Innholdsfortegnelse for 2023-05-05 i Pretoria News

State is trying to shift the blame of South Africa’s escalating cost of food prices to the retailers, says Pick n Pay boss PICK N PAY chairperson Gareth Acker- man has lambasted the government for apparently shifting the blame of escalating cost of food prices to retailers instead of fixing the energy crisis. This comes as food inflation rose to its highest in 14 years in April, driven by rising irrigation costs for farmers and additional expenditure on diesel by retailers amidst rotational power cuts. Load shedding in South Africa has severely disrupted business activity, with retailers having to trade less hours and risk having their stock getting spoiled if they do not have alternative sources of electricity, which come at a great cost. Speaking at the presentation…

CONFIDENCE in South Africa’s manu- facturing industry has dipped to its lowest in 11 months as private sector businesses remain pessimistic due to capacity constraints from load shedding and supply shortages, in spite of an uptick in demand. The S&P Global Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) yesterday showed that South Africa’s private sector activity contracted for the second consecutive month in April, falling short of market estimates of a near-stabilisation. The PMI posted at 49.6 points in April, dropping fractionally from 49.7 points in March and below the 50 points neutral mark which separates contraction from expansion for the second month running. This reading affirmed Absa’s PMI released earlier in the week, which remained in the contractionary territory at 49.8 points in April, in spite of the…

Foodies looking to discover the best of Africa and unique and authentic experiences, we have selected the best travel destinations. One thing is for certain: African food is just as diverse as its people. From the West to the East to the North and South, some foods are so delectable that they’re worth taking a trip for. If you are not familiar with African cuisine, it is a mix of ingredients such as cereal grains, vegetables, meat products, and locally available fruits. The traditional preparations features mostly milk, curd, and whey products in some parts of the continent. Here are some of the best countries you can go to for a great food experience. Seychelles The popular and beautiful country of Seychelles offers the freshest seafood as well as contemporary…

A MOTHER is accusing a member of the Tshwane Metro Police Department of assaulting her son and his girlfriend after a night of partying in the capital. The officer and his colleagues pulled over the car the duo were travelling in on Garsfontein Road in Pretoria in the early hours of Tuesday, the mother said. According to her, the two, whose names are withheld for fear of reprisals, were travelling home after enjoying a Worker’s Day outing at a local eatery. Speaking to Pretoria News, she narrated the ordeal of her son, 21, and his girlfriend, 23 saying: “My son called me at about 12.40am on Tuesday after they were stopped by metro police on Garsfontein Road on their way from the Summit Restaurant and Sky Bar. “His girlfriend…

POLITICIANS will ascend to the Johannesburg Municipal Council Chambers today once more to elect the eighth mayor in the City of Johannesburg since 2016. The merry-go-round of mayors is expected to continue as council sits once more after Tuesday’s meeting to elect a mayor collapsed because of ill preparation by the ANC coalition, which was in disarray over disagreements over the preferred mayoral candidate. Some ANC councillors had threatened to boycott council or even resign if an Al-Jama-ah candidate was chosen as the preferred candidate. The Star understands that a faction in the ANC was pushing for Kabelo Gwamanda from Al-Jama-ah to become the mayor, but this has been met with great resistance, especially from supporters of ANC regional chairperson Dada Morero. Three candidates from the minority parties aligned…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has launched yet another ambitious project to train and employ at least 6 000 young people from the province through his solar panel installers learnership programme. The project was launched alongside partners the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority at the Premier’s head offices in Midrand yesterday. The project forms part of the Lesufi’s promise during his State of the Province Address in February this year. He said the project is in response to the country’s energy crisis which has seen implementation of load shedding for over four years now. It also forms part of skilling and training young people who remain on the periphery of the skills and unemployment crisis. “We want our young people to be assured of opportunities in…

The Met Gala took place on Monday, May 1, and the event, one of the biggest in the fashion world, saw some of Hollywood’s finest grace the red carpet in exquisite ensembles. However, for those celebrities who were looking for the best afterparty in town, the real fun began after the formalities were over. South African DJ Uncle Waffles got to experience the thrill of performing a set at one of these high society events and took to her Instagram to share the experience. In the caption to her post she simply wrote: “Met after the gala.” The photo and video dump showed her and others having a ball, but what fans couldn’t help but notice was that Black Panther actress Michaela Coel was right behind Waffles. “Michaela having the…

