Innholdsfortegnelse for 2022-12-21 i Pretoria News

SOUTH African markets fell to a near one-month low yesterday, following their emerging counterparts after the World Bank slashed its growth outlook for China, the world’s second largest economy. The World Bank yesterday said the growth outlook in China, South Africa’s largest trading partner, was subject to significant risks emerging from nearly three years of “zero-Covid” curbs and a real estate slump. In its latest forecast yesterday, the World Bank cut China’s expected growth for 2022 to 2.7%, down from 4.3% previously forecast in June. World Bank country director for China, Mongolia and Korea, Mara Warwick, said China’s growth outlook was subject to significant risks stemming from the uncertain trajectory of the pandemic, of how policies evolve in response to the Covid-19 situation, and the behavioural responses of households and…

STEINHOFF International Holdings’s share price staged a mild comeback, rising 15.7% to 59c yesterday afternoon even as shareholders face further value erosion through its latest plan to repay €10 billion (R184.3bn) debt that is due next year. In the past few days the share price had sunk up to 75% to only 43 cents, after Steinhoff admitted on Friday it would likely not be able to repay its debt on the due date, and that a scheme to extend the debt could likely see it delisted. The Stellenbosch-based holding company, with a primary listing in Frankfurt and secondary listing on the JSE, owns 40 furniture and home product retail brands in businesses across 30 countries. The group has struggled after former executives perpetrated what has become known as South…

RE-ELECTED ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has admitted that the party made mistakes over the years, saying they had paid “dearly” for it too. He also spoke tough on corruption as he closed the five-day ANC 55th elective conference, held at the Nasrec Expo Centre, south of Joburg, yesterday. Although the conference drew to a close while more than 4 000 delegates were still voting, the Top Seven consisting of Ramaphosa as president, Paul Mashatile as his deputy, Fikile Mbalula as the new secretary-general, Nomvula Mokonyane as the first deputy secretary and Maropene Ramokgopa as the second deputy secretary and Dr Gwen Ramokgopa as treasurer-general, had been elected. Ramaphosa’s closing address also touched on uniting the party. “As the ANC we have made mistakes, and we have made some missteps,…

POLICE in Gauteng have vowed to intensify their crime-busting efforts throughout the festive season, after they arrested at least 1 669 suspects for various offences at the weekend. The arrests were made in different parts of the province during Safer Festive Season Operation O Kae Molao, led by Gauteng provincial police commissioner General Elias Mawela. At least 320 of the 1 669 suspects were caught during an anti-crime blitz operation in Tshwane district. In addition, police shut down 30 illegal shebeens and confiscated 609 650 ml of liquor. Mawela led the Joburg district operations conducted in Booysen and Diepkloof policing precincts, which collectively resulted in the arrest of 501 suspects. The arrests were thanks to multi- disciplinary operations joined by Joburg metro police, Gauteng traffic officers and stakeholders from the…

THE RE-ELECTION of President Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC leader has irritated EFF leader Julius Malema, who has vowed to prevent him from speaking in Parliament again. Malema was addressing delegates at the third EFF provincial people’s assembly in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Monday. This was hours after ANC electoral commission chairperson Kgalema Motlanthe announced Ramaphosa as the re-elected president of the party. Paul Mashatile was elected deputy president, Gwede Mantashe party chairperson, Fikile Mbalula secretary-general, first and second deputy secretary-general, Nomvula Mokonyane and Maropene Ramokgopa, and treasurer-general, Gwen Ramokgopa. In reaction, Malema said: “They have elected this big-nosed thing again. He defeated Zweli Mkhize. He must know that his victory means nothing. We are going to beat this big nose until it is swollen. “He likes it or not, Ramaphosa will…

A NUMBER of ANC members who made it to the party’s Top 7 leadership positions, including re-elected President Cyril Ramaphosa, have a dark cloud hanging over their heads due to alleged corruption and serious crime. The Top 7 was announced at the 55th ANC national elective conference, Ramaphosa was re-elected as party president; Paul Mashatile as deputy president; Fikile Mbalula as secretary-general; Nomvula Mokonyane as first deputy SG; Maropene Ramokgopa as second DSG; Gwede Mantashe was re-elected as chairperson; and Gwen Ramokgopa as treasurer-general. Ramaphosa, a leader who should set a good example as a fighter against corruption, is at the centre of an international scandal involving the theft of $4 million from his game farm, Phala Phala, in Limpopo. In June, former spy boss Arthur Fraser opened a…

