The Mercury - April 07, 2025

In this issue

April 07, 2025

Msunduzi residents slam draft budget

RESIDENTS and ratepayers have criticised the draft budget tabled by the Msunduzi Municipality as unaffordable.

2 mins

South Africans reported safe in Myanmar following earthquake

AT LEAST 12 South Africans are accounted for, safe and unharmed in Myanmar in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake.

2 mins

TEACHERS UNION CONDEMNS AGEISM AND CALLS FOR INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP

SOUTH African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) has condemned growing attitudes within the union suggesting that older members should step aside for younger ones, labelling such sentiments as discriminatory and unconstitutional.

2 mins

Drastic proposal for curbing teen pregnancy

Question on contraceptive implants for pupils

2 mins

Justice for rape victims: A call for accountability

IF MEDIA reports that quote experts are to be believed, the 7-yearold girl who was allegedly raped in the Eastern Cape by an official at a school she attends is to be raped again, this time by the justice system which regrettably is a common occurrence in this society.

1 min

Speeding up the granting of visas will benefit businesses

OUR Department of Home Affairs is doing South Africa proud. We are moving ahead in leaps and bounds.

1 min

ANC-DA bickering aside, government needs the revenue even a VAT small hike would bring

SOCIAL media was and still is abuzz with talk about the 2025 Budget.

1 min

The Osprey Saga - now that's news

WHAT follows is not an attempt to analyse or appraise Donald Trump's world trade war. This is not to suggest that the trade war is of no account, it's just that it's impossible at this early stage to assess the issues. Let's rather examine the Osprey Saga.

2 mins

Denel in need of a leadership overhaul to regain its standing in the defence sector

GIVEN Denel's ongoing struggles, including the recent cutting of municipal services at its Lyttleton Campus, which impacts the headquarters of the South African Military Health Services and its formations, it is crucial to address the implications of the state-owned company's decline on our defence sector and national security.

1 min

Single parents: ditch the quilt, enjoy the family you have

A NOTE to single or solo parents OR things I am still learning...

1 min

Disarmament is the ultimate aim of firearms control

IDEOLOGICAL strategy is the answer to the question posed by a private security firm as to who is behind the new gun regulatory proposals regarding private firearm usage (The Mercury, April 4).

1 min

First Choice v Fresh Choice: legal row over trademarks

THE battle of the milks - First Choice versus Fresh Choice - raged before the Gauteng High Court, with the owner of First Choice asking that its competitor be interdicted from using the Fresh Choice logo, as it claimed it is similar to their trademark.

2 mins

Run, Omotoso, run for your life, says Malema on preacher's acquittal

EFF leader Julius Malema says that once the GNU collapses and his party takes over, they will revisit the case of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who was recently acquitted of charges including rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

2 mins

Rabies alert issued after dog tests positive

THE uMngeni SPCA and uMgungundlovu District Municipality have issued an alert for rabies after a dead dog tested positive for the deadly virus.

1 min

Mashatile honours legacy of Solomon Mahlangu, touts ANC's rejuvenation

DEPUTY president Paul Mashatile commemorated the life and legacy of Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu with a memorial lecture on Sunday in Khayelitsha while other ANC leaders undertook other activities in Mahlangu's memory in Gauteng.

2 mins

Supreme Court to hear appeal on Zulu kingship

A ZULU royal family faction that is challenging King Misuzulu's ascendency to the throne is confidence that Prince Simakade will eventually become the Zulu monarch.

2 mins

I'S TIME TO PUT THE NPA ON TRIAL

THE recent acquittal of Timothy Omotoso on charges of racketeering, trafficking in persons, rape, and sexual assault marks yet another disappointing chapter in South Africa's struggle for justice.

1 min

Improving neonatal health in Africa

EVERY child deserves the best possible start in life. A healthy beginning paves the way for a hopeful future, yet survival remains uncertain for many newborns across sub-Saharan Africa.

2 mins

US tariffs, Agoa threats limit Ramaphosa’s options

For the continent and South Africa, the stakes are very high

4 mins

India's Modi praises close Sri Lanka ties

INDIA'S Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Sri Lanka's sacred Buddhist tree yesterday before wrapping up a state visit during which he secured defence and energy deals.

