Table of contents for 2026-04-09 in Cape Times

President Trump announces two-week ceasefire with Iran, brings temporary halt to hostilities Stocks on the JSE yesterday rose to the highest level in more than a month while the rand also strengthened as the markets reacted positively to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Iran, bringing a temporary halt to hostilities in the Middle East. The temporary ceasefire had an immediate impact on the domestic market, with the JSE benchmark index surging more than 6% to more than 122,000 index points, the highest since 4 March. Mining stocks led the rally on the bourse, with Impala Platinum rising 16.3% to R268.44 per share, followed by Valterra, which rise 13.1% to R1 598.39 and Northam Platinum at 12.2% to R378.09 per share. Oil prices also fell by…

Banking and financial services group FirstRand’s share price shot up 7.14% after it announced plans to exit from its UK bank Aldermore. The share price traded at R93.21 on the JSE on Wednesday afternoon, indicating a favourable investor response to the group’s plans for Aldermore announced late Tuesday. A year previously, FirstRand was trading at R66.24. It has cut earnings forecasts and blamed a costly and "deeply flawed" British motor finance redress scheme for the plans to exist Aldermore. Provisions for miss-sold UK motor loans were raised by a further pre-tax accounting amount of R11.9 billion, bringing the total provision to R17.7bn. FirstRand’s pre-motor provision normalised earnings guidance remained intact. However, the group now expects full-year normalised earnings post the UK motor provision to contract between 4% and 9%, and…

Sub-Saharan Africa is facing mounting economic risks as global conflicts intensify, with new research highlighting how the war in the Middle East and rising defense spending are placing already vulnerable economies under severe strain. According to analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its upcoming April World Economic Outlook, the region stands among those most exposed to the long-term economic fallout of conflict, both directly and indirectly. In countries experiencing conflict, the economic damage is immediate and persistent. Output typically contracts by about 3% at the onset of war and continues to decline for years, resulting in cumulative losses of roughly 7% within five years. These losses often exceed those seen during financial crises or natural disasters, underscoring the uniquely destructive nature of armed conflict. For sub-Saharan Africa, where…

In South Africa, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy, accounting for over 90% of businesses and employing around 60% of the workforce. With nearly 8 million South Africans relying on these enterprises for their livelihoods, the importance of their success cannot be overstated. Yet, a staggering 70% to 80% of South African SMEs fail within five years, primarily due to cash flow issues, inadequate systems, and a lack of access to sufficient funding. “Many small business owners are unaware of whether their businesses qualify for impact investment or how to pitch their offerings effectively to potential investors,” said Lishoka Ndyamba, Specialist in Socio-Economic Development Livelihoods at Kumba Iron Ore. Recognising the vast untapped potential of these SMEs, Anglo American's Impact Finance Network (IFN), in partnership…

South Africa has emerged as the top-performing market in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region, even as global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions begin to weigh on investor sentiment. According to the latest Bank of America (BofA) equity strategy report, South Africa continues to rank highest among its regional peers, supported by strong dividend yields, improving earnings momentum and relatively attractive valuations compared to historical levels. The BofA’s strategist team, led by Vladimir Osakovskiy, said South Africa’s number‑one position is underpinned by strengthening dividend profiles, supportive valuations relative to history, and a growing concentration of high‑quality materials and financial stocks, even as global investors navigate heightened geopolitical uncertainty. The government has welcomed the recent ranking, saying this recognition represents a strong vote of confidence in South Africa as an…

A new report by the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) released this week has indicated a consensus that the fastest way to raise the economic growth rate is to accelerate the pace of economic reforms by the Government of National Unity (GNU). The report by Prof Johan Fourie and Claire Bisseker said that this is one of the core messages from the Pick-A-Bird scenarios developed by the BER. “The BER has modelled three scenarios – the Hadeda, where SA continues to muddle through; the Marabou Stork, where SA descends into a failed state; and the Fish Eagle where growth soars to 3% and 2.4m jobs are created by 2030.” The report added that under the Hadeda, the GNU holds, but coalition complexity and state incapacity limit its ability to deliver…

