Table of contents for 2026-01-20 in Star

South Africa’s slow and uneven economic recovery is expected to continue through 2026, but remains highly vulnerable to global shocks, policy uncertainty and entrenched structural constraints. This is according to the International Monetary Fund’s latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) update released on Monday, which revised slightly upwards the country's growth prospects. The IMF forecasts South Africa’s economy to grow by 1.4% in 2026, edging up slightly to 1.5% in 2027. While this represents a modest 0.2 percentage points upward revision from earlier projections of 1.2%, it remains well below both the sub-Saharan African average and the level of growth needed to make meaningful progress in tackling unemployment, poverty and inequality. The outlook places South Africa near the weaker end of emerging market performance, even as the IMF expects global growth…

Gold responds to US President Donald Trump’s comments over imposing tariffs on European countries JSE-listed gold mining share prices tracked an explosive surge in the precious metal price Monday following an escalation of US President Donald Trump's aims for Greenland. Gold jumped as much as 2.1% to a record $4 690 per ounce, while silver surged as much as 4.4% after it breached $94.35 for the first time, as investors rushed into perceived "safe haven" stores of wealth. This after Trump said over the weekend he would impose tariffs on eight European countries, including Germany, France and the UK, from next month, unless they support his ambition to take control of the Arctic island. AngloGold's share price traded 2.66% higher to R1 645.12 in the afternoon, Harmony's increased 2.09% to…

Municipalities have been conspicuously absent from the debt capital market for the past three years as Transnet shot the lights out in the debt capital market in the quarter to December 2025 with its November auction. Transnet’s November auction of government-guaranteed paper was well supported and attracted record volumes, with R42 billion in bid volume across 44 bidders. It was over eight times (8x) oversubscribed and saw significant spread compression. This was a strong indicator of investor demand in South Africa's listed credit market, Futuregrowth Asset Management said in the 4th quarter Listed Credit Report for 2025. Futuregrowth Investment analyst Kabir Bedasie and head of Listed Credit Wafeeqah Lagerdien said the Transnet auction was the most noteworthy in a quarter with issuance rising to R50 billion, slightly less than the…

Kwaito OGs Trompies are back with a new single, Lilizela featuring Nokwazi, Kwesta and Stoan, setting the stage for their upcoming EP Pantsula 4 Life. Lilizela stands as a powerful reminder of Trompies’ unmatched ability to unite listeners across eras, carrying their signature kwaito energy into a fresh, contemporary landscape. For more than three decades, Trompies have stood as one of South Africa’s most influential musical forces. The iconic kwaito group currently consists of Mandla “Spikiri” Mofokeng, Eugene “Donald Duck” Mthethwa, Jairus “Jakarumba” Nkwe, and Zynne “Mahoota” Sibika. Emmanuel “Mjokes” Matsane tragically died in May 2021 following a car accident after a performance in Soweto. With 30 years in the entertainment industry, Trompies show no signs of slowing down; instead, they are evolving with the times. Jakarumba explained that music…

The road was littered with blood-stained school bags, and the wrecked Toyota Quantum lay on its side, only two seats remaining. As emergency personnel laboured frantically among the debris, screams, cries, and fainting parents filled the air. This was the scene yesterday morning, when a truck and an overloaded scholar transport vehicle carrying 18 people collided head-on in Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal, killing 13 children. Police have since opened a case of culpable homicide and warned that additional charges may be added. Cries of anguish pierced the air as distraught parents collapsed at the scene. Families, classmates, and educators struggled to come to terms with the devastating loss. Some parents rushed to the scene moments after hearing about the accident on social media, still in their pyjamas, only to be…

The family of the city of Ekurhuleni MMC for Roads and Transport, Andile Mngwevu, says it remains hopeful as search and rescue efforts to locate him continue. The city confirmed at the weekend that its Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport, Andile Mngwevu, has gone missing in Mozambique following catastrophic flooding in the Chokwé area. The incident happened when the vehicle he was in was caught in rising waters, leading to a grave situation that has left authorities, family, and friends anxiously awaiting news of his fate. Current reports have put the death toll that affected parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Mozambique at more than 100. According to local disaster management teams, efforts to locate Mngwevu are being closely coordinated by metro officials in collaboration with national authorities, who…

