Table of contents for 2026-01-21 in Star

SA Vehicle Retail, a division with JSE-listed Motus Holdings, said a restructuring process had resulted in the retrenchment of 67 staff, while senior management took salary cuts of up to 30%. Motus announced last year that a restructuring process had started in July 2025 following a re-evaluation of the SA Vehicle Retail division's operational performance and requirements. The division, which employs 4 000 people across its dealership network, needed to re-align the business in response to the competitive South African automotive retail landscape, SA Retail CEO Gideon Jansen van Rensburg said in a statement Tuesday. At the time, the restructuring plans had caused much concern among stakeholder bodies, such as the Motor Industry Staff Association, the Numsa trade union and non-unionised members, as the restructuring plans had identified up to…

Copper prices recovered on Tuesday after trending down last week, with analysts forecasting a strong upswing in demand which is expected to provide support for stronger pricing. The allure of copper globally has stirred up merger and acquisition activity in the global mining sector. Anglo American has tied up with Canadian miner, Teck Resources while Rio Tinto and Glencore are pursuing negotiations for a merger that resource analysts say is motivated by the brighter prospects of a merged entity with strong and large tentacles over copper. On Tuesday, copper prices opened around $1 937 per tonne compared to the previous close of $12 894 per tonne. On Friday, the metal slumped “alongside the wider metals complex, likely driven by profit taking following the 24% rally since December,” analyst at SP…

“If this culture of lawlessness, of total disregard for human life, is allowed to become entrenched, we will find ourselves in complete anarchy where the man with the largest gun calls the shots.” This was the reaction of Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach MP, DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, following the shooting incident at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court yesterday. At least five people were shot, and two were killed. “This attack is yet another alarming incident in a growing pattern of violent crimes occurring in and around court precincts across South Africa, spaces that should be among the most secure in the country,” Breytenbach added. She called on the minister of justice and constitutional development to account to Parliament on what concrete measures her department is implementing to ensure the…

A new season of Beef is almost ready to be served, and if you thought season one was a wild ride, this one looks like the emotional equivalent of a tidal wave in that pair of grasshoppers. Season one introduced us to Danny (Steven Yeun at peak chaos) and Amy (Ali Wong, unapologetically unfiltered), whose petty road-rage feud escalated into a week-long spiral of destruction, self-sabotage and jaw-dropping emotional honesty. Standout moments included the gas station meltdown that somehow felt like it belonged on everyone’s most relatable “Bad Day” playlist. The tone was raw, funny, painful and somehow brilliant – part comedy, part therapy session for all our unspoken frustrations. Now, season two is stepping away from that original feud and giving us a fresh story with familiar creative energy.…

“If this culture of lawlessness, of total disregard for human life, is allowed to become entrenched, we will find ourselves in complete anarchy where the man with the largest gun calls the shots.” This was the reaction of Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach MP, DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, following the shooting incident at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court yesterday. At least five people were shot, and two were killed. “This attack is yet another alarming incident in a growing pattern of violent crimes occurring in and around court precincts across South Africa, spaces that should be among the most secure in the country,” Breytenbach added. She called on the minister of justice and constitutional development to account to Parliament on what concrete measures her department is implementing to ensure the…

The City of Johannesburg is on high alert as mayor Dada Morero has issued a stern warning to businesses and individuals who neglect to comply with municipal by-laws and fall behind on their monthly obligations for municipal services. At the centre of Morero’s mission is the alarming debt of over R10 billion owed to City Power, with a substantial portion attributable to households, businesses, and even government entities. “The intention is clear. We are enforcing the by-law enforcement and crime prevention, while also dealing with those who are defaulting on the payment of services,” Morero affirmed. Morero further indicated that this robust approach targets offenders, particularly those guilty of tampering with water and electricity meters. As the operation unfolded, the non-compliant closure of a bottle store in Newtown exemplified the…

