Table of contents for 2026-04-22 in Cape Times

With the ceasefire deadline between the United States (US) and Iran set to come to an end, global markets have been left on edge with the next steps in the conflict remaining unclear. Tensions escalated this week when reports suggested that Iran might decline a second round of talks with the United States. This uncertainty drove the S&P 500 down by 0.2%, reflecting a cautious sentiment among traders. However, the mood brightened slightly following emerging reports indicating Iran’s potential willingness to participate in discussions. “The market’s response has been somewhat bipolar, fluctuating between apprehension and optimism. This instability contributes to an atmosphere of unpredictability as global investors try to gauge the future landscape. Adding to the intrigue, this week also saw Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Federal…

South African Reserve Bank (sarb) Governor Lesetja Kganyago has stressed that policymakers have “learnt their lesson” from past crises and will remain firmly committed to the country’s 3% inflation target, even as a fresh global shock threatens to derail the outlook. Speaking at the release of the April 2026 Monetary Policy Review yesterday, Kganyago acknowledged that the year began on a more optimistic footing, with global inflation easing and economies adapting to earlier tariff shocks. However, that progress has been disrupted by the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, which has driven sharp increases in oil, gas and fertiliser prices and reignited uncertainty. “Today, we are in the midst of yet another shock,” Kganyago said, warning that rising commodity prices and heightened uncertainty are increasing both growth and inflation…

South African business confidence weakened in March, with economists warning that rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are beginning to filter through to the domestic economy. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) Business Confidence Index (BCI), released on Tuesday, declined by 3.3 index points to 131.3 in March, marking the second drop recorded this year. Despite the monthly decline, the index remained significantly higher than a year earlier. Sacci noted that the BCI stood 7.8 points above its March 2025 level, with the index averaging 132.4 in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 123.1 in the same period last year. The latest dip follows a mixed start to the year, with the index edging down by 1.8 points in January before rebounding to 134.6 in…

In a notable move towards enhancing sustainable energy practices, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has initiated high-level discussions with City Power, Johannesburg’s municipal power utility. Their collaboration aims to resolve the longstanding backlog in Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) registrations while laying the groundwork for a more stable and efficient distributed energy framework in the city. The discussions focused on addressing the technical and administrative challenges that have been impeding the growth of solar energy in Johannesburg. Presenting at the meeting was Justin Hendricks of the SAPVIA Residential PV Working Group, who shed light on the hurdles facing the industry and underscored the pressing need for a solution. Resolving a pressing registration backlog One of the primary issues discussed was the “legacy” SSEG applications that have been lodged between…

The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has strengthened its push to accelerate infrastructure and industrial development across the continent after securing a $100 million, five-year loan facility from the Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank). The agreement, signed during AFC’s recent Investor Day in London, marks another milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and highlights growing financial cooperation between Africa and India. The facility will provide medium-term capital aimed at supporting critical infrastructure projects across sectors such as power, transport, telecommunications, and heavy industry. The transaction comes at a time of heightened global market volatility and shifting investor sentiment, conditions that have made access to affordable, long-term financing increasingly challenging for emerging markets. Against this backdrop, AFC’s ability to tap into alternative liquidity sources beyond traditional capital…

The City of Cape Town impounded two digger loaders that were abandoned on site after law enforcement officials responded to reports of illegal sand mining in Khayelitsha. Officers were first called out on Thursday following ongoing complaints about the activity in the area. On arrival, they found the heavy machinery on site, but the operators had fled, taking the keys with them. Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason said the vehicles are believed to have been hired. “On Thursday, Law Enforcement officers responded to ongoing complaints of illegal sand mining taking place in the Khayelitsha area,” Dyason said. “When they arrived, there were digger loaders on site, but the drivers fled with the keys to the machinery.” Officers returned to the site on Friday and proceeded to impound the equipment. “In…

The South African Communist Party (SACP) has ordered its members to disregard the ANC's instruction for those with dual membership to state in writing which party they will campaign for in the upcoming local government elections. The party said it took exception to the instruction and viewed it as an attempt by the ANC to disenfranchise members regarding their right to dual membership. Other SACP leaders in KwaZulu-Natal have already stated that the rank-and-file membership is unlikely to comply with the ANC's instruction. It was reported that the ANC instructed those with dual membership to submit in writing which party they will be campaigning for within the next ten days. The issue has come to the fore as the SACP has taken a resolution that it will contest the local…