1 min

Plans to host Russian embassy

NIGER has confirmed its intention to host a Russian embassy for the first time in over three decades, the West African country's foreign minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, announced.

1 min

Man charged for trying to open flight doors

AUSTRALIAN police have arrested and charged a Jordanian national who allegedly attempted to open the doors of a Sydney-bound flight.

1 min

US revokes all visas for South Sudanese amid row

WASHINGTON is revoking all visas for South Sudanese passport holders and blocking new arrivals, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on the weekend, complaining the African nation is not accepting its nationals expelled from the US.

1 min

Rain hampers recovery in Myanmar

RAIN is compounding misery and pre-senting new hurdles for relief efforts yesterday in Myanmar, where state media reported the death toll from a devastating earthquake has risen to nearly 1,500 people.

2 mins

Thousands march against Trump

TENS of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of major US cities at the weekend to oppose the divisive policies of President Donald Trump, with the largest demonstrations since his return to the White House.

2 mins

Road Accident Fund’s legal action was ‘a waste of time and resources’

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has declined an application by the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to hear an appeal regarding the accounting standards to be used in its audit process.

2 mins

NPA ‘being used as a political tool instead of an instrument of justice’

PRESIDENT of the African Transformation Movement (ATM), Vuyo Zungula, believes that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was deliberately “dismantled” to advance political agendas.

1 min

Energy plan to create thousands of jobs

SOUTH Africa's shift towards a greener future is set to generate more than 25,000 jobs by the end of the decade, following the Cabinet's approval of the South African Renewable Energy Master Plan (Sarem).

1 min

Illegal sewerage connections a hazard

THE eThekwini Water and Sanitation department said the courts were not pursuing “non-compliance” notices when it came to illegal connections to the sewerage infrastructure.

2 mins

Understanding brain flossing: a guide to mental clarity and focus

IN TODAY'S fast-paced world, maintaining mental clarity and focus is as crucial as taking care of our physical health.

1 min

The shocking truth about your haircare: Are you causing your own bad hair days?

IN SOUTH Africa, hair is more than just style – it’s a story of culture, identity, and care. From braids to natural curls, sleek styles to protective coverings, hair is personal.

3 mins

YOUR GUIDE TO SUPPORTING A LOVED ONE WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER

BIPOLAR disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a complex mental health condition often misunderstood by society.

2 mins

Global stock markets, JSE fall hard as South Africa faces political and economic turmoil

STOCK markets around the world got a bloody nose for a second day on Friday, and the JSE All Share Index slumped 5.26% as investors fretted about a global recession arising out of Donald Trump's import tariffs and an expanding global trade war.

2 mins

SA looks East for low-emission coal tech to support energy transition

Government plan to mitigate emissions without dismantling the current coal-dependent energy structure

5 mins

SA braces for crucial US trade talks as tariffs threaten Agoa benefits

SOUTH Africa is preparing for significant diplomatic engagements with the United States following the imposition of tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, which have effectively nullified the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) benefits.

2 mins

Government a step closer to finalising policy to revitalise townships and rural economies

MINISTER of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has revealed that her department was finalising the long-overdue Township and Rural Economic Development and Revitalization Policy to support township enterprise hubs, zones, and clusters.

2 mins

Amid the market carnage South Africa must master the art of the deal - fast

WITH a stroke of his fat koki pen, US President Donald Trump has done more to harm the dollar's reserve status than anything Xi, Putin or anyone else could do, although his erratic status was an outcome of a management strategy.

5 mins

The impact of Trump’s tariffs on global trade and the US economy - Donald MacKay

WITH a stroke of his fat koki pen, US President Donald Trump continues to harm the dollar’s reserve status than anything Xi, Putin or anyone else could do, though his reserve status was an outcome of American strength.

3 mins

SA must broker new US trade deal amid tariff threat, BRICS Business Council leader says

SOUTH Africa must urgently pursue a new trade deal with the US to safeguard its economic interests amid rising tariffs and renewed domestic pressure, a senior business leader said, as the Trump administration’s “Liberation Day” policy threatens to unravel decades of duty-free access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).

4 mins

South Africa opens second round of applications for Trusted Tour Operator Scheme

THE Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, has announced the gazetting of a second invitation for applications to the highly acclaimed Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS).

