Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-22 i Sunday Independent

I WOULD like to address an aspect which has been bothering me for quite some time now. I hope that it will be read critically without necessarily creating any unnecessary consternation. If it does, I would let John Stuart Mill, in his book On Liberty defend me when he posits that: “The peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an opinion is, that is robbing the human race; posterity as well as the existing generations; those who dissent from the opinion, still more than those who hold it. If the opinion is right, they are deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth: if wrong, they lose, what is almost as great a benefit, the clearer perception and livelier impression of truth, produced by its collision with error.” There…

A DAMNING court ruling has exposed the SA Reserve Bank’s (Sarb’s) Prudential Authority (PA) for unlawfully blocking business leader Sipho Pityana’s appointment to the Absa board — raising serious questions about the regulator’s abuse of power, lack of accountability, and disregard for the rule of law. In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Independent, Pityana — now fully vindicated by the courts — pulled no punches in his condemnation of the Sarb’s conduct, accusing it of acting as a rogue institution that places itself above the law. His case has set a legal precedent that might have sent shockwaves through the financial sector: banks and their regulators cannot operate outside the law, and boards must resist unlawful pressure from those meant to oversee them. “What was the basis for their…

IS South Africa the world’s most unequal country? No. The numbers are lying to you. The Gini Coefficient, the flawed metric behind this damaging myth, ignores billions in black wealth, millions of social grants, and one of Africa’s fastest-growing middle classes. Today, we expose why this outdated statistic is holding South Africa back — and why we need a new way to measure real progress. “Ask just about anyone in South Africa about the Gini coefficient, and they will either stare at you blankly or tell you only two things: one, the Gini coefficient is the measure of income inequality in society, and two, that South Africa is the most unequal society in the world based on that measurement.” Few have questioned whether the Gini coefficient is a reliable measurement…

THE SA Post Office (Sapo) has been declared financially “unsustainable” and riddled with systemic mismanagement after receiving its fourth consecutive failed audit opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), sparking outrage from MPs who demanded answers on why the failing institution keeps consuming public money. AGSA’s damning report, presented to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) on June 11, exposed: R152 million lost to fruitless and irregular spending in 2023/24, with R136 million dismissed without repercussions. A dismal 13% achievement rate on performance targets, despite a R381m bailout from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for staff salaries. R86 million paid to business rescue practitioners (BRPs) and advisors since 2023, with little progress to show. No stable leadership, severe staff shortages, and repeated violations of the Public Finance Management…

AT a time of great economic strife across the global community — triggered largely by the huffing and puffing of US President Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy — too many nations are reeling from the weaponisation of tariffs as a diplomatic tool. Presiding over the world’s largest economy and unparalleled military might that borders on omnipotence, Trump’s imposition of virtually indiscriminate tariffs has caused untold misery and enormous uncertainty among the developed as well as developing economies. While the West remains understandably embarrassed by Washington’s punitive measures after decades of sustained diplomatic molly-coddling, the much-struggling nations of the Global South are the hardest hit by Trump’s sharpest sword, that is, tariffs. During his election campaign in the period leading up to his victory during last November’s US elections, Trump…

The number of unclaimed bodies at state mortuaries is showing signs of improvement, with figures reported at the end of February, revealing that the tally has dropped to 2 858, a decline from the 3 186 recorded in August 2024. This was disclosed by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi when he stated that there was a total of 3 819 pauper burials between April 2024 and April 2025 when he responded to parliamentary questions from ANC and Rise Mzansi parliamentarians. Motsoaledi said the total number of unclaimed bodies in state mortuaries due to next-of-kin being unknown stood at 2 858 as at the end of February. “There has been a general improvement in the management of unclaimed bodies in all provinces. The total number of unclaimed bodies stood at 2 858…

THIS opinion piece responds to former Statistician-General Pali Lehohla’s article Debating the Labour Force Survey – A Response to Fourie’s Critique. It serves as a rebuttal to his critique of my earlier article, Why Capitec’s CEO Is Forcing SA to Rethink Its Unemployment Narrative, in which I argued that South Africa’s unemployment figures fail to reflect the lived economic realities of the majority Black population. Lehohla claims that my article has “amplified the debate” and insists on setting the record straight before it spirals into misinformation and speculation. However, my article did not reject StatsSA data outright. Instead, I argued that South Africa’s high unemployment statistics are shaped by a biopolitical statistical system that invisibly erases informal economic activity and Black labour. This is largely due to restrictive measurement methodologies…

