Table of contents for 2025-09-08 in Star

JSE-listed Copper 360, which operates in the Northern Cape, has proposed a R1.15 billion rights issue and a restructuring of its debt. The mining company said in an announcement to shareholders on Friday that it was in the process of restructuring, aiming to raise sufficient funding for short- and medium-term growth, reduce the debt burden to improve profitability, and mine several orebodies with achievable growth potential. The share price slipped 1.4% to 70 cents on the JSE on Friday, well down from R3.25 that it traded at a year previously. Copper has surged onto the prospects of many mining groups due to raising demand for the metal in renewable energy technology, AI and data centres and due to its use in urbanisation and in infrastructure. Copper 360's directors said the…

Stakeholders in the electricity industry are voicing concerns regarding the capacity of the Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to fulfil its expanded role as South Africa navigates the complexities of its evolving energy market. This heightened scrutiny comes in the wake of a stakeholder engagement session held by the Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy, which included discussions with various stakeholders such as labour unions and the Just Energy Transition (JET) Project Monitoring Unit (PMU). During this session, Minister for Electricity and Energy Kgosientso Ramakgopa assured lawmakers that the revised Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) would soon be adopted by Cabinet, a critical step in the nation’s energy transition. However, Dr Wickus Kruger of the JET PMU highlighted the urgent need for Nersa to bolster its capacity through additional staff…

In Khayelitsha, a youth-led redesign of a major transport hub in 2024 reduced commuting times by 15% for more than 5 000 residents, according to the African Centre for Cities’ Future Streets report. The project created 200 jobs and showed how practical interventions led by young people can reshape urban spaces for efficiency and inclusion. Although modest in scale, it offered insights that speak directly to South Africa’s most pressing development priorities. The structural constraints facing South Africa’s cities are deeply rooted in history. The 1950 Group Areas Act institutionalised a spatial framework that placed the majority of citizens in townships and rural areas distant from economic centres. Today, more than 80% of South Africans still live far from where jobs and services are concentrated. The economic effects remain evident:…

At times like this we have to ask, "What would ka Seme advise?" Ambassador Mniwa Mahalngu is no more. I met him in February this year and we exchanged pleasantaries. I will remember him always for agreeing to deliver a Prixley ka Isaka Seme lecture at the University of Columbia that Francoir Ndengwe and I arranged in 2016. This was 110 years since Prixley made a remarkable and unforgettable speech about the regeneration of Africa. It is befitting to publish the speech as tribute to Ambassador Mahlangu. He reminds us that precisely in the month of April 2016, marked 110 years since the famous and celebrated speech entitled The Regeneration of Africa by a renowned son of Africa, Pixley ka Isaka Seme. The speech was delivered…

Tesla unveiled on Friday a proposed compensation package for Elon Musk that could top $1 trillion if the controversial CEO delivers on his vision for stratospheric growth from new technologies. The plan potentially provides Musk - already the world's wealthiest person - with up to 12 percent of additional total company shares, according to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. To reach the full award, Tesla must reach a market capitalisation of "at least $8.5 trillion by 2035," according to the filing, which announced a shareholder vote on the proposal in November. Tesla's current market capitalisation is just over $1 trillion, down somewhat from its peak following recent weak earnings. Analysts have attributed some of the sales woes to Musk's embrace of far-right politicians, which has sparked…

Award-winning local film Carissa will be making its big screen debut in Mzansi after receiving international recognition at several major film festivals, including the Venice Film Festival. Directed by Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar, Carissa is their first feature film and has already gained acclaim for its poignant storytelling. The film premiered in the Orizzonti section at the Venice Film Festival in 2024, and it has since been showcased at prestigious events like the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in California and the BlackStar Film Festival in Philadelphia. It was also shown at the 13th Silwerskerm Festival. Set amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Cederberg mountains, Carissa tells the story of a young woman who lives with her grandmother in the small village of Wupperthal. As she faces challenges from…

