Table of contents for 2025-09-04 in Star

The Development Bank of Southern Africa’s profitability soared in the year ended March 31, 2025 after net interest income grew and non-performing loans decreased despite “unsatisfactory” local and regional economic growth rates, unfavourable interest rates and geopolitical risk factors. Net interest income for DBSA for the year firmed up by 8.6% to R8.4 billion while operating income increased 12.3% stronger at R8.8bn. Net profits for the year resultantly grew 14.4% to R5.3bn, a record for the financier, attributable to “a solid increase in net interest income and positive fair value” adjustments. This was partially offset by currency losses reported following the rand’s appreciation against the US dollar. DBSA CEO Boitumelo Mosako said Wednesday that the “bank has again delivered strong financial results while advancing the developmental mandate with tangible”…

South Africa’s logistics sector should be the engine of economic growth – yet it is weighed down by mismanagement, corruption, entrenched crime syndicates, unyielding labour unions, and crumbling infrastructure. The result is a bleak and unsustainable picture. In response, the private sector has been forced into a survival mode, quietly fixing what it can and actively finding ways around the dysfunction. Operating on the principle that it is often “easier to ask for forgiveness than permission,” businesses across logistics industries are taking matters into their own hands simply to stay afloat and keep contributing to an economy in decay. It is in this context that private participation across Transnet assets is such a glimmer of hope for logistics industry, and for the South African economy. South Africa’s move – albeit…

Parliament's portfolio on health has stubbed the ambitions of the National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa (NITASA) to submit on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill (Tobacco Bill) amid concerns that banning the sale of loose cigarettes for the over 2 million informal traders would be a death knell for the sector. Informal traders have raised concerns that the Tobacco Bill introduces a ban on the sale of single cigarettes, which effectively criminalises the lifeblood of the informal trade, that the ban would drive up the illicit tobacco trade, which currently sits at 70%, and oppose the public display of tobacco products. NITASA said it has been excluded in a box ticking exercise after it had made a written submission on the Tobacco Bill in 2023,…

It seems I may have been the only one in South Africa who missed the Scorpion Kings Live with Friends concert—talk about living under a rock. My consolation prize? Catching up on the lyrical miracle via Instagram stories, because my people are always standing on bizness. And honestly, with the seamless production and futuristic visuals, it almost felt like watching a 3D blockbuster from the comfort of my bed. South Africa has long carried the world on its cultural shoulders, and this show etched the duo’s names firmly into our creative history books. Beyond the spectacle, the event was a bold reminder that creativity is not just entertainment, it is a force that shapes social experiences, builds industries, and drives economies. Amapiano, once the soundtrack that kept us together during…

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings delivered a commendable performance in its Commercial Pharmaceuticals division, reporting a 10% increase in normalised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for the year 2025. This growth is primarily attributed to robust advancements in their injectables, over-the-counter (OTC), and prescription drug segments. The division, which accounts for over 70% of group revenue, has experienced a resurgence bolstered by the rollout of Mounjaro in South Africa and the integration of an acquired product portfolio in Latin America. Despite this positive trajectory, Aspen faced challenges stemming from the appreciation of the rand against its major trading currencies, which diluted overall earnings. The company also announced a dividend declaration of 211 cents per share, which represents a significant drop of 41.2% from the previous year’s 359 cents. This…

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stunned fans with his incredible weight loss as he walked the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival recently. The 53-year-old actor lost about 30kg to play Mark Kerr, a legendary UFC champion, in his upcoming movie The Smashing Machine. According to online reports, Johnson said: “This transformation was something I was really hungry to do.” In the movie, Johnson takes on the lead role of Kerr, a well-known MMA fighter and two-time UFC heavyweight champion. Fans quickly took to social media to share their shock and admiration at Johnson’s transformation. One fan commented: “Dwayne … you just don’t stop surprising us! And by the way, what a shape! You are a true inspiration”. Johnson took drastic measures to transform into his latest role: He went…