The University of Zululand and Chang’an University had the privilege of hosting the 2025 International Conference on Water Security and Sustainable Development. The three-day prestigious conference from May 23-25 brought together leading scientists, policymakers, industry experts and stakeholders from around the world to address one of the most pressing challenges of water security. According to the UN, over 2 billion people live in water-stressed countries. The effects of climate change have led to a reduction in freshwater availability and climate-induced variability, resulting in an increase in drought in some regions and floods in others.The diverse participant base underscores a global commitment to advancing scientific understanding to formulate practical solutions. This much was evident from an array of topics that were covered. These ranged from presentations on geothermal systems, climate change…

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca admitted his team were deservedly beaten by Flamengo following their 3-1 loss to the Brazilians at the Club World Cup on Friday, but said Nicolas Jackson's second-half sending-off would have no impact on his future at Stamford Bridge. "Six minutes completely changed the dynamic of the game," Maresca said after Flamengo came from behind to lead 2-1 with two quickfire goals just after the hour mark before Jackson's red card left Chelsea down to 10 men. Pedro Neto gave the Blues an early lead at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, but Bruno came off the bench to equalise for Flamengo and then set up Danilo to make it 2-1. Jackson, who had come on as a substitute, was then dismissed for a dangerous tackle on Ayrton…

With the next instalment of the United Rugby Championship starting in a couple of months, the Lions have added some exciting players to their arsenal in a bid to strengthen their squad to challenge for a first playoff berth. The latest addition is former Bulls general Chris Smith, who returns from a two-season stint overseas at French club Oyonnax, crossing the Jukskei from the Pretoria side where he last played before leaving the country. Smith, a consistent kicker, had some strong performances in the blue jersey. So, the Johannesburg side will hope he can take his game to another level as they look for a flyhalf who can spearhead the team to the quarter-finals in the coming season. They have struggled for consistency in the No 10 jersey for the…

Kaizer Chiefs find themselves at the crossroads of revival and regression — and the transfer window ahead could be the difference between staying stuck in the past or finally stepping into a promising future. With the dust barely settled on their long-awaited Nedbank Cup triumph, Amakhosi must now prove that ending a decade-long trophy drought wasn’t a fluke, but the beginning of a new era. After years of underachievement, finishing well off the pace in the Betway Premiership and cycling through coaches at an alarming rate, Chiefs’ decision-makers now have a chance — and the responsibility — to get this one right. A decade without silverware has taken its toll on the club’s stature and shaken the belief of its massive fan base. But the Nedbank Cup win provided a…

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran is sending ripples through global markets, raising concerns over potential economic repercussions especially closer to home in South Africa and the impact on consumers in the country. Frank Blackmore, the Lead Economist at KPMG, said that the overall impact will hinge on two pivotal factors: the scale and duration of the conflict. Since the onset of the conflict, oil prices have already begun to rise, and Blackmore stressed the significance of this surge. “An increase in oil prices traditionally translates to higher costs for transportation and goods, which the consumer ultimately endures,” he said. In South Africa, where the economy relies heavily on oil imports, subsequent price increases could put further strain on inflation rates, potentially leading the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb)…

In her most recent court appearance, Dr Nandipha Magudumana looked nothing like the woman South Africa once knew. Once styled in designer heels and walking with confidence, she now looks worn out, hollow-eyed, visibly thinner and almost unrecognisable. Her gaunt figure, drawn face and lifeless eyes left social media users stunned. “Nandipha looks like a shadow,” a user on X wrote, while another bluntly added: “Nothing ages you faster than stress.” Meanwhile, Thabo Bester, the convicted killer and fraudster with whom Magudumana allegedly orchestrated a dramatic prison escape, sat in the same courtroom appearing well-groomed and composed. That difference between the visibly broken woman and a calm Bester has ignited conversations far beyond just this high-profile court case. It’s now become a mirror of how society views mental strength, gender…

THIS week, Russia hosted about 20 000 participants from more than 170 countries to the 28th edition of the St Peters- burg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The theme of SPIEF 2025 was: Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World. Russia has held SPIEF annually since 1997. It is held under the auspices of the office of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, who has attended every edition of SPIEF. The business mega event is Russia’s flagship programme, and crucially, it results in multibillion-dollar deals entered into by international businesses that participate with their Russian counterparts. SPIEF is regarded as one of the biggest and most important business masterclasses in the world. Last year alone, about 21 800 participants from 139 countries took part. A total of 1…

While uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s (MKP’s) national leadership has remained mum on the way forward for the organisation after secretary-general Floyd Shivambu’s axing, an open letter from its eThekwini region is demanding urgent, drastic action. Former president Jacob Zuma’s MKP dismissed Shivambu earlier this month over an unsanctioned trip to fugitive Malawian self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri. Barely two weeks after his sacking, the former EFF deputy president announced plans to establish a new political party while he insisted he would remain a member of the MKP. “I'm saying that we are going to consult with the people of South Africa, and if uMkhonto weSizwe believes that going to listen to people violates that constitution, then it will tell me that,” Shivambu said. In a scathing rebuke of MKP this week, Shivambu…

SOUTH Africa’s electricity crisis is about to get worse, not just because of load shedding, but because of the staggering cost of cleaning up Eskom’s toxic air pollution. In a tense engagement with the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources, Eskom executives dropped a bombshell: full compliance with stricter air quality laws would cost R257 billion in capital expenditure and R6.3bn per year in operational costs — potentially hiking electricity tariffs by 10%. Even more alarming? Without compliance, 22 gigawatts of Eskom’s coal fleet — nearly half its capacity — could be forcibly shut down after 2030 due to sulphur dioxide violations. The revelations came as Eskom’s chief executive, Dan Marokane, and Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Mare, faced tough…

US foreign policy in the Middle East appears to be adrift, no longer guided by fixed strategies or clear goals. Instead, a chaotic process, akin to political decentralization, is underway. While the Trump administration contributed significantly to this disarray, the ensuing bedlam was arguably inevitable. This situation arises when a nation prioritizes the interests of another over its own. Consider the perplexing statements emanating from the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. It is often impossible to discern whether he speaks on behalf of the United States, Israel, Christian fundamentalists or himself. In his latest outlandish remarks, Huckabee offered a unique interpretation of old ideas advanced by Israel’s most extremist elements. “Muslim countries have 644 times the amount of land that is controlled by Israel,” Huckabee told the BBC. “If…

IN South Africa, June is not only Youth Month, it is also the international Pride Month. This is a commemorative month-long observance dedicated to the celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, celebrating the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in local and international cultures and communities. South Africa is not only one of the only pro-queer African nations to date, but it is also the only country to have legalised same-sex marriage, and only the fifth in the world to have done so. Although, contemporary, other African nations have decriminalised same-sex relationships, South Africa is the only nation to fully legalise and enshrine the protections of queer people under our Constitutional laws. Legal progress for South Africa’s LGBTQ+ community has not translated into lived safety: violence against gay and…

BY ALL accounts, South Africa has come a long way since February 2023, when it was placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist over concerns about weak enforcement mechanisms and a lack of political will to combat high-level corruption. Now, nearly two years down the line, the country is on the cusp of delisting after “substantially completed” all 22 action items set out by the global watchdog. The announcement from the FATF Plenary in Strasbourg, France, marked a significant milestone for South Africa’s beleaguered financial sector. The country now awaits an on-site verification visit — a final step before potential delisting at the next FATF Plenary in October 2025. “This is not just about ticking boxes,” National Treasury said in a recently released statement. “This is about rebuilding…

The Constitutional Court is an apex court in the land. Its responsibility is to uphold the country’s Constitution and to protect human rights. Over the years, significant changes have occurred within this institution. The court has been led by different judges, passed different judgments and interacted with various high- ranking individuals and political parties. This has earned the court accolades and criticisms from different people. Having existed since the dawn of democracy, it is the opportune moment to reflect on how the court has performed. In so doing, it is fair to consider both its highs and lows. In 1993, as the country drew closer to turning a new page by moving from a racial era to the current political dispensation, an interim constitution was passed. It was this interim…

For nearly 30 years, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has driven the Middle East into war and destruction. The man is a powder keg of violence. Throughout all the wars that he has championed, Netanyahu has always dreamed of the big one – to defeat and overthrow the Iranian government. His long-sought war, just launched, might just get us all killed in a nuclear Armageddon unless Netanyahu is stopped. Netanyahu’s fixation on war goes back to his extremist mentors, Ze’ev Jabotinsky, Yitzhak Shamir and Menachem Begin. The older generation believed that Zionists should use whatever violence – wars, assassinations, terror – is needed to achieve their aims of eliminating any Palestinian claim to a homeland. The founders of Netanyahu’s political movement, the Likud, called for exclusive Zionist control over all…