Allegations of corruption and mismanagement have surfaced as ActionSA files a formal complaint with the Public Protector over the Boipatong Old Age Home project, which has stalled and already cost R28 million. This comes after the party lodged a criminal complaint against the Emfuleni Local Municipality, the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development, and the Department of Social Development. The Star previously reported that the Boipatong Old Age Home project, launched by the Emfuleni Local Municipality in 2015, has been mired in delays. Almost a decade later, construction came to a standstill following the late discovery of a gas pipeline beneath the site, further hindered by contractor failures, poor administration, and ongoing community unrest. ActionSA Gauteng Provincial Legislature Caucus Leader Funzi Ngobeni said the Boipatong Old Age Home was meant to…

The Office of the Auditor-General (A-G) has referred 40 material irregularities picked up during the auditing finances of the organs of state using the powers conferred to her by the amended Public Audit Act. This emerged last week Friday when the Directorate of Priority Crime (DPCI) revealed that the A-G has referred 21 material irregularities to it for investigation since over the past five years. This happened as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) disclosed that the A-G made 19 referrals to date. The A-G has the power to refer material irregularities picked up during auditing of finances organs of state where fraud is involved, there is criminality or complex investigation needs to be done to the DPCI. It also refers to the Special Investigating Unit when non-compliance with laws is…

A CHATSWORTH family has pleaded not guilty to murdering their nanny after they allegedly took out a R750 000 life insurance policy on her without her knowledge. The trio is accused of advertising for a nanny with the specific intent to insure and kill the victim. WhatsApp evidence presented in court revealed chilling messages about the victim needing to “kick the bucket”. Amdhew Chuttergoon, 49, his wife Managie Jessica Chuttergoon, 49, and their daughter, Thurashni Trailene Naidoo, 30, of Crossmoor, allegedly orchestrated the killing of Rashree Dwarika, 52, of Royal Manor in Phoenix. They had hired her to provide housekeeping and nanny services. Dwarika was found dead in the pool of a holiday home the Chuttergoon’s had rented in Umzumbe, on the KZN South Coast, on June 17, 2023.…

The Western Cape High Court declared two disciplinary actions against two learners who were vaping in the school’s hostel unlawful, as the school’s governing body twice punished them for the same offence, which amounts to double jeopardy. The now Grade 10 learners were twice found to be vaping. The first incident was at the end of 2023 when they were in Grade 8, and the second incident was last year, a few months down the line. During the 2023 incident, both learners, only identified as L and M, were expelled from the hostel for a few months. However, when the incident occurred again the following year, both were permanently expelled from the hostel. A few days later, the school yet again sanctioned them for the same offence for which it…

Third ODI, Southampton England: 414/5 (Bethell 110, Root 100, Buttler 62*, Smith 62, Bosch 2/79, Maharaj 2/61) South Africa: 72 all out (Bosch 20, Archer 4/18, Rashid 3/13, Carse 2/33) w England won by 342 runs, SA win the series 2-1 The Proteas have become the masters of falling prey to the dead-rubber ODI syndrome. Sunday’s world record ODI defeat by 342 runs, in which they were 18/5 at one stage, before being routed for 72 by England at Southampton’s Rose Bowl follows on directly from their last dead-rubber in Australia just over a fortnight ago. Having won the first two matches of the series Down Under to clinch the trophy, they slumped to a 278-run defeat in Cairns. They have now eclipsed that performance with an even more pitiful…

The weekend’s last round of Currie Cup action has determined the line-up for the semi-finals of the historic tournament, with the Lions and Griquas hosting home semi-finals. Boland, for so long in the top two on the log, will travel to Ellis Park to play the Lions, while the consistent Griquas will be at home against the Cheetahs. Spare a thought for former champions in the Pumas, who were in theTop 4 for almost all of the tournament but dropped out at the weekend when they came up against a Sharks side strengthened by their United Rugby Championship stars. The Sharks used the game as a warm-up for the upcoming URC season, having previously only selected young players. The Sharks won the game 19-13 in Durban and the previous week…

The recently released 8th annual SweepSouth Report on Domestic Worker Pay and Working Conditions paints a troubling picture of the lives of domestic workers in South Africa. The report, based on over 5 000 responses collected nationwide, reveals that the dramatic stall in the country’s economic growth is having a profound ripple effect on this critical workforce, predominantly made up of women aged 26 to 41. According to CEO Lourandi Kriel, South Africa’s economy has only managed a growth of 0.7% over the last decade, a stagnation that has forced consumers to reconsider their spending power. “The economic conditions have a ripple effect on domestic workers in that when an economy doesn't grow, you know consumers have either the same or less share of wallet and they need to decide…