As the lifestyle audits for ministers within President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet continue, 24 officials in the Presidency have been identified for suspected undeclared income or concealed assets. In a response to ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip, Ramaphosa said the lifestyle audits for members of his executive are spearheaded by the office of the Director-General in the Presidency and the Secretary of the Cabinet, Phindile Baleni. He said all members of the executive have granted consent for the lifestyle audits to be conducted. “The lifestyle audit process is still ongoing,” said Ramaphosa. Meanwhile, Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi provided an update on the 24 officials flagged for suspected undeclared income or concealed assets. Buthelezi, responding to DA MP Eleanore Bouw-Spies, said financial disclosure anomalies identified through lifestyle audits have…

The Constitutional Court is in the final stages of preparing its highly anticipated judgment on the Phala Phala scandal, a case that has captivated public attention since it emerged in the wake of a burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Limpopo farm. According to Chief Registrar Simoné-Lanique Tjamela, the court’s judgment is expected to be delivered within a month, marking a pivotal moment in an ongoing saga that has raised numerous questions about the integrity of public office and the nation’s judicial processes. The Phala Phala incident, which occurred in February 2020, involved the alleged theft of millions in foreign currency from the president’s private property. The EFF has criticised the delay, noting that more than 480 days have passed since the hearing - far exceeding the judiciary’s guideline that judgments…

Suspended bank manager Raed Cupido has made a third attempt at bail ahead of his high-profile trial at the Cape Town Regional Court. Cupido was arrested in June 2025 after police discovered 15 bricks of cocaine worth an estimated R18 million, along with an AK-103 rifle, an Uzi Pro rifle, five semi-automatic firearms, and 130 rounds of ammunition in a storage unit on Roeland Street. He faces charges of possession of drugs and illegal firearms, while his co-accused, Christopher Carelse—arrested in July 2025—is alleged to have acted as his accomplice. The State claims the pair were “first receivers” of drugs being brought into Cape Town. The suspects rented adjacent storage units, with Cupido in unit 869 and Carelse in 868. Both were expected in court yesterday, but neither appeared. This…

After a gruelling selection process that tested both physical endurance and technical ability, South Africa’s representatives for the 2026 Defender Trophy global final have been confirmed. Isabel Roux and Lance Kime emerged as the final two standing, earning the right to represent the country after a gruelling national final held recently in Pretoria. Their journey started in 2025, when more than 600 entrants put their names forward. That number was reduced to 48 contestants, each subjected to a mix of challenges designed to reflect the realities of expedition driving and teamwork. Precision driving, navigation exercises and practical problem-solving tasks such as building log bridges formed part of the early rounds. Following that, the field was narrowed to 12 finalists. Rising through the ranks Roux and Kime stood out for their…

David Raya was hailed as the world’s best goalkeeper by Arsenal’s Kai Havertz after the pair inspired Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Sporting Lisbon in the Uefa Champions League quarter-final first leg. Raya made a trio of vital saves to keep spluttering Arsenal in the game at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. The Spaniard tipped Maxi Araujo’s drive onto the crossbar and kept out Geny Catamo’s low effort before making another fine stop to parry Catamo’s header late in the second half. Below their best for long spells, Arsenal capitalised on Raya’s Player of the Match display to end their two-game losing run. Havertz calmly converted a pass from fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli in stoppage time, making Arsenal firm favourites to advance to the semi-finals when they host Sporting in the second…

Nottingham Forest may be fighting for English Premier League survival this term, but tomorrow’s trip to Porto for their Uefa Europa League quarter-final first leg offers top goalscorer Igor Jesus and his teammates the chance to put relegation woes to one side as they chase a first continental title in 46 years. If manager Vitor Pereira seems to be prioritising Forest’s top-flight status over their first season in European competition since 1995/96 – resting several regular starters for their last 16 shoot-out win over Midtjylland – the Europa League has been the stage Forest have performed best on this season. This is no more true of any Red than Igor Jesus, who arrived at the City Ground from Brazilian side Botafogo in the close season. The 25-year-old forward has found…

Two key industries in South Africa, agriculture and mining, face significant cost increases in the months ahead, apart from fuel, due to sharply rising world prices of the chemicals used to manufacture explosives and fertiliser. This was according to Omnia Holding CEO Seelan Gobalsamy, who said Wednesday that the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East had already in some countries resulted in the price of fertiliser increasing by up to 70%. He said in an interview that while these price increases may take some months to materialise in this country as existing stock is used up, the group, as a leading manufacturer of fertiliser and explosives in the SADC, and an exporter to 23 countries, had already taken steps to further diversify its sources of ammonia,…