Toby Venter, owner of the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit near Johannesburg, said on Wednesday that plans to upgrade the track to Formula One standards had been approved by the controlling body. He told reporters the venue that last hosted a F1 race in 1993 had been given the green light by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to implement design proposals. “Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula One to African soil," said Venter. “When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we made a commitment to restore it, not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across Africa. The acceptance by the FIA of our grade one design is a major step forward in that…

Bayern Munich's England striker Harry Kane said Friday he is relishing the Club World Cup's "special" atmosphere and is confident the German team can now go all the way. Kane scored the opener for Bayern in a 2-1 win over Argentina's Boca Juniors at Hard Rock Stadium that took his side through to the last 16. He said it had been a tough challenge in the heat and humidity of South Florida. "There's something special about these World Cup games and next year will be the same," he said with a nod to the 2026 World Cup. "When you come off that pitch and you're sweating and you're dripping and you're cramping and you've given everything on the pitch. There's a special feeling inside, especially when you win. That's what…

Should his plans fall in place, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus wants to use at least seven of the 14 rugby matches this year to keep his older guard fit and ready to continue playing at the highest level. With the other seven, he will be able to give the younger players more experience at the highest level ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, helping them achieve a target of at least 14 or 15 Test caps ahead of the tournament. The Boks are set to play 13 Tests this year, and will start the season with a friendly match against the Barbarians, next Saturday in Cape Town. An additional Test for later this year must still be confirmed by SA Rugby. Erasmus has said keeping his experienced guys fit…

As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, a time dedicated to honouring the role of young people in shaping the nation’s future, it’s a vital time to reflect on how we are preparing them for meaningful participation in the economy. One of the most impactful professional pathways is that of the Chartered Accountant (CA) - a role that underpins ethical, sustainable leadership in both business and the public sector. CA’s play a pivotal role in ensuring financial integrity, driving strategic decision-making and upholding governance standards across sectors. Yet despite its significance, the CA profession remains out of reach for many talented South Africans due to persistent systemic barriers in our education and training landscape. The journey to qualification is demanding, requiring not only technical excellence but resilience, adaptability, and the right…

In recent years, a growing number of young South Africans have been rediscovering the rich rhythms and lyrical storytelling of Maskandi music – a genre long associated with Zulu tradition and rural life. Once seen as music for older generations, Maskandi is now finding a new audience among the youth, thanks to a wave of modern artists blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences like hip hop, house and Afro-pop. Social media platforms have played a major role in this revival, with artists such as Khuzani, Mthandeni SK, Mzukulu and Ntencane attracting millions of views. Tracks like Uzophela Umcimbi by uMafikizolo, Awuhlabe Kabili by Limit Nala, Umkami Sengalile by Mjolisi and Unikhodima by Nhloso Khwela featuring Shenge Wasehlalankosi, are just a few examples of the electrifying music keeping my spirits elevated.…

US President Donald J Trump looks more like President George W Bush, pensive and in deep thought just before declaring war on Iraq. He is not alone. He finds himself in the same position as many US presidents before him, who had to authorise the military to go to war, rehearsing how the justification could be elegantly and persuasively announced. The pacing up and down the lawn of the White House and in Trump’s case, the silliness of the diversionary tactics, including the hosting of two “big beautiful” poles on each side of the White House, is not a sign of preoccupation with whether or not to go to war. That decision has already been taken. The White House resident is mulling over the speech that justifies the war he…

THE water crisis in South Africa is not looming — it’s already here, fueled by systemic failures, corruption, and a dangerous blame game between national and local government. This sinking reality dominated the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) hearing, where the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) faced an intense interrogation over its financial mismanagement, R25 billion in unpaid municipal debts, and the collapse of basic service delivery. Minister Pemmy Majodina, making her debut Scopa appearance under the seventh administration, delivered a rather sobering admission: “There is no crisis in bulk water supply — but at household level, the system is collapsing.” The root cause? A staggering 105 of the country’s 144 municipalities are chronically underperforming, leaving millions without reliable water despite South Africa’s dams operating at 98% capacity.…