Women on Farms Project has called on Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso to strengthen the Extension of Security of Tenure Act (ESTA) to better protect vulnerable communities facing evictions on farms. Women working on farms in the Cape Winelands area protested outside Parliament yesterday, where they handed a memorandum to the department’s acting chief director, Nyameko Mgoqi. Director Carmen Louw said the Act, amended in 2024, empowers the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform to develop housing for farm dwellers, but the department has failed to provide statistics on how many people have benefited. “Although there is an Act, dwellers still face continuous evictions and their negative impact,” she said. Louw pointed to Section 4 of ESTA, which provides long-term grants that can be used to…

Parliamentary committee hears that R155 million profit for the year was due to routes being sold South African Airways (SAA) may have reported a profit in 2024/25, but the Auditor-General (AG) has left no doubt that the airline is out of control financially and is crashing, that its financial figures cannot be trusted, and that its staff are operating without consequence. Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport members, clearly amazed at the severity of the details that lay behind the AG’s disclaimer on the airline’s financial statements, responded to the AG presentation yesterday with words such as: “This was difficult to listen to” and “it is clear the AG does not believe most aspects of the financial statements to be true,” and “people are clearly doing as they wish at SAA,…

The ongoing conflict in Iran has cast a long shadow over the global economy, igniting significant fluctuations in oil prices and raising alarm bells for consumers across the globe. Following a recent surge that saw Brent crude oil prices reach as high as $107 in early April, experts predict a troubling landscape ahead, with projections indicating prices may linger above $95 per barrel in the near future. As fuel prices climb, the ramifications ripple through the economy, impacting individuals and businesses alike. The pressing inflation crisis is exacerbated not only by higher petrol costs but also through indirect channels, as fuel constitutes a crucial input across various sectors. With inflation currently eroding disposable income, consumers are likely to find it increasingly difficult to maintain their living standards, particularly as real…

Volatile currency markets are emerging as a major threat to the profitability of fruit importers and exporters, with a new report by Verto warning that foreign exchange (FX) fluctuations are increasingly undermining already thin margins in global agricultural trade. According to the report, the traditional risks associated with fruit trading—such as weather, logistics and harvest cycles—are now being overshadowed by financial pressures linked to currency movements and outdated payment systems. “Harvest cycles are short, logistics are complex and margins are thin. But increasingly, the greatest risks facing importers and exporters are not in orchards or shipping routes, they are in currency markets and financial infrastructure,” stated the report. The report added that fresh produce shipments can take 30 to 60 days to move from orchard to retailer. “During that period,…

Global volatility has created gaps in the supply of oil to the world, which is a massive opportunity for Africa to step forward. Several countries on the continent have notable reserves of oil and gas, but up until now, there have been significant delays in leveraging them. The current crisis is providing the impetus needed to accelerate production, and many ventures are ramping up their operations. The oil crisis is also increasing demand for minerals essential in the global energy transition, such as cobalt, nickel, copper and lithium, as well as for renewable energy solutions. With its abundant natural resources, advantageous geographic position and emerging infrastructure corridors, Africa is well positioned to respond to this demand and become a central player on the global stage. The question is whether it…

Farmers are being urged to prioritise regular maintenance and early risk detection to avoid costly damage and insurance claims, as even minor oversights can quickly escalate into major incidents. Thabo Twalo, chief underwriting officer at Santam, on Tuesday said small issues on farms often spiral into significant problems if left unattended. “A cracked irrigation pipe, a seized bearing, or a build-up of debris on machinery can quickly escalate into a major loss event,” he said. “For local farmers operating under tight margins and demanding seasonal conditions, recognising and acting on early warning signs can be the difference between routine maintenance and a significant insurance claim.” He highlighted harvester fires as one of the most common and costly risks during harvesting season, often caused not by a complete lack of maintenance…

The DA yesterday announced another slate of mayoral candidates across the province, signalling a push to consolidate its grip on municipalities it already governs ahead of the upcoming local government elections. DA provincial leader Tertuis Simmers said the party is building on earlier announcements as it prepares its campaign machinery across the province. “Today, the DA announced further mayoral candidates standing for election in municipalities across the Western Cape, to keep their towns and cities working and delivering,” Simmers said. The newly announced candidates include: • Jessica Kamkam in Bitou • Mario Wessels in Bergrivier • Raymond Ross in Cape Agulhas • Stephen Korabie in Drakenstein • Marais Kruger in the Garden Route District • Browen Johnson in George • Richard van Huyssteen in Matzikama • Clinton Lerm in Overstrand…