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, yesterday vowed that the government would resuscitate the sugar industry and create jobs, during the relaunch of Gledhow Sugar Mill in KwaDukuza, north of Durban. The mill, which entered business rescue during the 2023/2024 period, is now back on track following a R1.8 billion expansion investment by its new owners. The commitment was initially announced at last week’s Presidential Investment Conference and is expected to revitalise operations while strengthening the broader sugar value chain. The relaunch was also attended by the South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA). Godlimpi said that a new investor is contributing advanced technology to a plant, enhancing efficiency and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, with plans to sell spare parts to other factories. He reassured workers that…

The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has introduced new features on its traceability platform, aimed at strengthening trade continuity across South Africa’s red meat value chain as the country continues to battle the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. RMIS said that the upgraded functionality is now live and accessible to producers through its free mobile application. The enhanced system enables farmers to confirm vaccine deliveries by scanning QR codes, record vaccinations for individual animals, and manage livestock movements more efficiently. The organisation said the developments form part of its broader effort, launched in 2024, to build a practical digital ecosystem that embeds traceability into everyday farming operations. The organisation emphasised that the benefits of this system are already being realised on the ground, particularly as traceability becomes a prerequisite for many…

As South Africa navigates its way through a bumpy start of 2026, the importance of cleaning standards is evolving at a rapid pace. For large corporations, hygiene protocols have already transcended being mere operational tasks and have entered the realm of governance, appearing prominently in corporate Risk Registers. However, for many small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the reality remains starkly different, a continuation of treating hygiene as little more than a ‘grudge purchase’. This shift towards treating cleanliness as a compliance and risk management issue has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the critical nature of hygiene in both public health and business sustainability. Yet, SMEs often lag behind, viewed primarily as operational costs rather than essential components of a risk management strategy. “When margins and cash…

MTN Group, which after six years is still struggling to exit its Middle Eastern businesses, has awarded its directors substantial long-term performance (LTI) awards, with the CEO’s 2025 award more than double that which vested in 2024. This week, the group announced that its President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, had been awarded R39.97 million worth of shares in the company, while other executives received about R120m of shares between them. In 2024, Mupita received R18.43m in (LTI) awards, and the year before, R45.80m, according to the group’s annual report. The long-term incentive shares are awarded based on the group’s success in implementing its objectives over the medium to long term. The MTN board also evaluates its executives’ performance based on shareholder return, operating free cash flow, return on equity, and…

US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III said he was focused on building a positive, constructive relationship between the United States and South Africa. Bozell made the remarks on the sidelines of the Credentials Ceremony at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria yesterday where he formally presented his Letters of Credence to President Cyril Ramaphosa. He said he was concentrating “on the positive” and described his approach as “the art of the possible,” acknowledging that while some may seek to sow discord between the two countries, he is determined to find solutions. “There are those who want to sow discord between our two countries. I understand that. I’m not one of them. I’m the one who is trying to find solutions,” he said. Addressing the recent ceasefire in…

The alleged members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa, known as the Black Axe criminal syndicate, involved in large-scale fraud, were found liable for extradition to the US. This is after the Western Cape High Court dismissed their appeal against their extradition to the US this week. The ruling upheld the 2024 decision that the eight Nigerian nationals, who are members of Black Axe, are liable for surrender under Section 10(1) of the Extradition Act. This follows the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court finding that there is sufficient evidence to warrant prosecution in the US, in accordance with the Act’s requirements. These members allegedly operated a transnational syndicate from Parklands that used romance scams and business email compromise (BEC) schemes to defraud victims in the US, leading to estimated…

Two men were arrested yesterday morning after allegedly robbing EMS personnel as they loaded an elderly patient into an ambulance on Bluegum Avenue, Bonteheuwel. Thanks to tip-offs from local residents, neighbourhood safety officers quickly apprehended the suspects, who were found in possession of the stolen bag and fifteen rounds of ammunition. Western Cape Health Department spokesperson Shimoney Regter confirmed that the staff and patient were unharmed during the ordeal. “We can confirm that an incident occurred early on Wednesday morning in Bonteheuwel while EMS personnel were loading a patient into an ambulance. During the incident, an EMS member’s bag was stolen. Thankfully, our staff members and the patient are safe,” Regter said. “The stolen items have since been recovered, thanks to the swift response and support of the Bonteheuwel community…