The All Share index on the JSE, as well as the Rand on Friday ended stronger in reaction to the release of the US non-Farm payrolls. The All Share index recovered by 0.9% on Friday and ended the week flat with a mere 300 points lower on 101532. The index, however, is still 20.7% up for the year. The US announced that the economy could only create 22 000 new jobs during August 2025. This is much lower than the expected increase of 72 000. The unemployment rate for the US increased from 4.2% to 4.3% as was expected. Especially since April 2025, after the first comprehensive tariff announcement by the Trump administration, consumers and producers started to discount negative consumer and business confidence due to expectations for higher inflation…

Bell Equipment, the JSE-listed manufacturer and distributor of materials handling equipment globally, reported a sharp 330% increase in net cash inflow to R487.04 million in the six months to June 30. The share price gained 2.65% to R41.63 on Friday afternoon, despite the fact that the dividend was passed due to the global slowdown in demand in key markets and a contracted US market due to the current USA tariff situation. “Just when we anticipated some stability might prevail in our global markets, following a reduction in demand for equipment during 2024 to more normalised levels, the first half of 2025 has been marred with extreme uncertainty in some of our key markets, the US in particular,” the chairman, Gary Bell, and chief executive, Ashley Bell, said on Friday in…

The EU on Friday slapped Google with a massive €2.95 billion ($3.47 billion) antitrust fine for favoring its own advertising services, drawing a furious rebuke from President Donald Trump and a threat of fresh tariffs against Europe. Google vowed to appeal the decision by the European Commission, which accused the US firm of distorting competition in the 27-nation bloc. "Google abused its dominant position in adtech, harming publishers, advertisers, and consumers. This behavior is illegal under EU antitrust rules," EU competition chief Teresa Ribera said. Trump, who has threatened to go after Europe for its rules on the digital market and content policing, lashed out at the decision, which brings Google's total EU liabilities to nearly €10 billion. "Very unfair, and the American taxpayer will not stand for it!"…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will oppose the application by deputy president Paul Mashatile’s bodyguards to have assault and malicious damage to property charges against them withdrawn after being acquitted in an internal inquiry. Eight members of the SA Police Service VIP protection unit – Shadrack Kojoana, Johannes Mampuru, Pomso Mofokeng, Harmans Ramokgonami, Phineas Boshielo, Churchill Mkhize, Lesibana Rambau and Moses Tshidada – face 12 counts of assault, malicious damage to property, pointing of a firearm, contravening the Road Traffic Act, reckless and negligent driving and defeating the ends of justice. They were charged after they were filmed assaulting two people on the N1 highway in July 2023. The accused have launched a Section 174 application, seeking to have the charges dismissed on the grounds of insufficient evidence. In terms…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has thrown his weight behind South Africa’s National Dialogue, describing it as a vital, people-driven initiative aimed at confronting the country’s deep-rooted social and economic challenges. Speaking at the 30th Annual NEDLAC Summit in Johannesburg last week Friday, Mashatile said the Dialogue was a crucial step in “uniting South Africans, healing past wounds, and charting a common path forward.” He praised the recent First Convention of the National Dialogue for successfully bringing together stakeholders from government, business, labour and civil society, saying it laid the foundation for a collective national vision beyond 2030. “In the next few months, we must emerge with a compact and consensus on the South Africa we want – likely aligning with the Freedom Charter, which calls for a country that belongs…

All roads led to Maracana in Sandton on Saturday, where The Star’s annual Women’s Day celebration, The Choice is Yours, came alive in a dazzling display of unity, resilience, and achievement. Women from all walks of life gathered to uplift one another, showcase their remarkable contributions to society, and proudly embrace their crowns. The event offered attendees a space to feel free, release their burdens, explore their capabilities, and recognise the vital roles they play across all spheres of life, with a strong emphasis on overcoming obstacles and celebrating themselves with confidence. Renowned comedian and actress Celeste Ntuli lit up the stage as host, keeping guests in stitches with her sharp humour and effortless charm, while creating an atmosphere of excitement and connection. She shared her delight at being part…

chinese President Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin. This meeting, building on their successful dialogue in Kazan in 2024, represents an important moment for China-India relations, bolstering growing optimism within the SCO, and marking a major point in diplomatic relations within the Global South. Most significantly, the broader events taking place in Beijing shows that half the world’s population are discussing their future without reference to, and diminishing dependence on the West. For the Global South, this means that this community of countries and nations could leverage their growing internal bilateral and multilateral cooperation for international and domestic peace, stability, and development. The bilateral meeting between China and India coincided with the 75th…