As the dust settles on the ANC National Elective Conference, attention must now rapidly turn to fixing the raft of challenges facing South Africa. While the leadership battle for the ANC was often bruising, it did represent democracy in its truest sense. Candidates from the governing party campaigned and contested, branches voted bravely, in some instances independently from their provincial and regional structures – make no mistake about it, this was democracy in action. For democracy to thrive and strengthen, it requires contestation. Contestation of ideas, values and viewpoints. In the end, as in most battles, there is a winner and a loser. Both sides, however, must realise now that if they do not move swiftly in the coming months to consolidate the ANC, then they face bleak prospects for…

France’s national football team returned from Qatar to the acclaim of huge crowds in Paris yesterday, after their heroic defeat to Argentina in the World Cup final, which won them admiration in the country and across the world. A coach carrying stars such as Kylian Mbappe, whose thrilling hat-trick in Sunday’s final brought France back from the edge of defeat, journeyed from the Paris airport – where staff applauded them as they got off the plane – and into the heart of the capital where thousands gathered to greet them. Despite it being a drab and chilly December evening, several thousands had congregated at Paris’ Place de la Concorde. Fans let off fireworks, waved French tricolore flags and chanted ‘Allez Les Bleus’ and the French national anthem as the team…

Is Wandisile Simelane an outside centre, fullback or wing? The man himself obviously dished out the “I will play wherever the team need me” line ahead of Friday’s Bulls’ United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the Stormers, but the jury is still out on where he is best utilised. Coach Jake White has said several times this season that he wants to broaden Simelane’s versatility in order to aid his cause for higher honours. The 24-year-old was part of the wider Springbok training group last year, but hasn’t been called up to the national team since. Having made the move from the Lions to Loftus Versfeld, Simelane may have expected to be the Bulls’ first-choice No 13, but it hasn’t worked out that way. Lionel Mapoe, Cornal Hendricks and Stedman…

India will look to steam-roll a plucky but inconsistent Bangladesh in the second Test starting tomorrow in Dhaka to cement their standing in the ICC Test Championship. The visitors will however again be without injured captain Rohit Sharma after he missed the first Test with an injured thumb, the Indian cricket board said yesterday. India are currently second in the Test Championship league table behind Australia, who are currently 1-0 up against the Proteas in a three-match series at home. The current cycle runs to June 2023, with the nine teams each playing six series. The top two sides will meet in the final at The Oval in London. India beat Bangladesh in the first Test in Chittagong by 188 runs, but the visitors, led by KL Rahul in the…

INVESTORS have remained bullish about the potential returns on their investments in the South African economy over the next five years, even amid a climate of global economic uncertainty. However, government bonds and cash have shrunk to become less attractive to investors over the past six months, due to their vulnerability to increasing interest rates. The Schroders Global Investor Study (GIS) 2022 released yesterday, showed that South African investors expect to realise higher returns over the next five years compared to what was achieved in the preceding years. The study, conducted online between February and April, this year surveyed a total of 23 950 investors from 33 locations globally, spanning countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas and more. Schroders research defines people as those who will be investing at least…

THE MINING sector was confronted with an extremely volatile 2022, with three core challenges: Russia invading Ukraine, Eskom’s load shedding and Transnet woes, both port and rail. Business Report spoke to economists and mining industry players to find out how they fared this year, and what 2023 might hold. According to Anchor Capital investment analyst Seleho Tsatsi, when Russia invaded Ukraine, commodity prices soared as the market feared supply shortages, given Russia’s importance as a supplier for many of these metals. He said those fears subsequently eased, and some prices started to revert to pre-invasion levels. “The anticipated easing of zero-Covid policy in China in the fourth quarter has since led to another run in commodity prices,” Tsatsi said. In the first half of 2022, commodities, such as gold and…

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 6 700 newborn deaths are reported every day. According to the WHO, 2.4 million children worldwide died in their first month of life in 2020. Although the WHO acknowledges this, the drop in neonatal mortality from 1990 to 2020 was slower than the decline in post-neonatal under-5 mortality. Where a child is born determines their chances of survival in every way; in 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest infant mortality rate, with 27-32 deaths per 1 000 live births. Several factors contribute to the statistical outcome, including a lack of excellent antenatal care, skilled care at birth, and postnatal care for mother and baby. However, the availability of resources, skilled labours, and treatment for infants can significantly increase infant survival and health, and reduce…

The service manager at SKIN functional. Kevin Khosa, shares some of the skin science facts that made 2022 the breakout year of skincare. Skin Science Fact 1: Many people started becoming aware of the ingredients used in skincare products. They wanted to know what each active ingredient does for their skin. Skin Science Fact 2: After being locked up for almost two years due to Covid, more people started embracing their natural skin and working hard to attain good skin the healthy way. They’ve been drinking water, exercising, and wearing sunscreen. Skin Science Fact 3: Evidence-based skincare. People reduced the number of products used in their routine. They started getting fewer products with maximum effects and sharing reviews with others. Skin Science Fact 4: Centella asiatica took centre stage this…