After a frantic day of queuing for fuel, South Africans woke up to a post-apocalyptic world of high fuel prices on April 1, as spiralling oil prices caused by the war in the Middle East took effect. Although the government has softened the blow with a temporary R3 tax reprieve that may even extend into May, the fuel price increases will still hit hard. Both grades of petrol have gone up by R3,06, with 95 Unleaded now costing R22,53 at the coast and R23,36 in the inland regions, where 93 Unleaded retails for R23,25. But diesel customers will face the biggest sting, with 500ppm now rising by R7,37 and 50ppm by R7,51. This means the wholesale price of the latter rises to R25,35 at the coast and R26,11 in Gauteng.…

Big-hitting South African PGA Tour player Aldrich Potgieter will spearhead the local challenge at The Masters today, with former Green Jacket winner Charl Schwartzel and SA Open champion Casey Jarvis completing the South African contingent for the 60th edition at Augusta National. The 21-year-old Potgieter (2.04pm tee-off) returns for his second appearance at Augusta, having made his debut last year as an amateur. This time, however, he arrives as a PGA Tour winner and will be aiming to mount a serious challenge, with his prodigious driving expected to be a key weapon on the iconic layout. Former champion Schwartzel (2.26pm) has enjoyed a measured start to his season on the LIV Golf League, most recently helping Southern Guards GC side secure second place at the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa…

Orlando Pirates are gradually reflecting the qualities and philosophy of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, as they have become rock solid in defence and ruthless up front – traits that could prove crucial in the title run-in. A solid defender in his heyday, having turned out for clubs in Europe, Ouaddou vowed to reorganise Pirates’ defensive unit and make therm a formidable force, after they leaked goals willy-nilly last season. He’s done exactly that. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is enjoying his best season in Pirates colours, as he is just three clean sheets away from the record of 19 in a top-flight campaign. While Chaine might get most of the praise, the defence in front of him has also delivered. Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema have kept things tidy in the centre at…

Nobody expected farming to be easy. But the men and women who cultivate sugarcane across the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga are now facing a convergence of pressures so severe that the very survival of South Africa’s sugar industry hangs in the balance. Policymakers in Pretoria would be wise to pay attention and to act before the moment passes. The war in the Middle East has driven oil prices at times above $108 a barrel, sending the cost of both diesel and fertiliser sharply higher. Fertiliser, derived from oil-based by-products, accounts for roughly 20% to 22% of an average sugar farmer’s total input bill and can be expected to nearly double in price. Diesel, meanwhile, is forecast to rise by more than R10 a litre in April, a catastrophic…

South Africa’s efforts to combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) have received a significant boost following the release of 20,000 doses of locally produced vaccines by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), reinforcing the country’s biosecurity and agricultural resilience. The milestone comes amid renewed collaboration between government, research institutions, and the private sector, with a strong emphasis on innovation as a driver of long-term agricultural growth. Wandile Sihlobo, the Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land Reform, recently met with Dr Litha Magingxa, CEO of the ARC, to discuss the role of research in strengthening the sector. Sihlobo emphasised that scientific research remains central to the performance and sustainability of agriculture, and that the ARC is key to advancing agricultural research and innovation in South Africa. “The South African agricultural sector has thrived…

In a boost for local entrepreneurs, Amazon South Africa recently hosted its second annual Seller Summit, gathering over 300 ambitious business leaders and the platform's most successful sellers. This year, the summit aimed to empower South African businesses with the latest tools and resources needed to thrive on Amazon.co.za, underscored by the launch of the inaugural Amazon South Africa Seller Awards that recognised outstanding achievements within the community. Robert Koen, Amazon Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed the essence of the summit. Koen said, “This year’s Summit showcased the energy and innovation of South Africa's entrepreneurial community. We’re focused on the ongoing success of our independent sellers as they are fundamental to our ability to offer a broad selection, great prices, and a convenient shopping experience for our customers. This…

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said there has not been a noticeable increase in vessels taking bunker fuels in the wake of heightened Middle East conflict. Responding to parliamentary questions from ActionSA MP Malebo Kobe, Creecy said there has been an increase in maritime traffic in recent months, but this has not translated into a noticeable increase in port calls as of 25 March. “This is attributed to the fact that vessels will only need to make a stop to take bunkers and stores, undertake repairs, and any other marine services required. “It is worth mentioning that cargo that was not originally destined for South African ports is highly unlikely to come to our ports, especially liquid bulk,” Creecy added. The minister previously indicated that her department was fully prepared for…