The global arena has created a market where we can make new friendships There has been a buzz of discussion in the media around the recent visitors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The landing of their plane in the Eastern Cape became a talking point, creating a divide across the country. Ostensibly, the sequel to the landing of the plane in Bisho got less pomp and hype than Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s trip to the UAE. The journey to the UAE by the Eastern Cape delegation sought to consolidate bilateral relations in which trade would feature significantly. The two events attest to the temperature of the room in the country. On one side, the plane’s landing in Bisho was interpreted by some as sheer disregard for the country’s laws. The…

Russia said yesterday that the US was behind what it says was a drone attack on the Kremlin that aimed to kill President Vladimir Putin, while Moscow’s forces fired more combat drones at Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking in The Hague after visiting the International Court of Justice (ICC), said that Putin must be brought to justice over the war and said Kyiv would work to create a new tribunal for this purpose. Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, without providing evidence, said Ukraine had acted on US orders with the alleged drone attack on the Kremlin citadel early on Wednesday. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Peskov was lying. He said it was still unclear what had happened at the Kremlin. Kyiv has…

A Jamaican government minister said the upcoming coronation of Britain’s King Charles III has accelerated her nation’s plans to become a republic, reports said yesterday. The former British colony has been independent since 1962 but like 13 other Commonwealth nations outside the UK has retained the British monarch as its head of state. King Charles III will be crowned at London’s Westminster Abbey tomorrow. Marlene Malahoo Forte, Jamaica’s minister for legal and constitutional affairs, said the Caribbean nation could hold a referendum as soon as next year and would be “saying goodbye to a form of government that is linked to a painful past of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade”. Since ascending the throne, Charles has sought to put the 56-nation Commonwealth which he heads at the heart of…

BEIJING: China said yesterday that “high vigilance” was needed in the face of Nato’s “eastward expansion” after a report that the alliance was planning to set up an office in Japan to facilitate consultations with allies. Nato is planning to open its first liaison office in Asia, Japan, to facilitate talks with security partners such as South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, with challenges from China and Russia in mind. Beijing said: “Nato’s continual eastward expansion in the Asia-Pacific, interference in regional affairs, attempts to destroy regional peace and stability, and push for bloc confrontation calls for high vigilance from countries in the region.” | Reuters…

LONDON: Naomi Campbell has praised Britain’s “approachable” and “charming” King Charles III. The supermodel, 52, had met the monarch several times and said she had always been impressed by the 74-year-old king’s passion for looking out of the UK to see how he can help other countries. She said: “Meeting him in Lagos was a highlight. I remember him being at his most charming there. I have respect for the fact that he cares to visit Africa and is passionate about what is happening on the continent. I think he understands the importance of what the African continent is, and will be, in the future.” | Bang Showbiz…

It’s not every day that the Lions go into a match in which they can boast superior experience and knowledge but that will certainly be the case when they travel to Kimberley for today’s Currie Cup encounter against the Griquas (3.30pm kick-off). The likes of Manuel Rass, Rynhardt Jonker, Stean Pienaar, Gianni Lombard and Morné van den Berg in the backline; plus Travis Gordon, Emmanuel Tshituka, Darrien Landsberg, Ruben Schoeman, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Jaco Visagie and Rhynardt Rijnsburger in the pack all possess United Rugby Championship (URC) experience this season. The bench, as selected by Mziwakhe Nkosi yesterday, is equally as impressive, and even the briefest of glances at the team over the last fortnight indicates that the Joburgers have given the head coach a healthy injection of personnel to select…

KAL GROUP (KAL), previously known as Kaap Agri, saw its diversification strategy bear further fruit in the six months to March 31, with revenue up sharply and in spite of a knock in recurring earnings from load shedding. “Irrespective of poor economic conditions and unrelenting load shedding, and three years where business has had to face disruptions from Covid-19, looting in KwaZulu-Natal and the impact of SOE (State-owned enterprise) failure on agricultural customers, KAL has managed to achieve sustainable growth in recurring headline earnings,” CEO Sean Walsh said in a telephone interview yesterday. Recurring headline earnings grew 18.1%, but if load shedding costs were excluded, recurring headline earnings increased by 27.2%. An interim dividend of 50 cents per share (46c) was declared. Walsh said there were plans to reduce…