Traffic officials in Limpopo have intercepted an unroadworthy bus on the N1 highway, en route to Gauteng, citing serious safety and compliance violations. The Polokwane Traffic Control Centre (PTCC) stopped the bus on Sunday after officers identified multiple irregularities during an inspection near Polokwane. According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the bus was travelling from Malawi when it was found to be operating with a copied licence disc that did not correspond with the vehicle identification number on the manufacturer’s plate. Officials also established that the bus’s operating licence had expired on July 31, 2025. Further compounding the risk, officers discovered that two wheels on the driving axle were missing, rendering the vehicle unroadworthy and “posing a serious danger” to passengers and other road users. The…

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been re-elected for a seventh term in office, marking 40 years since he first assumed power in Uganda and placing him among a small group of current African heads of state who have ruled for four decades or more. Museveni took power on January 29, 1986 after leading a guerrilla war that overthrew the government of Milton Obote. With his re-election in January, he reached the four-decade milestone. His new five-year term runs until 2031 and, if completed, will extend his time in office to 45 years. Born in 1944, Museveni is 81 years old. Constitutional amendments removing presidential term limits in 2005 and the age limit of 75 in 2017 enabled him to continue standing for re-election. Africa’s leaders with four decades in power…

The Lions have little time to mourn their European exit as they shift their focus to a pivotal United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the Ospreys in Wales this weekend. While their brave 20-20 draw against Perpignan showcased their immense grit, the result proved bittersweet, as a superior points difference saw the French side progress to the Challenge Cup Round of 16 at the Lions' expense. Now, Ivan van Rooyen’s men must channel that frustration into their primary objective, which is securing a maiden URC play-off spot. With the table incredibly congested, every point is vital for the Johannesburg side, but assistant coach Wessel Roux insists the team isn’t getting bogged down by the maths. The Lions are are currently in seventh place, but trail sixth-placed Munster by nine points.…

JSE-listed Metair Investments' Romanian battery subsidiary Rombat has been fined R389.7 million by the European Commission, which is likely to have serious financial implications on Rombat's business. This was according to Metair, which on Tuesday updated shareholders on the outcome of a Commission investigation launched in 2018, into several automotive battery manufacturers in Europe. Metair and Rombat's boards said they were considering the Commission's findings, including "an assessment of all legal options, including the extent to which the fine may be enforceable against Metair." The impact of the obligations of the South African obligor debt package concluded by Metair, would also be assessed. The investigation by the Commission, which covered a period from 2004 to 2017, involved allegations that the manufacturers exchanged commercially sensitive information to determine the surcharge price…

AMS, a mining and tyre group, has informed the Competition Tribunal that it will file a withdrawal of its application for interim relief against alleged anti-competitive conduct by Kal Tire Mining Tyre Services SA, Malas and Apollo Tyres South Africa. The application arose from back-to-back exclusive supplier agreements which AMS alleges contravene the Competition Act. The move follows a barrage of opposition from the tyre manufacturing companies. AMS conceded that it had not been adequately prepared for its interim relief application and, instead of withdrawing it outright, had sought postponements to address discrepancies in its papers. AMS had sought interim relief pending the final determination of a complaint it lodged with the Competition Commission. The mining and tyre company, which in 2024 acquired OTR Jasebenza to expand into the open-cast…

Residents in Johannesburg have described inhaling a smell that resembles “rotten eggs,” raising immediate concerns about the presence of potentially harmful pollutants in the air. Areas affected by the odour include Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort, Fourways, and Parktown. Now City of Joburg Mayor, Dada Morero, has expressed his full confidence in the Environmental and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), which has initiated investigations into the odour that has drawn a growing wave of complaints from affected communities. The source of this unsettling smell first came to light on January 16. This alarming situation has shifted the focus of local authorities and environmental experts as they seek to understand and address the issue. Speaking during a citywide service delivery and by-law enforcement operation in Newtown, Morero emphasised the capabilities of the EISD. “I…

Two Zimbabwean nationals accused of facilitating the illegal cross-border movement of minor children have briefly appeared before the Musina Magistrate’s Court following the interception of another large group of undocumented minors at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi, Decent Chokuwamba, 32, and Risenga Makhenza, 23, are facing charges of aiding illegal immigrants and contravening immigration laws. “It is alleged that on January 13, 2026, at the Beitbridge Port of Entry, the accused were apprehended by Border Management Authority (BMA) officials while allegedly loading 33 undocumented minor children into a Toyota Quantum, with the intention of departing the Republic of South Africa to Zimbabwe,” Malabi said. The children, aged between four and 15, were travelling without valid documentation and were immediately handed…