A 31-year-old parolee was arrested at Standerton Correctional Centre after allegedly attempting to smuggle dagga and a cellphone into the prison during a visit. The arrest took place on Sunday, when the man visited a friend who is incarcerated at the facility. According to police, the suspect brought food items for the inmate, but during an inspection by correctional officials, a plastic bag containing dagga and a cellphone was found concealed inside a packet of instant porridge. Police said the suspect was immediately arrested and charged with possession of drugs and defeating the ends of justice. “The suspect has since joined his friend in custody, no longer as a visitor, but instead as an inmate,” said Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane. The suspect was expected to appear before…

Now is the moment for the Bulls to build real momentum after snapping their losing streak and reigniting their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign under Johan Ackermann. Their gritty victory over Pau in France in the Champions Cup this past weekend could prove to be a turning point. Under immense pressure for long periods, the Bulls absorbed wave after wave of attack before holding on to secure a crucial win and a place in the knockout stages. It was the kind of result that can do wonders for belief, especially for a side that has struggled for consistency in recent weeks. However, the task now is to quickly shift focus back to the URC, where a tricky away clash against Edinburgh awaits in the Scottish capital. While the home side…

Global value chains have entered a phase of structural volatility, forcing companies and governments to rethink how and where they invest, produce and trade, according to a World Economic Forum (WEF) report released on Monday. The report, Global Value Chains Outlook 2026: Orchestrating Corporate and National Agility, developed in collaboration with consultancy Kearney, finds that disruption is no longer a cyclical shock but a defining feature of the global economy. Nearly three in four business leaders surveyed now prioritise resilience investments, with 74% viewing resilience not as a cost but as a driver of long-term growth. Set against a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical fragmentation, accelerating technological change and mounting resource constraints, the report argued that competitiveness in the coming decade will depend less on efficiency alone and more on foresight,…

The road was littered with blood-stained school bags, and the wrecked Toyota Quantum lay on its side, only two seats remaining. As emergency personnel laboured frantically among the debris, screams, cries, and fainting parents filled the air. This was the scene yesterday morning, when a truck and an overloaded scholar transport vehicle carrying 18 people collided head-on in Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal, killing 13 children. Police have since opened a case of culpable homicide and warned that additional charges may be added. Cries of anguish pierced the air as distraught parents collapsed at the scene. Families, classmates, and educators struggled to come to terms with the devastating loss. Some parents rushed to the scene moments after hearing about the accident on social media, still in their pyjamas, only to be…

The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, emphasised the urgent need for safety and dignity for learners across South African schools at an event held at Eldorado Park secondary school. Yesterday, the minister was joined by Gauteng MEC for education, Matome Chiloane, at the school as part of the 2026 Back-to-School Campaign, reinforcing the government’s commitment to safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. Gwarube delivered a keynote address, saying that at the heart of quality education is the promise of safety, dignity, and care for every child. She further emphasised the connection between school safety and effective learning, and stressed that when schools are unsafe, or learners feel threatened, education suffers. Safe schools, she noted, must be places of care, discipline and respect, where learners feel confident and protected. “Addressing…

Eight suspected kidnappers have been arrested, and a 43-year-old man was safely reunited with his family following an intelligence-driven operation led by the Johannesburg District Commissioner, Major General Nhlanhla Kubheka. South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says the victim was abducted on January 9 while travelling with his wife from work towards Booysens. “The victim was forced into the suspects’ vehicle before it sped off, leaving the wife, who contacted the police,” Nevhuhulwi said. A kidnapping case was immediately registered at Kliptown Police Station, and resources were mobilised to trace and locate him. Police revealed that the family soon began receiving ransom demands and that “several withdrawals have been made from the victim’s bank account”. Investigators used intelligence methodologies and technology to trace the suspects’ cellphones and…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the Class of 2025 for achieving the highest matric pass rate in South African history, but warned that nearly half a million learners who started Grade 1 in 2014 did not make it to matric. According to the president, of the 1.2 million children who started grade one in 2014, only 778 000 made it through to grade 12 in 2025. “That’s nearly half a million young people who left school before finishing,” said Ramaphosa. The President acknowledged the historic achievement of the 2025 matric cohort, in which more than 650 000 learners passed the National Senior Certificate, yielding an 88% pass rate. “We congratulate all the learners and their teachers, families and communities for this great achievement. We applaud every learner who sat these…