MONDI, the London and JSE-listed global packaging and paper producer, said earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) was flat in its first quarter to March 31. Underlying Ebitda from continuing operations was €351 million (R7.1 billion) and flat compared to the fourth quarter of 2022 after excluding the non-cash forestry fair value gains. “The quarter was characterised by lower average selling prices; softer demand, driven in part by destocking; and lower input costs from the highs seen in the second half of 2022. “While wood prices remained high in the first quarter of 2023, they have started to reduce,” CEO Andrew King said in a trading statement yesterday. “So far in the second quarter, demand remains subdued with lower average selling prices and further input…

Talent is not something that you discover when you’re older. The signs are always there, and it’s beautiful to see parents nurturing their children’s talent from an early age. At only 7, Krista Williams already has a successful modelling career. The little girl from Brackenfell, in the Western Cape, has been crowned Miss Petite South Africa. Not only that, but Williams also scooped several awards, including Best in Interview, Best Ramp Model, Best Dressed in Interview, Best Dressed in Evening Wear, Most Photogenic, Overall Face of South Africa winner, Overall Junior Charity Award winner, and Public Choice Award winner – all in one evening. “I won the Miss Petite South Africa 2023 as well as the Miss Petite Universe South Africa 2023 titles. It entailed doing an interview with a…

THE Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department yesterday attended to a scene where the driver of a white Audi sedan lost control of the vehicle and it landed on the roof of a shack. At the time of publishing, department spokesperson Constable Marie Mashishi said police had not ascertained the condition of the people travelling in the car. “There is an accident at Andrew Mapheto Drive, near Endulweni fire station. A single motor vehicle has lost control, overturned and landed on top of the roof of a shack,” said Mashishi. “We are not sure how many occupants are inside the vehicle. We are still waiting for the rescue truck to come and bring it (the car) down to the ground. “The paramedics are on the scene, however. The traffic is not affected,”…

MEDIA personality Moshe Ndiki has found love again after a public split from his musician husband Phelo Bala. Taking to his Instagram this week, the Gomora star announced his new relationship when he shared a cute loved-up picture with his new beau. He captioned the post: “Something about when love locates you.” Industry colleagues and celebrity friends, including Thando Thabethe, Omuhle Makaziwe Gela, Londie London, Tshepi Vundla and Simz Ngema, shared messages in celebration of Ndiki’s newly found romance. Last year, in an interview with Isolezwe, Ndiki confirmed that he was no longer married to Bala. He said despite his marriage not working out, he still believes in love and marriage. “I am still intending to marry again because I love marriage and I love love,” Ndiki said. “The problem…

Recently, debates on a just energy transition have dominated discussions in different disciplines worldwide. Given the energy crisis in the country, which has led to an unstable electricity grid for more than 15 years, talks on a just transition – ensuring that the shift from coal-based to renewable energy generation is socially equitable – are gaining momentum. As the problem persists, wealthy consumers and businesses are turning to renewable energy as an alternative and reliable source, while poor consumers have to rely on an unreliable power grid. Given that municipalities and local government financing depend largely on electricity supply, many have questioned the ideology of a just transition. How will local governments generate revenue to finance their activities if wealthy consumers turn to solar? A transition to renewable energy can…

A pair of private islands formerly owned by Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and registered sex offender who died in a Manhattan federal prison in 2019, have been sold to a billionaire investor who plans to build a luxury resort on the land where Epstein allegedly trafficked children. The islands, named Great St James and Little St James but dubbed “Pedophile Island” and “Orgy Island” by locals, were sold to billionaire Stephen Deckoff via an investment vehicle, SD Investments LLC, the firm said. Deckoff “plans to develop a state-of-the-art, five-star, world-class luxury 25-room resort” on the land in the US Virgin Islands, a statement said, adding that the resort is expected to open in 2025. The islands sold for a combined total of $60 million, according to Bespoke Real Estate,…