Former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride was expected to testify before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee yesterday morning. McBride’s appearance comes amid allegations of improper conduct and claims that he colluded with private investigator Paul O’Sullivan to target senior police officials. While McBride has previously denied wrongdoing, MPs were expected to question him on his role in controversial investigations and the broader governance failures now under parliamentary review. The committee, tasked with probing allegations of political interference, corruption and the collapse of key police investigations, will also hear testimony this week from suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi is expected to face questions about his alleged links to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, described by authorities as a suspected crime kingpin. Lawmakers believe Mkhanazi’s evidence…

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that its Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant policy has been amended to allow foreign nationals broader access to the grant, warning that the information is false and misleading. Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said the agency was concerned about growing public confusion sparked by online claims suggesting that asylum seekers and special permit holders were receiving South African taxpayers’ money through newly amended regulations. “This information is incorrect, misleading and may cause unnecessary confusion to social grant beneficiaries and the public at large,” Letsatsi said. He stressed that no changes had been made to the SRD grant framework. “Sassa wishes to categorically state and put it on record that no policies or regulations have been…

The first month of 2026 has already been marked by significant global developments. We considered focusing this editorial on the actions of the US president, whose policies continue to impact human rights and international stability through threats of invasion or intervention. We could also have opted to comment on the “New World Order” as described by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney following his strategic trade agreements with Chinese President Xi Jinping – a move many hail as a shift away from economic reliance on Washington. However, a tragedy closer to home on Monday demands our immediate attention and condemnation. Young lives were lost in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, while being transported to school. Authorities have since confirmed that the number of deceased learners stands at 12. The scene was unbearable, leaving parents…

Keshav Maharaj returns to Kingsmead in a different shade of blue for the Betway SA20 Season 4 Qualifier 1 against Sunrisers Eastern Cape on Wednesday, but his vast knowledge of the conditions will certainly play a significant role for the Pretoria Capitals. Maharaj is a son of the Durban soil and knows Kingsmead better than anyone. From the way the surface will behave when the tide comes from the east coast to the dryness of the soil. It was certainly evident during the group stage match against his former team, Durban’s Super Giants, when Maharaj delivered an economical spell, conceding just 22 runs in his four overs, in a high-scoring game. “I’ve played first-class cricket here for the last 20 years. I understand the conditions,” he said. “Things have changed,…

TeamSA brushes aside concerns over South Africa’s on-going trade tensions with the United States of America TeamSA in Davos has brushed aside concerns that the country's ongoing trade tension with the United States could potentially cloud the investment climate and thwart the country's mandate at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting. This comes as the US President Donald Trump is set to deliver a special address at the WEF on Wednesday, his first time in Davos since his 2018 landmark speech, during which he openly rejected the WEF’s climate agenda as a tool for control. Diplomatic and trade relations have deteriorated between the two countries since Trump retook the White House a year ago, with his administration accusing South Africa of implementing racist laws, persecuting the minority Afrikaner community…

BHP Group is showing strong operating momentum, with investment being made for growth plans decades ahead, CEO Mike Henry said Tuesday. The investment plans for the diversified mining and resources group include a "significant copper growth pipeline" and a pathway to 2 million tons of attributable copper production in the 2030s, he said. Global miners are focusing on copper because it has become the critical metal for the energy transition, electrification, and digital infrastructure. "BHP delivered another half of very strong performance with operational records at our copper and iron ore assets. This was… in a positive commodity price environment, with copper prices up 32% and iron ore prices 4% higher year-on-year," he said. Copper production guidance for the full 2026 financial year had been increased to between 1 200kt…