A quiet Karoo village has been put on the market, with agents effectively inviting buyers to purchase an entire town in one of South Africa’s most remote and atmospheric regions. The auction window officially closes today. Home and Hectare Real Estate is offering Middelpos, a small settlement, describing it as a rare opportunity to acquire a fully functioning rural village with development potential across multiple sectors. “Buy your own town of Middelpos, close to the Tankwa Karoo National Park.” The listing presents Middelpos as a place largely untouched by modern development, positioned between Sutherland and Calvinia along the R354 in the Upper Karoo region of the Northern Cape, where its isolation and landscape are central to its appeal. “Middelpos is considered one of the few remaining authentic Karoo villages in…

ntsikelelo.qoyo@inl.co.za Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is facing mounting pressure to account for the chaos at Athlone Stadium, where an estimated 25 000 job seekers descended on the City’s “A Day of 1 000 Opportunities” event, triggering a stampede that left several people injured. According to reports, the initiative, aimed at linking unemployed youth to opportunities in the contact centre industry, drew crowds far exceeding the venue’s capacity. Many hopefuls had queued from as early as 4am, only to be turned away once the gates were closed. The event was hosted by CapeBPO, the City’s special purpose vehicle (SPV), as part of efforts to create a direct pathway into the growing sector. ANC councillor Judy-Ann Stevens said the mayor must take responsibility for what she described as a serious failure…

The selection headache facing coach John Dobson this week ahead of the Stormers' crunch United Rugby Championship clash with the Glasgow Warriors is where to utilise Springbok star Damian Willemse. As the Cape side prepares to host the Scottish giants in a top-of-the-table clash, the question reverberating around Cape Town is whether it is time to shift the versatile back to the No 15 jersey or closer to the action at inside centre. Willemse has played on the wing over the last few matches because of his aerial ability and the amount of contestable kicks being put up in this year’s URC competition. If he moves to fullback, it will potentially be at the expense of the mercurial, yet increasingly erratic, Warrick Gelant. Gelant’s ability to conjure magic from nothing…

French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz insisted Monday he would rather miss defending the Roland Garros title in May rather than rush treatment on a "serious" wrist injury. The 22-year-old pulled out of the Barcelona clay-court tournament last week when he felt his wrist "give out on a return" and then revealed the injury to be "a more serious injury than any of us expected". He then pulled out of the Madrid Open on Friday, casting doubt on his participation in Paris as of May 18. On Monday that doubt deepened when he told the press at an award ceremony he was taking a long term view. "I'd rather come back a little later but in great shape than come back early, rushing around, and unwell." "God willing, I have a…

Oswin Appollis is not surprised by his impressive start to life at Orlando Pirates, but insists that prioritising the team’s objectives is more important than chasing personal glory. Appollis has been one of Pirates’ standout signings this season, fitting seamlessly into both the club’s system and coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s philosophy, thanks to his work rate in front of goal. His contributions have paid dividends, helping the team secure a cup double – the MTN8 and Carling Knockout – while also remaining in contention for the Betway Premiership title. He has registered 11 goals and nine assists in 38 matches across all competitions. His form has also translated to the South Africa national soccer team, where he has played a key role in their FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. Given that…

Transnet Group CEO Michelle Phillips has painted a stark picture of the State-owned logistics company’s challenges, telling Parliament that years of infrastructure decline, rising debt, and governance failures have combined to undermine both operational performance and South Africa’s broader economic growth. This comes after a report on the audit outcomes of Transnet tabled before Parliament last month revealed that the group was facing mounting financial and operational pressures, with rising debt, missed volume targets and a growing maintenance backlog casting doubt over the sustainability of its turnaround efforts. Appearing before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts yesterday, Phillips said Transnet’s difficulties were the result of “a convergence of factors” that have created a self-reinforcing cycle of operational and financial decline across rail and port operations. “We’ve seen a convergence of…

The latest Debt Rescue consumer survey has revealed that South African consumers are on the brink of a financial crisis. The survey was conducted amidst the April 2026 fuel and electricity price hikes, which revealed the impact of the latest price surges and how it has added financial pressure to consumers in the country. 9 out of 10 respondents polled in the survey reported that they are under serious financial strain. People are cutting back on essential goods and services to make ends meet, with 52% of those polled saying they are facing severe financial pressure and don’t know how they will cope, while 32% will now struggle to afford the basics. According to Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue, South Africans have valiantly attempted to weather the storm…

Hot off the heels of the sixth South Africa Investment Conference, followed the Gauteng Province and last week the Northern Cape Province also hosted its first ever Investment and Jobs Conference in Kimberley as a flagship investment mobilisation platform designed to unlock job-intensive industrial development aligned with South Africa’s green economic transition. Through these investment drives, South Africa once again opened its doors to global investors, policymakers, and business leaders at the annual Investment Conference. Billions were pledged, promises were made, optimism filled the room but outside the conference halls and the networking booths, people in places like Tembisa, eMalahleni, Komani, Galeshewe and rural villages across Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and the Kgalagadi the question remains, what does this mean for us? Because for the majority…