WHETHER it is a shelter or a billboard, every effort taken to fight gender-based violence and femicide can go a long way to saving the life of one vulnerable person. It was with that spirit in mind that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure unveiled an billboard denouncing the problem at the Caledon police station in the Western Cape. Speaking at the unveiling, Minister of Public Works Patricia de Lille said the billboards were placed in GBV hot spots to demonstrate advocacy against the problem and provide helpline numbers to victims of abuse. Other hot spots where billboards have been erected since 2019 include Bredasdorp, Paarl, Beaufort West in the Western Cape, as well as the Free State areas of Bloemspruit, Thabong, Zamdela and Phuthaditjhaba. In addition, 14 state-owned…

The North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, yesterday postponed to tomorrow the matter regarding the axing of City of Tshwane chief financial officer Umar Banda. He is challenging a decision to terminate his contract before its expiry on December 31. In court papers, Banda said municipal manager Johann Mettler terminated his contract without providing him with reasons for doing so. Banda was hired on a five-year fixed-term contract in 2017 by then-city manager Dr Moeketsi Mosola when Solly Msimanga was mayor. His contract expired in June this year, but council resolved to extend it on two occasions. In his founding affidavit, Banda said: “My contract was extended as resolved on a month-to-month basis for no longer than three months from October 1, 2022, to December 31.” He stated in court papers…

Willie Engelbrecht likes to get “personal” with every carry, tackle and clean-out he makes on a rugby field. You can see it in the Stormers loose forward’s play every weekend, but Friday’s United Rugby Championship URC) clash against the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium (7.30pm kick-off) is even more personal for him. Engelbrecht hails from Pretoria, attending Hoerskool Die Wilgers – which is about 11km away from Loftus Versfeld. He was also at the University of Pretoria, but never played provincial rugby for the Bulls at any level. He represented the Valke and Limpopo Blue Bulls in his youth, and then Limpopo as a senior before making his name at the Pumas, whom he led to the last Currie Cup title. Now he has joined the Stormers on a full-time…

SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has vowed to challenge the mentality of his players ahead of the unusual resumption of the Premiership. For the first time ever, domestic football will continue on through the festive period as local action returns next Friday, following the conclusion of the World Cup. Matsatsantsa, although with experienced campaigners in their squad, have handed ample opportunities to young players over the years, and this season has not been different as potential future stars will be grilled by hardships of this unique season. Hunt has admitted that he and his team will have to sail through unfamiliar waters during this time, but has reaffirmed the importance of his group having the right mental state to approach their upcoming fixtures. “It’s all about the mentality at this…

Australia opener David Warner may have lost form with the bat, but showed his sense of humour remains intact yesterday as he sent officials scrambling with a social media post suggesting he was holidaying in Bali in the lead-up to the Boxing Day Test against South Africa. Warner posted pictures of himself and his children on a plane with the caption: “My current situation. Bali here we come”. Australia bowling coach Daniel Vettori was asked by reporters whether a trip to the Indonesian tourist destination was the ideal preparation for the second Test against the Proteas at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. New Zealander Vettori grinned and asked: “Is that true?” Another team official was quick to express doubt about the trip, but said he would find out. Warner, who managed…

England head coach Brendon McCullum said removing the fear of failure has helped the talent in his team come through after they became the first Test side to complete a 3-0 whitewash in Pakistan yesterday. England comfortably chased a target of 167 to win the third and final match in Karachi, adding to their wins in Rawalpindi and Multan. The high-risk, high-reward approach that has brought England nine wins from 10 Tests has been dubbed ‘Bazball’ in a nod to McCullum’s style, but the New Zealander shifted the credit to new captain Ben Stokes. “The side is very much in the image of the skipper,” McCullum told Sky Sports. “He wants the guys to go out there and play with as much freedom as they can. “He has identified that…

FOOD prices are likely to remain volatile in South Africa at least during the first quarter of next year, says Thabile Nkunjana, an agricultural economist for Agro-Food Chains in the Markets and Economic Research Division of the National Agricultural Marketing Council. South African consumers, this year, have been faced with high food prices and the escalating cost of living, leaving them squeezed at the shopping tills and looking for bargains. He said in an interview that in November, consumer inflation in South Africa decreased to 7.4% but remained extremely high at 12.8% for food, 8.3% for electricity, and 25.3% for fuel. “Fortunately, if it materialises, the cost of petrol should decrease noticeably at the start of 2023, which will assist to reduce the pressure caused by rising living expenses for…