Residents in Johannesburg have described inhaling a smell that resembles “rotten eggs,” raising immediate concerns about the presence of potentially harmful pollutants in the air. Areas affected by the odour include Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort, Fourways, and Parktown. Now City of Joburg Mayor, Dada Morero, has expressed his full confidence in the Environmental and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), which has initiated investigations into the odour that has drawn a growing wave of complaints from affected communities. The source of this unsettling smell first came to light on January 16. This alarming situation has shifted the focus of local authorities and environmental experts as they seek to understand and address the issue. Speaking during a citywide service delivery and by-law enforcement operation in Newtown, Morero emphasised the capabilities of the EISD. “I…

Good news for those who missed out: Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic, the sensational tribute show, has returned to Joburg Theatre. Apparently, it’s bigger, better, and louder than ever – a feat I honestly didn’t think possible when I interviewed Warren Vernon-Driscoll, who embodies the rock legend Freddie Mercury, a year ago. He helms the show on lead vocals, guitar and piano live on stage. When I chatted with Vernon-Driscoll, he said he landed the gig by accident. “I went to one of Showtime Australia’s shows. A friend invited me, and I think I was his third choice. So I went to this show. I was looking for a job at the time. I used to busk at markets with my guitar and sing wherever I could for money,” he…

By-elections are set to be held in the City of Johannesburg’s ward 102 after a DA councillor resigned late last year over intimidation and threats allegedly relating to lucrative contracts. Gauteng’s Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Jacob Mamabolo has set the date for the by-elections as February 25 following the resignation of DA ward 102 councillor Lucinda Harman in November last year. The ward includes the suburbs, Blairgowrie, Bryanston, Ferndale and Bordeaux in Randburg, north of Johannesburg, among others. The ward has experienced deep tensions over the Selkirk Social Housing Project, which involves building 145 units at a cost of at least R200 million to the city. According to records of the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco), 27 companies submitted bids between R97m and R130m for…

Being severely abusive towards his wife throughout their marriage has caught up with a man after the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, ruled that he had forfeited all financial benefits accumulated during the marriage, including the family home. Judge Noluntu Bam ordered that the man had to transfer his half of the couple’s Eersterust home into his wife’s name upon divorce. If he refused to sign these documents, the Sheriff is authorised to do so on his behalf. The parties were married in community of property in December 2000. The wife, meanwhile, issued a summons against him for a divorce and asked that he forfeit all matrimonial benefits to which he would otherwise be entitled. In testifying about their marriage, she said she had obtained four protection orders against him over…

On January 14, a few hours before the historic meeting in Washington between representatives from Greenland and Denmark and their US counterparts, JD Vance and Marco Rubio, Denmark and several of its NATO allies reinforced their military presence in Greenland and announced that further reinforcements would follow. Some interpreted this move as pressure on the Trump administration before the meeting. But anyone familiar with NATO-Denmark politics would recognise that appeasement with the empire is the more likely explanation. At the Washington meeting, the US reiterated its firm demand for “having Greenland”: “It is clear that the president wants to conquer Greenland,” declared the Danish foreign minister after the meeting. The parties agreed to establish a “high-level working group” in an effort to contain the crisis. However, the crisis persists, and…

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has responded strongly to growing speculation linking him with an exit from Chloorkop, suggesting the rumours are driven by external forces intent on destabilising the club. In recent weeks, reports have surfaced claiming the Portuguese coach could be dismissed to make way for a sensational return by former Sundowns boss Pitso Mosimane. The speculation has intensified after Masandawana failed to defend both the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies earlier this season. Despite those setbacks, Cardoso’s side remain firmly in the hunt for the two biggest honours on offer. Sundowns are still competing in the CAF Champions League and, following Monday’s 2–0 Betway Premiership victory over Orbit College, climbed to the summit of the league table. Speaking after that win — which marked the return…

Mohamed Salah made his much-anticipated return to Liverpool training yesterday following the Africa Cup of Nations as the club prepare to face Marseille in the Champions League. A smiling Salah was put through his paces during a workout with the rest of the squad at the club's training centre on the eve of the match in France. The return of the Egypt forward has been a major talking point after he took aim at Liverpool in an explosive interview early last month. Salah accused the club of throwing him "under the bus" after he was benched for three games in a row and said he had no relationship with manager Arne Slot. But he appeared as a substitute in a 2-0 Premier League win against Brighton on December 13, providing…