The Springbok Women received a sobering dose of reality at the World Cup in the form of the fleet-footed French, who ran up a 57-10 score in the final match of Pool D in Northampton on Sunday evening. The Springbok Women have been a revelation at the tournament, starting with a 66-6 win over flyweights Brazil, followed by a 29-24 victory against middleweights Italy, but heavyweights France pulled the South African challenge back down to earth. South Africa finished second in Pool D and will play New Zealand in the quarter-finals. The French, ranked the fourth-best team in the world, outclassed the Bok Women, who were hamstrung by a red card to centre Chumisa Qawe. With both teams already qualified for the playoffs, coach Swys Bruin gave opportunities to players…

Aryna Sabalenka credited her new-found mental approach on Saturday after producing a controlled performance to retain her US Open crown. The 27-year-old world number one from Belarus defeated American eighth seed Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) to claim a fourth career Grand Slam title. Sabalenka said her victory followed a rethink after defeats in the Australian and French Open finals earlier this season. “After the Australian Open, I thought the right way would be just to forget it and move on, but then the same thing happened at the French Open,” she said. “So, after the French Open I figured, ‘okay, maybe it’s time for me to sit back and look at those finals and maybe learn something,’ because I didn’t want it to happen again and again.” A holiday…

Wave of layoffs sweeps through the country as 140 000 jobs lost in the three months to June The government has expressed deep concern over the implications of mass job cuts on the economy following retrenchment notices by a number of multinational corporations. Last week, Glencore Operations South Africa revealed its intention to retrench employees at its Rustenburg ferrochrome smelter and vanadium operations, citing insufficient electricity supply and a general “lack of sustainable industry solutions.” Companies who are considered intensive energy users have already sounded the alarm that the escalating costs of electricity could exacerbate job losses. Similarly, ArcelorMittal South Africa announced preparations to close its long steel mills resulting in the loss of over 4 000 jobs, attributing its plight to delays in addressing structural problems that have plagued…

Globalisation can be defined as, ”The growing interdependence of the world’s economies, cultures, and populations, brought about by cross-border trade in goods and services, technology, and flows of investment, people, and information. Countries have built economic partnerships to facilitate these movements over many centuries.” Since one of four global economic shocks (black Swans) emerged in 2020 with the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by the Russia-Ukraine war (2022), the attack on Israel by Hamas (2023) and the introduction of tariffs on most developed and developing countries by the Trump administration (2025), the debate continues on whether globalisation has slowed down, or is even reversing. In the South African context, loadshedding has put a spotlight on the energy crisis, and the recent focus on the emerging Southern African “gas cliff” has further exacerbated…

The National Labour and Economic Development Council (Nedlac) held its annual summit on Friday under the call of advancing solidarity, equality and sustainability in the economy and labour market. This is a clarion call to action by the leaders of government, business, labour and civil society. Whilst we will naturally have different interests, mandates and objectives; there are core issues that we can and must agree on, which if we fail to resolve, will threaten the very fabric and stability of society. Given our history of three hundred and fifty years of colonial and apartheid rule that has left lasting scars of inequality and dispassion, we must be a society that values the principles of providing solidarity to those in need. To be nation capable of growth and development,…

African Rainbow Minerals’ (ARM) share price plunged 7.3% on Friday after it reported a 47% decline in headline earnings for the year ended 30 June 2025 to R2.7 billion, or R13.79 a share. On Friday afternoon, the share price was R175.28, reflecting an 11.4% increase over the past 12 months. Revenue for the year increased by 1% to R13.1 billion. The decline in headline earnings was ascribed mainly to lower average realised export US dollar iron ore prices and increased mechanised development costs at Bokoni. A final dividend of R6 a share was declared, down from R9 per share last year. The total dividend for the 2025 financial year came to R10.50, compared to R15 per share in 2024. Despite the lower dividend, directors stated they maintained a robust balance…