Summer has arrived when you start seeing colour everywhere. Flowers are blooming, outfits are brighter and everyone seems happier. So, after relaxing my hair for the first time, this summer, in over a decade, I decided to try something new and colourful for the festive season. In my quest for a new venture, I chatted to Biosense Hair colour expert Natasha Newman about all things hair colour, the pros and cons of hair colour, and the after-care. Newman shared her top hair colour trends for summer 2023 which include warm red, expensive brunette, muted beige blonde, golden baby blonde, dark brunette with zero dimension, smoky brunette, bleach and tones. According to Newman, getting a new hair colour is always a great idea, however maintaining the colour is vital. This is…

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has cried foul regarding allegations that its senior official Sy Mamabolo had an influence in the election of the ANC Top Seven. The IEC gave vent after “malicious content' that had been disseminated on Twitter and possibly other social media platforms, saying it was part of an orchestrated disinformation campaign around its purported involvement in the ANC’s 55th elective conference. These allegations were made against the IEC despite the fact that the ANC has its own election agency, which for years, especially since its Limpopo’s watershed conference in 2007, conducted the electoral business of the party. IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela said the content was designed to impugn the reputation and integrity of the IEC and its officials. “In what appears to be a…

THE disciplinary proceedings against the ANC MPs who broke rank with the party and voted for adoption of the Section 89 panel on Phala Phala will not be withdrawn. That’s according to newly elected secretary-general Fikile Mbalula when he addressed the media in his first press briefing in the position on Monday night. Mbalula said the defiance by the MPs in Parliament a week ago had been referred to the party’s disciplinary committee. “It is a straightforward disciplinary issue. The national executive committee (NEC) was briefed about that matter, and that is where it stands, and it will not be withdrawn. The disciplinary committee of the ANC will be seized with the matter and it will be finalised as soon as possible,” he said. Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta)…

Thousands of ecstatic fans gave Argentina’s football squad a hero’s welcome in Buenos Aires in the early hours before dawn yesterday after the plane carrying Lionel Messi and his World Cup-winning teammates touched down at Ezeiza airport. The Argentine capital has been in party mode since their dramatic victory over France in Sunday’s final in Qatar, which gave the country its first World Cup win since Diego Maradona hoisted the trophy 36 years ago. The players, wearing their gold winners’ medals around their necks and taking turns to hold the World Cup trophy aloft, waved at fans from an open-top bus as the lights from thousands of mobile phones sparkled and flags fluttered in the crowd. Joyous fans sang to the beat of a drum and fireworks lit up the…

Brisbane’s Gabba cricket ground has received one demerit point after the International Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday rated the pitch for the first Test between Australia and South Africa – which ended in two days – as “below average”. Australia got the six-wicket win in Brisbane in very fast time, batting marginally better than the Proteas on a perilous, grassy pitch. The visitors were bowled out for 152 in the first innings, and then followed it up with an even worse 99 in the second, with only wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne notching up a half-century (64). The hosts ended on 218 in their first knock, with again only one batter in Travis Head (92) getting past the 50-run milestone, and the second innings saw a nervy finish as they reached 35/4. South…

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said he plans to stay at the Spanish club until his contract expires in June 2024, following reports of a possible move to the Brazilian national team. The Italian boss said he remains focused on his current role at Real as the team looks to defend their La Liga, Spanish Super Cup and Champions League titles and prepare for the Club World Cup in February. “I don’t know what the future holds for me … I live day-by-day,” Ancelotti told Italian Rai Radio 1 show. “At the moment, I’m happy in Madrid, we have a lot of objectives for this season. I have a contract until June 30, 2024, and, if Real Madrid don’t sack me before then, I’m not going to move.” The 63-year-old…

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) said their president Bernard Laporte is stepping back from his duties after being sentenced on corruption charges, but would remain in the role during his appeal process. Laporte received a two-year suspended prison sentence and a €75 000 fine after being found guilty in a trial for influence peddling and illegally acquiring assets. Laporte has denied any wrongdoing, and has said he will appeal the ruling. He was accused of undue influence in securing a role for Mohed Altrad, whose construction company sponsors the France jersey. At an FFR meeting on Monday, Laporte expressed his desire to follow “to the letter” the injunction of the body’s ethics committee, which called on him to provisionally withdraw from the role. “In effect, Bernard Laporte remains president of…

A tasty treat awaits Durban later this week when the Sharks host the Lions in a United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter that could offer a titanic battle between the loosies. It would not be unfair to state that on paper, the two units have a similar look and feel about them. Both have pace, experience, a mix of youthful exuberance, powerful ball-carriers and can be defensively near impenetrable on their best days. The names that could possibly be jotted down on the Sharks’ match-23 spreadsheet are impressive: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi and Sikhumbuzo Notshe have all run out for the team in recent weeks. They could possibly face a Lions loose trio consisting of union legend and Springbok Jaco Kriel, Ruan Venter and Vincent’s…