2 mins

South African red meat producers concerned about market spillover effects of Trump tariffs

AGRICULTURAL associations have remained concerned about the possible impact of tariff increases announced by US President Donald Trump, which could possibly reach as high as 31% for South Africa.

2 mins

Grindrod’s acquisition bolsters presence amid tough conditions

THE announcement of Grindrod’s acquisition of the remaining 35% stake in Terminal de Carvão da Matola (TCM) at Maputo port stands as a significant strategic milestone for the company, outlined in the integrated report released on Friday.

1 min

Will Trump's "Liberation" day explode in his face?

THE US president's \"liberation day\" tariff policies, announced on Wednesday, have resulted in sweeping border taxes of between 10% and 50% imposed on almost every nation, wiping out $1.9 trillion ($34.9 trillion) off Wall Street stocks and share prices in other financial centres across the globe on Thursday.

1 min

COSATU calls for the scrapping of VAT and PIT hikes in the new Budget

NOW that Parliament has adopted the Budget it must honour its promise to scrap the value-added tax (VAT) and personal income tax (PIT) hikes, what none will doubt the Budget's passing was less than pleasant, and not miss the important gains painstakingly won by Cosatu and other progressive voices, including inside the ANC-led government and Parliament.

4 mins

Let's skill the youth of South Africa, and fuel country's industrial transformation

SOUTH Africa stares down a ticking time bomb: over 45% youth unemployment threatens to detonate our future. Our young people—our greatest asset—rot on the sidelines while industries like energy and construction beg for skilled hands.

3 mins

Kudzu to put them in the shade

AFTER a string of four runner-up finishes, Kudzu finally broke the ice last time out as Muzi Yeni drove him home with a strong finish to win over the Turffontein inner mile.

2 mins

Mullins rides the National

PATRICK MULLINS, the winning jockey on Nick Rockett in the 177th Randox Grand National, said at the post-race press conference: \"It doesn't get any better than this.

2 mins

Field Marshal always in command

FIELD MARSHAL has always been a horse with a feature race in him, especially after his close-up second in the Fever Tree Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville two runs back against surprise winner African Skyline but with some solid handicappers behind him.

1 min

White applauds referee Ridley after Bayonne win

IT’S not often that a rugby coach dishes out compliments to a referee, but that’s exactly what Bulls boss Jake White did following their 32-22 Challenge Cup last-16 victory over Bayonne in France on Saturday.

3 mins

An all-Gauteng final as Warriors hold off Dolphins

THE Warriors found a last burst of energy in their CSA 4-Day Series campaign, defeating the Dolphins by 37 runs to gather some esteem before their final of the tournament, and deny the visitors a final appearance, which will now be an all-Gauteng affair later this week.

1 min

Rich Boyz can still cash-in on form – Zothwane

RICHARDS Bay coach Papi Zothwane believes his still on song high performing team in the DStv Premiership despite suffering back to back defeats.

2 mins

'Steynless' performance reiterates Gerda's supremacy

GERDA Steyn remained nonchalantly calm, that famous smile of hers telling the story of an athlete unfazed – even as yet another adversary threw jabs her way.

2 mins

Kaptein: I wasn't scared and took my chance

WILLIAM KAPTEIN waved to the crowd as he stepped onto the grass inside the UCT Rugby Fields, confident that the title was within his grasp.

2 mins

PRANCING HORSES GO LAME AROUND SUZUKA

FERRARI’S hopes of mounting a genuine title challenge took another hit at the Japanese Grand Prix, as Charles Leclerc finished fourth and Lewis Hamilton seventh, with both drivers voicing concerns over the performance of their cars.

2 mins

Reds falter in rare moment, Manchester witness dull draw

LIVERPOOL slumped to just their second Premier League defeat this season as Fulham clinched a shock 3-2 win over the runaway leaders, while Southampton were relegated in record-setting time after a 3-1 loss at Tottenham.

2 mins

SHARKS FAIL LYON CHALLENGE

IT WAS with more of a whimper than a bang that the Sharks surrendered their EPCR Challenge Cup title on Sunday night but this was always going to be the case when 15 first-choice players were watching the game from sofas in Durban.

2 mins

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