Damascus: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi yesterday called for “resistance forces” to unite against Israel on his second day in Syria – the first such visit to Tehran’s close ally in over a decade of war. Tehran has long provided logistical and military support to many factions fighting its arch-foe Israel, including some Palestinian groups but also Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah, a major Damascus ally. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes against Iran-backed forces in Syria since the conflict erupted. The Syrian conflict has killed more than 500 000 people. While the front lines have mostly quietened in recent years, large parts of the country’s north remain outside government control. | AFP…

LONDON: Britain’s competition regulator said yesterday it would examine the impact of artificial intelligence on consumers, businesses and the economy and if new controls were needed on such technologies such ChatGPT. The sudden popularity of generative AI applications such as ChatGPT and Midjourney has highlighted a technology that could upend the way businesses and society operate. Britain has opted to split regulation for AI between those bodies that oversee human rights, health and safety and competition. The review echoes investigations taking place in Beijing, Brussels and Washington. | Reuters…

Lahore: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan alleged yesterday that a “top intelligence official” was behind the assassination attempts against him and would be responsible if something happened to him in the future. Khan, in a video message, stated that he had already informed the Lahore High Court that “dirty Harry”, the top officer, was behind the attempts against his life. He added that the findings by the joint investigation team probing the Wazirabad case were sabotaged by of the official. He said the second assassination attempt was on March 18 outside the Islamabad judicial complex and now PTI leader Murad Saeed’s life is in danger. The former prime minister, who is now in a wheelchair, said he was going “despite” the swelling on his foot as the court had…

Ten years is a lifetime in rugby, and John Plumtree says that the incarnation of himself that returns to Kings Park on July 1 is very different from the 47-year-old that departed in 2013. “I have changed quite a lot,” the 57-year-old New Zealander said from his home in Wellington yesterday. “The way I coach is way different. I have learned so much over the last decade. I have changed the way I coach and manage people … I have changed much of the detail and simplified what I do.” Older, wiser and certainly enriched by coaching stints with Ireland, the All Blacks and the Hurricanes, Plumtree said that he has returned to Durban to win trophies. “These days expectations are high anywhere you go. There is more pressure in…

GOLD FIELDS, which operates gold mines across three continents, said yesterday that the company remained on track to deliver its production and cost guidance for the 2023 financial year that was provided in February. In its operational update for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, the group said attributable gold equivalent production, excluding Asanko in Ghana, was expected to be between 2.25 million and 2.30 million ounces, compared with the 2.32 million ounces achieved last year. Gold Fields reported that group attributable equivalent gold production was 577 000 ounces – largely flat year-on-year (y/y), down 4% quarter- on-quarter (q/q). Group AISC (all-in sustaining costs) for the quarter was $1 152 (R21 120) per ounce, also largely flat year on year and up 8%…

I love sneakers. They are comfortable, cool and I can wear them with just about anything. While I own quite a few pairs of sneakers, my white Stan Smiths will always be my favourite. They are a classic design and timeless. Whether you love sneakers as much as I do or are not a huge fan, you should at least have one pair of white sneakers in your wardrobe. White sneakers are versatile and stylish. The ideal shoe option that can be dressed up or down for various occasions. Here are some style tips on how to wear white sneakers. Pair them with jeans White sneakers with jeans are a classic combination. Whether you opt for skinnies or trendier relaxed-fit jeans, you cannot go wrong. You can dress up the…

A FATHER of 14 children who had admitted to an array of charges, including rape and other sexual offences committed with some of his children and stepchildren – aged between 9 and 14 years – broke down in tears as he told the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, that he had been “a bad father”. The 44-year-old, who cannot be identified as his children are minors, was this week convicted on 15 charges, ranging from rape, statutory rape, the sexual grooming of children and using a child to produce child pornography. While two of the victims were his own biological children, some were his stepchildren or the children of women who lived with him over the years. One of the charges – statutory rape – relates to a 13-year-old – said…