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has hauled DA councillor Dr John Hayes to the Equality Court over a social media post in which he compared a political protest to monkeys and baboons looting. The 2023 post targeted Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members during a demonstration in the Cederberg Municipal Council and sparked widespread condemnation at the time. The protest involved street demonstrations aimed at expressing dissatisfaction with government policies. In that context, Hayes, a former municipality speaker, posted a video of monkeys interacting with a car, accompanied by remarks comparing the footage to the behaviour of protesters. The post prompted complaints and a formal disciplinary process within the municipality. According to municipal communications official Anthony Mlata, an internal disciplinary process conducted in line with the Uniform Standing Procedures…

It’s become the norm rather than the exception that each new month brings another Chinese SUV to the market. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it provides cash-strapped South African consumers another option in an increasingly cluttered C-SUV segment. This time around, it’s the Changan Uni-S, which arrives with a three-variant line-up and, like many Chinese SUVs, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Uni-S CS The entry-level CS keeps things clean and understated with a modern design and very neat grille, riding on 18-inch alloy wheels with LED lighting all round, including daytime running lights. Inside, there’s a 12.8-inch infotainment screen paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Smartphone connectivity comes through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with voice control integrated into the system. You also get ventilated front seats,…

George Russell no longer has the advantage of being Mercedes starboy after Kimi Antonelli swooped in on the 2026 season with two straight victories. Head-to-head battles have long been a grey area in Russell’s otherwise polished Formula 1 résumé. There’s no questioning his speed, consistency, or technical understanding – but when it comes to wheel-to-wheel combat with championship stakes attached, he has often come up just short of the edge required to dominate. That edge is exactly what separates great drivers from world champions. The blueprint is already there. Lewis Hamilton built his success at Mercedes on a blend of precision and cold-blooded execution when it mattered most. Max Verstappen, on the other hand, redefined ruthlessness during his rise and subsequent dominance from 2021. Elbows out, uncompromising, and mentally unshakeable.…

Lions scrumhalf Haashim Pead is set to take the next step in his career, with reports indicating he will soon be unveiled as the latest athlete to join Roc Nation Sports International. The global agency, which manages some of rugby’s biggest names – including Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, his World Cup-winning teammate Cheslin Kolbe, and England captain Maro Itoje – appears to have identified the 20-year-old as a standout prospect with genuine global appeal. Pead, a former World Rugby Under-20 Championship winner with the Junior Springboks, has rapidly built a reputation at Ellis Park for his game-breaking ability and sharp rugby intelligence. His decision-making, control of tempo, and instinctive reading of the game have already marked him out as a player well beyond his years. He recently scooped the 2025…

The United Rugby Championship (URC) resumes next weekend, with all four South African franchises still firmly in the hunt for play-off places. While the primary focus will be on securing a full house in the Top 8, the next four rounds also present a valuable, perhaps final, opportunity for fringe players to force their way into the Springbok conversation. A handful of players could yet influence the Bok selectors ahead of the international season if they continue to impress for their respective sides. Here, we take a look at five uncapped players knocking loudly on the Springbok door, each with a chance to strengthen their case over the coming weeks. Haashim Pead (Lions) There may be a long queue of scrumhalves in the current Bok pecking order, but the emergence…

Love it or loathe it, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has found its place. For many it’s viewed as a gory stage, custom built by the BCCI, for the world’s most powerful body to flex their muscles and show off in all gold-tinted pomp. For others it’s the epicentre of modern-day cricket. The world’s best players, who are all remunerated handsomely, coming together to put on a show that’s never been seen before. It is hard to ignore the amount of talent on display. Glancing through the 10 squad rosters, each team possesses a galaxy of stars. The current competition is the 18th edition and during this period it has transformed the global game. Beyond the far-reaching consequences of IPL franchises now heading overseas to further their reach in various…

Salmaan Moerat will leave the Stormers at the end of the current season to pursue an opportunity in France, reportedly with La Rochelle, bringing an end to a significant chapter at his home-town franchise. A proud product of the Western Cape, Moerat rose through the ranks as captain of Paarl Boys High and later led Western Province Under-18 at the 2016 Craven Week. His leadership qualities continued to shine as he captained the Junior Springboks, before making his Stormers debut in 2018 against the Highlanders in Dunedin during Super Rugby. Since then, Moerat has earned 70 caps and played a key leadership role for the Cape side. He captained them in their first United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Benetton in 2021 and has served as club captain for the…