South African singer Nobuhle has released her latest single Umusa, a collaboration with Kabza De Small that blends spirituality, soul and the emotion of amapiano into a compelling track. Nobuhle was born and raised in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal. She is a music and drama graduate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and is now focused on creating spiritual music that connects with people. Speaking to Independent Media Lifestyle, Nobuhle said she has been working with De Small since 2022. “We’ve created songs like Liyangishonela and Xola together over the years, so it’s no surprise that Umusa came together naturally.” The song is a prayer, a plea to God for strength and guidance. “One of the things I love about working with Kabza is the space we meet each other in –…

Advocate Norman Arendse, SC, was named las week Friday as the evidence leader for the Ad Hoc Committee that will inquire into the serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Arendse, will be assisted by two advocates, Maria Mokhoaetsi and Lerato Zikalala. This emerged when the committee met to receive a progress report on the preparations for its hearings set to start later this month. Briefing the committee, chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said invitations have been sent to seven people identified by the committee. These were Mkhwanazi, police commissioner Fannie Masemola, suspended minister Senzo Mchunu, deputy policy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, acting minister Firoz Cachalia and deputy ministers Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo. “There is no additional witness that has been invited. Signed letters are sent to the seven…

Elham Mouaffak-Hatfield, 47, a humanitarian from Durban North, will be sailing from Tunisia with hundreds of other delegates on the Global Sumud Flotilla – a coordinated, non-violent fleet of mostly small vessels sailing from ports across the Mediterranean to break the Israeli siege in Gaza. Her aim is to leave a better world for her children. Mouaffak-Hatfield is part of the South African delegation comprising activists, health professionals, artists, journalists, and everyday citizens – all committed to breaking the Israeli blockade that has gripped Gaza for 18 years. The Palestinian Solidarity activists from across South Africa have joined a historic international coalition representing more than 40 countries united in a mission of peaceful resistance to Israel’s blockade of Gaza. South African delegates, that include Mouaffak Hatfield, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Fatima…

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah could this week become the second African football icon after Achraf Hakimi to secure his presence at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Salah will captain Egypt in Burkina Faso in a top-of-the-table African zone Group A qualifier on Tuesday, and victory for the Pharaohs will guarantee first place with two matches to spare. Paris Saint-Germain full-back Hakimi helped Morocco become the first African qualifiers at the weekend when they struck five unanswered goals after Niger were reduced to 10 men in Rabat. The nine group winners in Africa qualify for the World Cup, which will feature a record 48 nations, up from 32 at the last edition in Qatar three years ago. Salah converted a penalty in a 2-0 win over Ethiopia in Cairo…

Springbok great Steven Kitshoff feels the Springboks were the more dominant team in the Eden Park showdown with the All Blacks and is convinced they will bounce back this week in Wellington. The Boks started the Rugby Championship match in Auckland poorly but were on top in the second half, before losing 24-17. “It was a disappointing result because the Springboks had plenty of opportunities to score points or enter into the New Zealand 22,” said Kitshoff, who was a ZARbet ambassador, at Pirates Rugby Club on Saturday in Johannesburg. “A couple of things went against them, but in my opinion, the Springboks were the more dominant team, and it makes for an exciting second Test.” Kitshoff, a veteran of 83 Tests at loosehead prop for South Africa, was a…

Max Verstappen slowed McLaren’s Formula One dominance on Sunday with a phenomenal display of driving on his way to victory at the Italian Grand Prix, the fastest race in the sport’s history. Starting from pole, the reigning world champion completed a magical weekend at Monza, which included the fastest lap ever in F1 during Saturday’s qualifying, outpacing the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Red Bull’s Verstappen has little chance of securing a fifth consecutive drivers’ title, still trailing championship leader Piastri by 94 points, with the Australian finishing third. “It was really enjoyable,” said Verstappen, who took the chequered flag in 1hr 13mins 24.325sec. “I think we pitted at the right time, and with the hard tyres at the end you can push a bit more. It…