SOUTH Africa’s printing machine for driving licences has broken down again, and will be back in service in about three weeks, according to the Department of Transport. Spokesperson for the national Department of Transport Collen Msibi said the machine broke down after undergoing routine maintenance last month. “The routine maintenance started on 5 April, 2023 to 19 April, 2023. Thereafter the technical team encountered a technical breakdown which requires a replacement of a critical part from the original equipment manufacturer,” Msibi said. “It is anticipated that the resumption of card production shall commence within the next two to three weeks.” Msibi said the Department of Transport encouraged citizens to continue applying for driving licences. “The Department of Transport has today reassured members of the public that the production of driving…

Award-winning media personality and hard-hitting journalist Shahan Ramkissoon is getting back in front of the camera to host “The Last Word”. “The Last Word”, which premières tonight on eNCA at 8pm, will put SA politicians, changemakers, newsmakers and celebrities in the hot seat for uncensored and frank discussions. Ramkissoon said: “I’ll also be brutally honest with my opinions about what’s happening in our country and the world, so you can expect to see ‘spicy Shahan’ often. We’ll end off the show with a comedian joining me to provide comedic commentary/satire on the week’s top stories.” The show will air on Fridays at 8pm on eNCA as well as on Thursdays at 10.30pm, and Sundays after the 8pm movie on e.tv. Ramkissoon, who also wears the hat of executive producer on…

Gunfire and explosions rocked Sudan’s capital Khartoum for a 20th straight day yesterday, leaving the latest ceasefire effort in tatters as the UN warned of an exodus of 860 000 refugees. As the latest ceasefire expired at midnight, the army said it was ready to abide by a new seven-day truce, but there was no word from its foes in the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In Khartoum, witnesses reported loud explosions and exchanges of fire on the streets around dawn and clashes during the day in the city of 5 million people. The foreign ministry accused the RSF of attacking the Indian embassy in Khartoum, the latest in a spate of such incidents which the diplomatic mission did not immediately confirm. Deadly urban combat broke out on…

Flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains that have killed 130 people in Rwanda this week have also destroyed more than 5 000 homes, and affected an additional 2 500, a government spokesperson said yesterday. The rains that started on Tuesday evening caused floods and landslides in the country’s Western and Northern provinces. The death toll stood at 129. “Additionally, there are 77 injuries, with 36 of those individuals currently in the hospital. We also have five people missing,” Alain Mukuralinda, deputy government spokesperson, said. During a visit to the affected areas in western Rwanda yesterday, Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente said search efforts were still under way as there= were some bodies still buried in the mud. “These disasters were caused by floods and erosion, which resulted in houses collapsing…

BELGRADE: Two pupils wounded in Serbia’s first mass school shooting were in a critical condition yesterday, officials said, as the country prepared for three days of national mourning. The suspected shooter, a 13-year-old boy, surrendered yesterday, police said, after taking two handguns belonging to his father and killing eight pupils and a security guard in their school in the capital Belgrade. A teacher and six pupils were wounded. They are being treated in the Tirsova hospital and the city’s University Hospital. The girl underwent an urgent surgery due to head injuries. The condition of a severely wounded boy treated there had improved. | Reuters…

DHAKA: Twenty Rohingya Muslim refugees and some Bangladeshi officials would visit Myanmar’s Rakhine State today to encourage their repatriation, an official said. Nearly one million Rohingya Muslims are living in camps in the Bangladeshi district of Cox’s Bazar, most after fleeing from a military-led crackdown in Myanmar in 2017. Bangladeshi officials have made several trips to Myanmar to get repatriation going. This will be the first by Rohingya refugees since 2017. Myanmar’s military had until recently shown little inclination to take back any Rohingya, who have been regarded as foreign interlopers in Myanmar and denied citizenship and subjected to abuse. | Reuters…

Manchester City appear all but unstoppable in their quest for a third consecutive Premier League title, but they are taking nothing for granted as they prepare for tomorrow’s home game against a Leeds United side battling to beat the drop. Pep Guardiola’s City reclaimed top spot from Arsenal thanks to a 3-0 win over visiting West Ham United on Wednesday, and a victory versus Leeds would stretch their lead to four points before the Londoners’ tough trip to Newcastle United on Sunday. Leeds have been in free-fall for weeks and, languishing in 17th place on 30 points and only outside the relegation zone on goal difference, have turned to the experienced Sam Allardyce in the hope he can produce another of his miracle escape acts. Allardyce certainly sounds ready for…