An Alabama-born engineer seen as a supply-chain savant, Tim Cook took on the daunting challenge of succeeding Apple’s iconic boss Steve Jobs 15 years ago. While Cook is not known for the culture-changing “one more thing” gadget reveals that Jobs fans came to expect, he guided the company to a stunning valuation of some $4 trillion based on its share price. Cook built up Apple’s lucrative business selling digital content and services to lovers of its devices, and his legacy is marked by the success of Apple Watch and Airpods, as well as strong ties with China as a manufacturing hub and a major market. Apple had a market valuation of $350 billion when Cook succeeded Jobs, who died in October 2011. While Jobs launched the iPhone in 2007, it…

Afrimat, which supplies construction materials and bulk commodities, saw its share price fall by over 12% on Tuesday, even though it forecast annual headline earnings per share (HEPS) to increase by between 27% and 37,1%. The JSE-listed mid-tier mining and materials company said in a trading statement on Tuesday that its directors anticipate HEPS to be between 91,8 cents and 99,1 cents, compared to HEPS of 72,3 cents reported for the previous year. However, the share price traded lower at R31,79 on Tuesday morning on the JSE after the release of the earnings forecast. The price has fallen steadily by 41,4% from R54,28 a year ago, and it has fallen very sharply from R54,28 in July 2024. The company said earnings per share (EPS) is expected to be between 76,9…

WhatsApp chats between suspended City of Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi and suspended Gauteng Organised Crime Unit officer Sergeant Fannie Nkosi revealed that Mnisi involved Nkosi in the city’s operational matters. This occurred despite Mnisi suspecting that Nkosi intended for him to rig a R2.9 billion tender in favour of his brother’s company, Ngaphesheya Construction and Projects. Mnisi continued his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry yesterday, where questioning focused on his constant use of Nkosi as a middleman between himself and suspended Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini. Mnisi has been accused of colluding with Nkosi and Dhlamini to influence the security tender in favour of Nkosi’s brother. He also came under fire for allowing Nkosi to participate in the tender payment dispute stemming from unpaid…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says the decision not to prosecute a suspect involved in the fatal road rage shooting that left a husband dead and a wife injured in Emmarentia, Johannesburg, is due to insufficient evidence. The NPA announced yesterday that it had decided not to proceed with the prosecution of the 58-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the shooting. The suspect was expected to face charges of murder and attempted murder following the death of a motorist, Faisal ul Rehman, 48, and the wounding of his wife, Tehseen. The incident happened on Barry Hertzog Avenue following a minor fender-bender that escalated into a physical altercation. Tehseen was taken to the hospital following the shooting. The suspect was scheduled to appear in Johannesburg Magistrate's Court yesterday but…

Police are investigating a burglary at the home of alleged Sexy Boys gang leader Jerome “Donkie” Booysen. The break-in occurred just after 11am yesterday. At the time of the incident, the domestic worker on the premises was at home and was ambushed by the unknown suspects. The woman was tied up. The provincial police spokesperson, Frederick van Wyk, confirmed the incident. “Bellville South police registered a house robbery case following an incident on Tuesday, at 11.05am at a premises in Glenhaven, Bellville South. “According to reports, the female worker in the house was tied up. No injuries reported. The attackers were unidentified males," Van Wyk said. “The homeowner was not present at the house at the time of the incident. The investigation continues regarding items that were stolen. "No arrest…

A 45-year-old suspect has been arrested following a massive drug bust in Bellville, where mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R2.7 million were confiscated. The operation, conducted by members attached to Operation Prosper, took place on Monday afternoon following a successful stop-and-search in Delft. Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) initially intercepted a silver Honda Civic in Buczane Street, N2 Gateway. The Western Cape police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, confirmed that officers discovered ten mandrax tablets and an undisclosed amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of crime. “Further investigation led them to a storage facility in Stikland, Bellville,” van Wyk said. “At the facility, the members found 46 packs containing 1 000 mandrax tablets each and a total of 46 000 units of…

The final whistle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday should have triggered a debate about tactics and the volatility of a Premier League relegation scrap, after Spurs’ 2-2 draw against Brighton left them in the bottom three. Instead, it served as another grim indictment of sport in the digital age. Austrian centre-back Kevin Danso, who has been a rare shining light in a difficult season for the North London club, found himself at the centre of a storm that had nothing to do with football and everything to do with the unchecked toxicity of social media. For a player at the elite level, the smartphone is a double-edged sword. It is the primary tool for brand building and fan engagement, yet in the wake of a mistake, in this…