As South Africa commemorates Heritage Month, legendary musician Babsy Mlangeni, 82, has called on young artists to set their priorities straight by investing in property and securing stable housing. Speaking to IOL on Tuesday, Mlangeni reflected on the harsh realities facing creatives in the entertainment industry, which is grappling with shrinking job opportunities and an evolving media landscape dominated by social media skills rather than traditional platforms. Hailing from Vosloorus, East Rand in Johannesburg, Mlangeni expressed deep concern over the struggles faced by musicians, actors, and other creatives who find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. “I have spent my entire adult life in the industry, and I know just how complicated things can get for many young, talented people,” he said. “The world has changed, and what we…

The appointment of six new brigadiers as part of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) management has been praised as a step in the right direction to bolster the fight against crime in the municipality. This was the sentiment shared by Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Safety Hannes Coetzee, who said the brigadiers’ appointments must send a strong message that criminals have no place to hide in Tshwane. “This is a critical step in strengthening the leadership team tasked with safeguarding our communities. These appointments mark an important milestone in intensifying the fight against crime and lawlessness in our capital city,” he said. He expressed gratitude to the new brigadiers, saying their well-deserved appointments are a recognition of their dedication and capability. He emphasised that communities deserve to…

A number of organisations are gearing up as they advocate for the decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa which will highlight the human rights violations suffered by sex workers under, what they describe as, an “outdated criminal legal framework”. This week in the Western Cape High Court SECTION27, representing the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), and Sonke Gender Justice (Sonke) along with the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF), the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria (CHR), and the Dullah Omar Institute (DOI) represented by Lawyers for Human Rights and the Women’s Legal Centre were of the organisations admitted as amici. The main application, brought by S.H and Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT), against the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and others seeks to decriminalise sex…

LDV hit the South African market in 2024 with its T60 double cab range of bakkies, and now the brand is expanding into more premium segments with the larger Terron 9 bakkie as well as a large SUV called the D90. LDV, which stands for Leyland DAF Vans, is a Chinese brand with British roots, and last week it used the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami to launch the two aforementioned leisure products as well as a new full-sized van called the Deliver 9. At the show’s media day, LDV announced that its new Terron 9 bakkie would be available in three versions, all powered by a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 163kW and 520Nm. The Terron 9 Elite kicks off the range at R699 900, while the Premium retails…

The day Sizwe Gumede died in my car changed me forever. In July 2021, during what became known as the “July Unrest,” Sizwe, my administrator and confidant, suffered a fatal asthma attack while seated next to me. We were racing toward RK Khan Hospital, less than two minutes away. Hours earlier, he had been refused a R1 Prednisone tablet by a pharmacy. I turned from the road to check on him, saw his fingers flicker, then felt him collapse against me. At the hospital, doctors declared him dead. I insisted they try to revive him; I could not fathom how someone who minutes earlier had been preparing a meeting was suddenly gone. I did not cry. I did not scream. As a South African man, I had been taught to…

The Proteas have another triumph in their sights when they return to Lord’s today for the second ODI against England, but will have to do so without Tony de Zorzi after the top-order batter was ruled out of the remainder of the series due a hamstring strain. The glorious memories of the World Test Championship final of just under two months ago will still be fresh in the minds - although the Proteas will now be back in the away dressing room after enjoying the comforts of the home change room against Australia. While an ODI series may pale in comparison to playing for the ICC’s golden Test mace, the Proteas’ white-ball record in England leaves a lot to be desired, and they now have an opportunity to win just…

4000 jobs on the line as Newcastle blast furnace is placed into temporary care and maintenance Newcastle communities have raised major concern about the possible closure of ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa) and its long steel business, putting close to 4 000 jobs on the line. This follows Amsa announcing on Tuesday that a sustainable solution has not been implemented to secure the future of its Long Steel Business beyond the current deferral period, which ends on 30 September 2025. Amsa said that the company has worked closely with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), government, and other stakeholders to explore every possible strategic option. “Unfortunately, no solution has been concluded yet. As a result, the Newcastle blast furnace has been placed into temporary care and maintenance, and the company is now…