Oblivious to the needs of the majority of South Africans, the DA is increasingly consumed by internal conflict that exposes deep weaknesses in its leadership, organisational culture, and political posture. This occurs as it prepares for its elective conference in April 2026. With the official nomination process set to open, this is not merely a leadership contest, but a wider crisis triggered by the party’s entry into the Government of National Unity (GNU) and its access to state power. For much of its recent history, the DA functioned comfortably as an opposition party. That position allowed it to criticise without governing, to posture without delivering, and to define itself largely in opposition to the failures of others. Participation in the GNU has fundamentally altered that dynamic. Power has brought visibility,…

Proteas and Sunrisers Eastern Cape batter Matthew Breetzke has warned the world to brace for a Quinton de Kock show at the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Over the past three SA20 seasons, Breetzke has opened the batting alongside De Kock at their former team, Durban’s Super Giants. In the ongoing fourth season, Breetzke and De Kock are once again in the same team. Although the pair are not facing the new ball together, they often find themselves out in the middle at the same time, as Breetzke now bats at No 3. When Breetzke made his debut for the Proteas T20I side, De Kock was there to show him the ropes as an opening batter in international cricket. Therefore, when Breetzke speaks about De Kock’s form, the…

Kaizer Chiefs head into their clash against Golden Arrows aware that history offers context, but not comfort with this encounter set for the FNB Stadium on Tuesday at 7.30pm. While past meetings between the two sides have swung both ways, this encounter is framed far more by present needs than previous results. In their last direct meeting, Chiefs edged Abafana Besthende 1-0, a narrow win that reflected the fine margins often present in this fixture. Across the last five encounters in all competitions, Chiefs have claimed two victories, while Arrows have won three – evidence of a rivalry that rarely follows a predictable script. Yet, for Amakhosi, the focus has firmly shifted away from numbers and narratives. Speaking ahead of the match, experienced defender Paseka Mako dismissed any suggestion that…

Former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Brian Baloyi believes Orlando Pirates have emerged as a genuine threat this season and feels Mamelodi Sundowns no longer carry the same aura of dominance they once did. The 2011/12 campaign remains one of the most successful in Pirates’ history. Under the captaincy of Lucky Lekgwathi, the Buccaneers secured a second consecutive league title, completing a remarkable second straight treble. That achievement was made even more significant by instability behind the scenes. Following Ruud Krol’s departure, Julio Leal could not see out a full season, before Augusto Palacios stepped in and guided the Sea Robbers to one of the most memorable periods in the club’s history. Over a decade later, that season still stands out, particularly as Pirates have yet to lift another league title since.…

Sekhukhune United are gearing up for what promises to be the most demanding and potentially defining phase of their season as they return to league action against Stellenbosch FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium this evening, with kickoff at 7.30pm. Babina Noko have been one of the standout stories of the campaign, with their strong early-season form placing them firmly among the league’s frontrunners. Currently third on the table and just three points behind leaders Orlando Pirates – who hold a game in hand – Eric Tinkler’s side remain well within reach of the title race. With a high-profile clash against Pirates looming this Saturday, Sekhukhune still control much of their own destiny. However, their immediate focus is on Stellenbosch, who will be energised under new coach Gavin Hunt.…

Experts mostly expect interest rates to remain unchanged next week. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to meet next week Thursday for the first interest rate announcement of 2026. Neil Roets, the CEO of Debt Rescue, said that they believe that, while a further interest rate cut remains possible, the balance of factors suggests it is more likely that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will keep interest rates unchanged at the next MPC meeting. “There are several moving parts influencing this decision, and the SARB will ultimately weigh both domestic inflation conditions and global risks before taking the next step in the rate-cutting cycle.” Roets added that the SARB has reduced interest rates by a cumulative 150 basis points since the start of the current cutting cycle —…

South Africa's house price sales growth this year is likely to feature a story of green shoots and more of the two-speed trend, but there is reason to be cautiously optimistic, said Renier Kriek, MD of home loan provider Sentinel Homes. "While we likely won't have a property boom, we're seeing encouraging signs of recovery. The year will likely see a continuation of the two-speed market we have experienced in SA for the past decade or so, with coastal areas and semigration destinations showing robustness, while house markets lag in inland areas and localities with perceived poor service delivery," he said. Rhys Dyer, the CEO of Ooba Group, a home loan origination and mortgage group, said trends such as a return to offices, which is boosting some suburban house markets,…

ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate and councillor Xolani Khumalo was granted R2 000 bail yesterday after appearing at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing a firearm. The case has been postponed, with Khumalo expected to return to court in February. Khumalo handed himself over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the Katlehong Police Station yesterday, in connection with an assault charge laid against him last year. Despite the allegations of assault, ActionSA has said it would not suspend Khumalo, describing the charges as false and politically motivated. Khumalo is also a well-known public figure through his involvement in television programmes like Sizok’thola focused on crime and community safety, where he has built a national profile for confronting…

ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate and councillor Xolani Khumalo was granted R2 000 bail yesterday after appearing at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing a firearm. The case has been postponed, with Khumalo expected to return to court in February. Khumalo handed himself over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the Katlehong Police Station yesterday, in connection with an assault charge laid against him last year. Despite the allegations of assault, ActionSA has said it would not suspend Khumalo, describing the charges as false and politically motivated. Khumalo is also a well-known public figure through his involvement in television programmes like Sizok’thola focused on crime and community safety, where he has built a national profile for confronting…

A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the assault of an Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) traffic warden in Alberton. According to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, the suspect was arrested on last week Thursday, by officers from the department’s Community Liaison Unit. The arrest follows an incident that occurred on December 10, 2025, during which a female traffic warden was allegedly assaulted. A case was subsequently opened in Germiston, but the assailant allegedly fled the scene. Police said officers received information regarding the whereabouts of the blue BMW believed to have been involved in the incident. Last week Thursday, the vehicle was detected by a licence plate recognition camera while travelling through Alberton. Officers stopped the vehicle on Voortrekker Road, where the driver was interviewed and allegedly…

A suspected brothel operating in the Pretoria CBD, in Gauteng has been shut down following an inspection by City authorities and the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), according to mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya. Moya said officials uncovered the operation during an inspection of an establishment known as the Savoy VIP Lounge, which she said was concealed behind a sports bar. “We’ve found another brothel. This one operated by Nigerian nationals,” she said. She said that dozens of women were found inside individual rooms at the premises, which were allegedly being rented out on a weekly basis. “They rent the rooms for R1 000 a week,” Moya said. According to Moya, all the women encountered during the inspection were foreign nationals, with some in possession of valid documentation while others were…

As the euphoria around the matric 2025 results cools down, the focus turns to university admissions. But the burning question over the public versus private education debate remains. One has to ask whether the elite Independent Examinations Board (IEB) schooling system is better equipped to give one’s child a better head start in life than the current National Senior Certificate (NSC) public system? Despite massive transformative shifts aimed at redress and inclusion, the annual noise around the matric gives one the impression that the system continues to perpetuate the apartheid goals. On the stage at the MTN auditorium, the Government of National Unity (GNU) Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, celebrated the top achievers. Ditto these celebrations throughout the country as the Education MECs celebrated the cream of the crop…

Sadio Mané was the hero for Senegal once again in Morocco, but this time not because of a goal, a burst of pace or a moment of individual brilliance. This was leadership in its purest form, delivered in chaos, when calm mattered most. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward claimed his second Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday as Senegal edged hosts Morocco in a final drenched in controversy. Yet, the image that will endure has little to do with the final whistle or the trophy lift. It came deep into stoppage time, with the match threatening to spiral beyond football. In the 98th minute, Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf brought down Brahim Díaz in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, igniting fury among the…

It hardly seems believable after last season’s title heroics, but Arne Slot’s Liverpool future is facing a threat from a former club great who has gone from phantom menace to potential messiah for a number of Reds fans. Xabi Alonso is a Liverpool legend: tactically intelligent and intimately familiar with the club’s DNA. He still has credit in the bank from Bayer Leverkusen’s incredible unbeaten march to the Bundesliga title, though his ill-fated recent spell at Real Madrid has affected his reputation. Fans adore him, players respect him, and the media would leap at the narrative of a hero returning to save a floundering season with the title race all but over. In theory, it’s a compelling move to inject fresh ideas into a side that looks increasingly laboured, despite…

Novak Djokovic embarked on his latest quest to win a record 25th Grand Slam by easing to an ominous straight-sets victory yesterday at the Australian Open. The Serb dismissed Spain’s Pedro Martinez 6–3, 6–2, 6–2 in two hours and meets Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in the second round. It was his landmark 100th Australian Open victory, making him the only player to achieve 100 match wins at three different major tournaments. “Great to be back once again, definitely my favourite court,” the smiling 38-year-old told the Rod Laver Arena crowd. “Centurion is pretty nice. I always give my best on the court; history-making is a great motivation.” He added: “I am blessed to be still playing at this level.” The former world No 1 raced into a 3–0 first-set lead…