OVER the past 25 years, China-Africa development cooperation has reached significant milestones. China and Africa have established a robust connection through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, one of the most successful South-South partnership platforms, built on their commitments and shared experiences. Both Africa and China share a common history as victims of brutal colonialism and in their struggles for independence. Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, win-win cooperation and strategic partnership have guided their successful collaborations. Multilateralism has been the cornerstone of this flourishing partnership — a foundation for peace, development, expanding trade and economic cooperation, and collaboration on industrialization, transforming the lives of millions and advancing modernization and prosperity as the sovereign rights of nations. China-Africa trade cooperation has been one of the most successful aspects of the partnership between the…

The Department of Correctional Services has allocated R1.2 billion for the provision of food for its more than 100 000 prisoners in the 2025/26 financial year, Minister Pieter Groenewald said. Responding to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Betty Diale, Groenewald said the department spent R1.4 billion on the provision of food on prisoners in 2023/24 financial year. The amount had increased to R1.5 billion in the last financial year that ended in March 2025. “For the 2025/26 financial year, the department allocated R1 286 972 000 for the provision of nutrition to inmates,” he said. In its 2025-2030 strategic plan, the department places the provision of food for prisoners as one of the top four cost drivers of its budget after compensation of employees, property payments, and public-private partnership support.…

The much-talked-about National Dialogue is indeed a national conversation we didn’t know we needed until former president Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki called for it. President Cyril Ramaphosa must be saluted for heeding that call. This gesture affirms that our leaders still speak and listen to one another. It is a tradition of leadership that the younger generation must urgently emulate – speak truthfully and listen earnestly. Accordingly, President Ramaphosa has announced that the National Dialogue will take place on August 15 at a venue yet to be disclosed. I will not pretend to be a seasoned logistician, but I would like to propose that Kliptown, Johannesburg, be considered as the location. I make this suggestion because Kliptown was the site where our great-grandparents gathered under difficult, illegal conditions on June 25…

The Fifa Club World Cup is heating up as the second round of group stage matches gets into full swing. This weekend could play a crucial role in determining which teams take control in their bid to qualify for the knockout rounds, and here we examine today’s headline fixtures. Fluminense vs HD Ulsan The Brazilian heavyweights proved they wouldn’t be an easy team to deal with in this competition, having managed to contain Borussia Dortmund’s threat in their opening match, which ended goalless. Despite the result, Fluminense created more chances and looked the more dangerous side over the full 90 minutes than the German outfit. They now face an Ulsan team still recovering from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in their first game. With both sides needing points,…

Andy Farrell insisted he would demand an improved performance from his British and Irish Lions when they arrive in Australia after their 28-24 defeat by Argentina in Dublin. The Lions lost after their second-half fightback on Friday was cut short by Santiago Cordero's match-winning try for the Pumas in the 59th minute. Farrell's squad, comprised of leading players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, travel to Australia yesterday before facing the Perth-based Western Force a week later in the first of several warm-up games ahead of a three-Test series with the Wallabies. Argentina, ranked fifth in the world, had already defeated France, New Zealand, Australia and world champions South Africa in the past 12 months, with the Pumas tough opponents for a 'scratch' Lions side playing their first match of…

After nearly two years in the Test rugby wilderness due to various injuries, World Cup winner Lood de Jager is set to resume his Springbok rugby career imminently. Included in the Bok squad for the mid-year matches against the Barbarians, Italy, and Georgia, De Jager is scheduled to play his first match in about 23 months as early as next Saturday against the Barbarians in Cape Town. The 32-year-old lock has been training with the squad for the last two weeks in Johannesburg ahead of the match. Despite missing the 2023 Rugby World Cup due to a heart condition and then picking up a shoulder injury that kept him out for nine months, the lineout guru is ready for the challenge ahead. “It’s good to be back,” an elated De…

A full-blown rebuild is officially underway at AmaZulu FC. After yet another underwhelming season that yielded little more than frustration and missed opportunities, the KwaZulu-Natal club has opted for a drastic clean-up. Usuthu have parted ways with no fewer than 17 players ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign, as they attempt to hit the reset button and realign the club with its ambitions. This is not a minor reshuffle — it’s a total squad reboot. The purge includes some high-profile names and long-serving players, with goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, defenders Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Mbongeni Gumede and Kwanda Mngonyama all shown the exit. Also making way are midfielders like Abubaker Mobara, Ethan Brooks, Rowan Human and Wayde Jooste — players who arrived with big reputations but struggled to lift AmaZulu to new…