India, which has been bracing for the negative impact of Donald Trump’s sweeping trade tariffs, has shown surprising economic resilience, posting record growth of the country’s private sector economy in August. The International Monetary Fund has raised its FY26 and FY27 forecasts for the country, and domestic demand remained robust in the face of the initial 25% tariff imposed by the US. However, India’s ingenuity and resilience are set to be tested to the limit now that Trump has slapped an additional 25% to the earlier 25% export tariff imposed by Washington against India. New Delhi now faces a whopping 50% tariff on its exports, as punishment for purchasing crude oil from Russia in defiance of a US embargo. Amidst the gloomy reality of being among the countries facing the…

For the time-pressed entrepreneur, the prospect of having a bot attend weekly project meetings and deliver a graphical progress summary appears tremendously valuable. However, this efficiency-focused perspective overlooks a fundamental aspect of business success: the irreplaceable value of human relationships. Strong interpersonal connections build trust and internal cohesion while enabling accurate, nuanced communication. Despite advances in sentiment analysis, much of human communication relies on body language, tonal subtleties, and emotional intelligence that current AI cannot fully appreciate. The purpose of a stand-up meeting is not simply information transfer. It's about building team cohesion, reading the room's energy, and catching those subtle cues that signal when someone is struggling but won't say so directly. While AI can analyse sentiment and emotion with increasing accuracy, it cannot replicate the trust built through…

Cashbuild, one of southern Africa’s largest retailers of building materials and associated products, grew revenue from market share gains in a very difficult consumer spending environment through the year to end-June 2025. The group, which sells to a predominantly cash-paying customer base through 318 stores, saw its margins come under pressure in spite of good cost controls, chief operating officer Shane Thoresson said in an interview on Wednesday. The average selling price inflation remained steady and low, at 1.7%. Thoresson said although the market was still tough, they had seen a slight uptick in market sentiment towards the end of their financial year, and footfall was up 6%, indicating “more customers are coming through our doors.” He said there was likely little scope to grow margins significantly in the new…

After an epic season two, Multichoice has confirmed that production is underway for the third and final season of Shaka iLembe. Renowned star Nomzamo Mbatha returns as both executive producer and in her iconic role as Queen Nandi, leading a stellar cast in the concluding chapter of Africa’s first epic drama. “The pressure is high. Shaka iLembe has been a beloved show for the past two seasons and the project of my career,” shared Mbatha. “This third season is the culmination of a world that African viewers have found deep love and admiration for. “It builds on the legacy of African television while taking audiences on a journey from an all-conquering reign, to sweeping love stories, to the founding of another nation and the arrival of colonists. This is a…

My F*k, Marelize, a 19-second clip that went viral six years ago, has been adapted into a feature film, which premiered in cinemas across South Africa and Namibia on Friday. While the video had everyone in stitches and has since become a catchphrase for any public blunders, the story behind it is poignant. Brett Michael Innes, a passionate film-maker and storyteller, felt strongly about sharing the deeper narrative. Filmed in Namibia, the story is set against the backdrop of WIKA, which is the annual Windhoek Carnival. At the heart of it is Heidi (Je-ani Swiegelaar), the matriarch of the Horn family. A strong-willed woman, she loves her family and, like every mom, she wants the best for her children: Marelize (Zandélle Meyer) and her older sister, Wilmari (Nichola Viviers). However,…

The Polokwane Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo has denied bail to three accused, including a former police sergeant accused of insurance-related killings yesterday. Former police officer, Rachel Kutumela, 43, who was stationed at the Senwabarwana police station, her sister, Anna Shokane, 47, and daughter, Florah Shokane, 23, have been waiting for bail since December last year after they were arrested in October for allegedly killing nine people for insurance payouts amounting to R10 million. Kutumela faces 32 charges, including nine counts of murder, twelve counts of fraud, money laundering, receiving proceeds of unlawful activities, and defeating the ends of justice. Her sister, Anna, faces three counts of murder, and her daughter, Florah, faces charges of murder, money laundering, and fraud. The court heard that Kutumela was part of a group of…

