. Group assets under management and administration (AuM) also saw a meaningful uplift to £141,9bn at March 31, 2026, from £119,6bn at the same time last year, due to a recovery in markets in recent weeks from the end March level. “Quilter demonstrated continued strong momentum across its business with core net inflows of £3,1bn in the first quarter, an increase…

Eskom has indicated that it does not expect loadshedding through Winter and it has a positive outlook of energy stability through the period. Eskom said that it enters the 2026 winter season with a resilient power system, projecting a winter period of continued energy stability from April 1 to August 31, 2026. “This positive outlook follows the successful conclusion of the summer period, during which the national grid operated with ongoing sustained reliability. With the Generation Recovery Plan firmly embedded in day‑to‑day operations, Eskom has moved beyond short‑term recovery into a phase of stability and sustained energy security, ensuring that homes, businesses and industries remain powered through the peak winter months.” Eskom added that this stability is underscored by it maintaining a consistent energy supply of 98.9% in the last…

Thousands of South Africans may have violated the rights of two children after widely sharing a viral video showing them in severe distress moments after their father was shot dead in a road rage incident in Emmarentia, Johannesburg. The footage, circulated extensively on social media, shows the man’s young daughter screaming and crying over her father’s body, while her younger brother, his hands covered in blood, tries desperately to revive him with CPR. William Bird, director of Media Monitoring Africa, told IOL the sharing of the video raises serious legal and ethical concerns. “Some of the videos being shared clearly violate the rights of the children. “The child is a witness to a serious crime and, for that reason alone, cannot be named or identified. In addition, the child is…

Suspended Brig. Mbangwa Nkhwashu has admitted he went to Groenpunt Correctional Services to deliver clothes and food to murder-accused Katiso “KT” Molefe, but denied having a “questionable” relationship with him (Molefe). Nkhwashu made the admission while testifying at the Madlanga Commission yesterday, where he denied interfering in the investigation into the killing of Armand Swart. “I would never put my 39-year career at risk for a man I had just met,” he said, rejecting claims that he demanded the Swart case docket. He told the commission he acted on a request from Fundiswa Nyangule, whom he described as his “baby sister” and Molefe’s wife. According to Nkhwashu, he followed the procedure when he arrived at the prison. “I identified myself to officials and explained I was there to deliver clothing,”…

Renowned gospel ensemble Joyous Celebration is set to celebrate a major milestone in South African gospel music with the launch of its 30th instalment, marking 30 years of impact and musical excellence. To commemorate this milestone, Joyous Celebration will embark on the Joyous 30/30 Nationwide Tour, a year-long celebration that honours the legacy of the brand while introducing new musical experiences for audiences across the country. The tour will officially kick off in Johannesburg, Gauteng, with a special run of performances at Joburg Theatre from April 30 to May 3. The Johannesburg shows will mark the first leg of the nationwide tour and set the tone for a powerful celebration of gospel music, faith and community. Over the past three decades, Joyous Celebration has become one of Africa’s most influential…

South African buyers looking for a capable new bakkie that won’t demand a second bond might want to turn their heads toward the freshly launched JMC Vigus. The Chinese-built workhorse, now officially under the Salvador Caetano Group’s local wing, lands in local showrooms with an entry price of R399 900. That kind of figure makes it a genuine contender in a market where budgets are tight, but expectations remain high. Line-up The Vigus arrives in three flavours. For those who like to keep things simple and fuel-efficient, there is a 4x2 manual at R399 900. Move up to the 4x2 automatic, and the price climbs to R459 900. The range-topping 4x4 automatic comes in at R499 900. Given the current pressure on household finances, the timing feels deliberate – a…

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertuğral has backed current co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef to stay at the club beyond the current season, saying they have improved the team in recent months. Chiefs are third in the Betway Premiership standings and pushing for a top-three finish after missing out on domestic trophies, CAF honours, and falling behind in the title race. Given that Chiefs have been in form in recent months, winning five games and drawing their most recent clash in the last six, they seem set for an impressive finish to the season, improving on the last two seasons’ 10th- and ninth-place finishes. However, their future at the club is still uncertain – some feel they have done enough to earn full-time contracts, replacing former head coach…

During the Bulls’ 47-7 defeat of the Dragons last week, there was a noticeable shift in tactics after half-time – they went from a more adventurous strategy that had harvested few points to playing more with their big forwards, with a handsome reward. The Bulls went from 12-7 up at halftime to 47-7 winners as they tightened up the game and allowed their forwards to bully the Dragons. Captain Marcell Coetzee hinted that it will be more of the same when the Bulls visit another Welsh side on Saturday night, the Scarlets, who have never lost to the Bulls in Wales. “We have to grind out every win and get the most out of each game, however we can,” Coetzee said. The race for the top eight in the United…