Failure to manage the privatisation of State-owned enterprises and a lack of political will are some of the reasons trade unions and political parties have raised as key factors in the monumental job losses affecting various industries in South Africa. With more than 4 000 jobs set to be lost as part of the retrenchments at South Africa’s largest steel producer, ArcelorMittal South Africa, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, has raised her concerns over the resurgence in job losses in the country. Ahead of the retrenchments, the steel giant stated that talks with the government to find alternative solutions have stalled. The company has blamed this on the government’s failure to resolve long-standing structural problems, including high electricity costs, limited tariff protection, rising imports, and the worsening…

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is counting on the re-election of its mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza as ANC chairperson at the party’s recent regional conference to maintain stability and recover from its R2 billion revenue shortfall. Xhakaza was returned at last month’s regional conference, where he defeated former ANC Ekurhuleni treasurer Sello Sekhokho to the position of chairperson. The conference was also unsuccessfully challenged at the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg by a group of disgruntled ANC members. Yesterday, Xhakaza described his re-election as the most critical enabler of progress and ensuring the municipality’s political stability. “Following the recent ANC regional conference, where I was entrusted with the additional responsibility of serving as the regional chairperson, we have ushered in a new era of unified and decisive leadership for Ekurhuleni,” he said. According…

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, announced that the province will no longer be reliant on tenderpreneurs, who frequently engage in disputes and legal battles with municipalities over contracts. Yesterday, Lesufi briefed the media on the key outcomes from the recent Executive Council Lekgotla and on the upcoming relaunch of his recruitment programme, Nasi iSpani, scheduled for its return this Saturday, September 6. Lesufi confirmed that since its inception, the Nasi iSpani programme has positioned itself as one of Gauteng’s flagship interventions to tackle the pressing challenge of youth unemployment as a key driver of work opportunities, skills development, and pathways into permanent employment for thousands of young people across the province. The relaunch, according to the Premier, is not only symbolic but also strategic, marking a renewed commitment to scaling up…

First seen at the Volkswagen Indaba in Gqeberha earlier this year, the Tayron has now officially made its local debut. Before we go any further, VW was at pains to explain that it’s pronounced Tie-ron (as in neck-tie), not Tay-ron. Designed and built at Volkswagen’s head office in Wolfsburg, the seven-seater (five in the Base version) is positioned between the Touareg and the Tiguan, replacing the phased-out Tiguan Allspace. Line-up It comes in three derivatives: the Tayron Base, Life and R-Line. The five-seater Base is equipped with Eco LED headlights, park assist, a blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, a 12.9-inch infotainment system, adaptive cruise control with front assist, lane keeping assist and 18-inch Bologna alloy wheels. The Tayron Life gets an additional three-zone automatic climate control, 10-colour ambient…

There’s another Chinese brand heading to South Africa, and it’s called the iCaur. But there’s something refreshingly different about this one, which was previewed at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami Raceway last week. With their funky designs inspired by classic off-roaders, colourful customisation options, and dealerships designed to resemble toy car packaging, it’s as if they’re trying to awaken your inner child. Their designs may be a bit polarising, but among the sea of same-same, cookie-cutter SUVs that we see on the roads today, you have to admit that there is a significant cool factor at play here. No two iCaurs will be the same, the company claims, given the raft of interchangeable and customisable parts available, and the colourful body wraps that will be on offer. iCaur brand…

Former Bafana Bafana defender Morgan Gould has expressed full confidence in national team head coach Hugo Broos to steady South Africa’s defence ahead of two crucial World Cup qualifiers. Bafana face Lesotho on Friday, before hosting Nigeria next Tuesday. The senior men’s team currently sit atop Group C with 13 points, holding a five-point advantage over second-placed Rwanda. Despite this strong position, Broos faces a testing period as defensive options are stretched to the limit. Injuries and dips in form have forced Broos into multiple changes. Key defenders such as Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana and Siyanda Xulu are all unavailable for the upcoming fixtures. Their absence opens the door for fresh faces, including Samukelo Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khulumani Ndamane and Zuko Mdunyelwa. These newcomers will link up with…

The RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) quarter three released on Wednesday indicated that the Index dropped further by one point to 39 following a five-point decline in the second quarter of 2025. Economists have raised concern about the drop in BCI. Isaah Mhlanga, the chief economist at RMB, said that this is three points below the long-term average level of 42, and implies that just over 60% of respondents are dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions. “The underlying results point to an economy that is muddling through, with many activity and demand indicators in line with the 20-year average levels.” Mhlanga added that the current level of confidence is insufficient to drive an acceleration of much-needed investment to improve South Africa’s potential economic and employment growth rates. “The South African business…

South Africa’s Tobacco Bill will help to save lives and protect children from harms caused by smoking the commodity, Bintou Bityeki, the Africa programs director for the lobby group Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids said Wednesday. This comes as big tobacco producers BAT South Africa, Philip Morris, and others are pushing for the separation of legislation between traditional cigarettes and new smokeless alternatives. The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill is a proposed South African law that aims to strengthen public health by regulating the sale, advertising, and use of tobacco and electronic nicotine/non-nicotine delivery systems, such as vaping devices. Bityeki has described the draft legislation as a “landmark public health bill” that will “provide an important example for tobacco control efforts across Africa” when adopted. “The Campaign for…

In business, few skills are as universally valuable as the ability to negotiate well. Whether you’re securing better payment terms from a supplier, finalising a contract with a new client, or discussing equity with an investor, strong negotiation skills can directly affect your bottom line. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), where margins are often tighter and resources more limited, every negotiation counts. Yet many business owners approach these discussions with hesitation, unsure of how to balance firmness with flexibility, or how to push for favourable terms without jeopardising relationships. The good news is that negotiation is not an innate talent; it’s a skill that can be learned, practised, and refined over time. By understanding the core principles and applying them consistently, SME owners can secure outcomes that strengthen their…

Woolworths' Food division delivered above-market performance, reinforcing its position as a leading South Africa food retailer, after its turnover and concession sales grew by 11% for the year to June 29. This was even though the South African retailer on Wednesday reported a 23.9% decline in full-year headline earnings, due to a weaker than expected performance from its Australian clothing chain Country Road Group (CRG), which underwent a significant restructure. The Foods division reported sector-leading growth of 7.7% on a comparable-store basis. Excluding the Absolute Pets acquisition, Food sales grew by 9.2%, highlighting strong momentum in the core business. Volume growth was driven by increased footfall and larger basket sizes, supported by an innovation pipeline and enhanced customer experience, the group directors said in its financial results that were released…

Gauteng will establish its first-ever political killings task team within the next four weeks to investigate politically motivated murders in the province dating back to 2010, Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced on Wednesday. Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg following the Gauteng Executive Council (Exco) Lekgotla, Lesufi said the African National Congress (ANC), the party he represents, has noted a concerning rise in political killings across the province. The ANC leads the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in the province. “In the last three months, the ANC observed and noted the number of political killings in our province. We've lost countless councillors, government officials, and staff members employed by local government agencies or state institutions,” he said. Leaufi said that the party does not believe these killings are coincidental. “It…

Learners at Tiyelelani Secondary School in Soshanguve staged a protest yesterday, demanding action over allegations of sexual harassment by a teacher. The situation escalated into chaos as learners left the school premises, highlighting concerns about safety and accountability within the school. EFF members, led by Phillip Makwala, the Gauteng deputy chairperson and MPL at the Gauteng legislature, joined the protesters at the school. Makwala said the EFF was informed about the situation at the school on social media, where learners were protesting due to allegations of sexual harassment by a teacher. The party demanded the removal of a senior school official, citing incompetence and failure to act on the allegations. “The (person) is inconsistent, incapacitated and cannot lead the school and the school is at risk under (their) leadership,” Makwala…

SAPS says copies have been made of the 121 dockets linked to political killings in KwaZulu-Natal to ensure the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry can access them, while the originals are back with the disbanded political killings task team to continue investigations. In an interview on 702 , Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said that the national commissioner decided to return the files to KZN “to ensure that we do not delay justice for the families that are waiting for answers and for the victims that have died.” In July, SAPS KZN Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused the now-suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in police operations, including ordering the disbandment of the high-profile Political Killings Task Team and the removal of the dockets. He also alleged that Mchunu protected…

ANC has summoned the Limpopo chairperson, Stanley Mathabatha, to Luthuli House in Johannesburg to explain his reasons to step aside as well as his position on the “erosion of ANC values”. The ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, has convened a meeting with Mathabatha to deliberate on the issues raised. This will be followed by a meeting with the Limpopo Provincial leadership today. Mathabatha has asked to step aside as the ANC provincial chairperson in Limpopo, citing concerns about misconduct and a departure from the party’s core values. In a letter dated September 1 – seen by IOL – Mathabatha cited widespread unethical conduct and a breakdown in organisational integrity, particularly in relation to the recent regional conferences in Vhembe and Waterberg, as key reasons for his decision. The ANC has confirmed…

The Isuzu bakkie is back in black with the announcement of the X-Rider Black limited-edition model. Only 150 of the X-Rider Black units will be produced at Isuzu’s Struandale plant in Gqeberha this year, available to South African customers as well as those in other African markets. Each X-Rider Black will be numbered, with a special plaque fitted on the left-side inner fender, and it gains several unique styling enhancements. There will be three derivatives of the double cab bakkie with the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or automatic in 4x2 guise, or the 4x4 automatic with shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive engagement. Engine Under the bonnet, it’s fitted with Isuzu’s 1.9 DDi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 110kW and 350Nm of torque. It’s the same engine that achieved an economy figure…

The Springboks, despite their imposing physicality, are facing growing scrutiny at the breakdown — an area that has traditionally underpinned their defensive strength and counter-attacking prowess. That frailty at the tackle area was exposed in the Tests against Italy and, more recently, Australia. The world champions can expect the All Blacks to target that weakness ahead of Saturday’s first Rugby Championship match at Eden Park (9.05am kick-off). Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus expressed his disappointment at just how ineffective his side was in this area of play, especially in the first match against the Wallabies. Things improved in Cape Town, but it was still not up to the standard that an international Test match demands. Ardie Savea and his teammates will be licking their lips to get stuck into the…

South Africa's women's team are stepping out from the monumental shadow of the four-time world champion Springboks as they prepare for their first-ever quarter-final appearance in a Rugby World Cup by taking on France in their last pool match this weekend. The team has come a long way since disappearing in the 2010s, drawing more attention as they develop, though they still do not enjoy the public adoration reserved for the men's squad. Under the guidance of Swys de Bruin, the Springbok Women take on France on Sunday in their final pool game, having already secured a history-making place in the quarter-finals following their battling 29-24 win against higher-ranked Italy in matchday two. "We are sitting on a goldmine that can explode if we're really serious about it," said former…

Mamelodi Sundowns’ new attacker Katlego “Tsiki” Ntsabeleng is exactly where he’s always wanted to be — which is why he believes he’s made the perfect homecoming. Ntsabeleng was unveiled as Sundowns’ latest signing this week after joining the club on a season-long loan deal from US-based outfit FC Dallas. While his arrival turned heads on social media, the 27-year-old is no stranger to the Brazilians. Ntsiki made his football breakthrough in the club’s youth structures back in 2017 before moving on to rivals Kaizer Chiefs, where he spent some time in the reserves before heading to the US. After impressing during spells with Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (CC University), Oregon State Beavers (Oregon State University) and FC Dallas — juggling between football and academics — he once received an offer to…