The Mercury - April 08, 2025

In this issue

April 08, 2025

Service providers challenge 2025 school nutrition scheme tender

THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has confirmed the release of the 2025 tender for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), but the move has sparked concern among service providers who claim that key issues affecting the programme remain unresolved.

2 mins

Call for urgent action on eThekwini electricity unit corruption report

THE eThekwini Municipal Accounts Committee (MPAC) chairperson Thami Xuma has called for the immediate tabling of the report that has unearthed the corruption in the city's electricity unit.

2 mins

eThekwini metro heads to Concourt over R30m dispute

THE legal battle between the eThekwini Municipality and a service provider who is demanding R30 million from the city is heading to the Constitutional Court.

3 mins

Mashatile slams DA ministers for reporting to work after rejecting Budget

DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile says the DA cabinet members who reported for duty yesterday were not helping themselves as the Government of National Unity (GNU) negotiations once again took centre stage to determine their future.

2 mins

ANC chose to serve its own interests over nation building

TRUMP'S administration has taken a microscopic view of South Africa - its current policies and, in particular, the less than stellar performance of the ANC.

1 min

Non-compliant KZN municipalities must face the music

THE DA calls for the immediate public disclosure of the five non-compliant KwaZulu-Natal municipalities that have failed to submit corrective action plans, as well as binding recovery timelines and independent oversight to address the collapse of water infrastructure in areas like eThekwini.

1 min

Why is Trump on warpath against transgender people?

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump seems to have turned over a new leaf. The lecherous, chauvinistic male has suddenly become a holy man and wants to clean up America.

1 min

Lament for the old La Bella

I was privileged to witness an employees' wake for The Over-the-Street Shelter Bar.

1 min

How to enhance mental well-being: a reflective approach

DO YOU have a pencil and paper and an hour or two to do yourself a huge favour?

1 min

Common sense will prevail over anti-Trump, Musk protesters

ORGANISED and scripted by the Leftist Soros-backed 50501 Movement, big on volume but supply on sourcing, sums up the screeching and squawking of the thousands protesting against Donald Trump's policies (The Mercury, April 7).

2 mins

Malema demands public access to the National Sex Offenders Register

EFF leader Julius Malema has called for the National Sex Offenders Register (NSRO) to be made public.

2 mins

Mother caught trying to smuggle contraband into prison for her son

A woman was arrested for trying to smuggle contraband into St Albans Medium B Correctional Centre in the Eastern Cape at the weekend.

1 min

Stricter oversight for disaster relief funds

WITH R1.4 billion in disaster relief funds allocated to flood-hit provinces, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has promised strict oversight to ensure the money is used effectively.

1 min

SA teacher recounts Myanmar quake experience

One South African teacher working in Myanmar says he will remain in the Southeast Asian country despite the recent earthquake.

1 min

Investment Big plans in the pipeline for Durban, says mayor

DURBAN residents should be excited about the future of the city as promising developments are on the horizon, says Mayor Cyril Xaba.

1 min

Pothole negligence: court holds authorities accountable

POTHOLES can be costly – not only for the motorist but also for the local authorities who, according to the latest judgment on the subject, have a duty of care to ensure that the country’s roads are safe to use.

2 mins

Rethinking drunk driving responsibility

THE idea of operating heavy machinery or working in a mine while under the influence of alcohol is considered reckless, and rightly so.

2 mins

EXPLORE NEW MARKETS TO COUNTER TARIFFS

AT A time when international trade relations are increasingly volatile, South Africa must be commended for its sober and strategic response to the recent tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

1 min

Agricultural sector can withstand potential AGOA exit

Proactive groundwork should soften the blow

4 mins

Israel takes aim at Hezbollah

ISRAEL staged a strike in south Lebanon at the weekend that it said had targeted Hezbollah, and authorities said killed two people, as a US envoy visited for talks on the militant group and economic reforms.

2 mins

Boeing faces new civil trial over crash

BOEING is poised to face a jury trial over the fatal 2019 crash of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX plane, the first civil case related to the disaster to reach court.

1 min

Aid cuts threaten maternal mortality

MATERNAL mortality rates have dropped dramatically in the past quarter of a century, but the UN yesterday warned that stalled progress, falling major backsliding amid unprecedented global aid cuts.

2 mins

Stocks savaged as China hits back

Asian equities collapsed on a black Monday for markets after China hammered the US with its own hefty tariffs, ramping up a trade war many fear could spark a recession.

1 min

Step-grandfather jailed for 25 years for raping girl

A 62-YEAR-OLD step-grandfather has been sentenced in the Ncourt Sexual Offences Court in Matlosana to 25 years for the rape and sexual assault of a child.

1 min

Urgent need for improvements to maternal healthcare

AS THE world marked World Health Day yesterday, the national Department of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO), found the spotlight on maternal and newborn health under the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”.

1 min

Search is on for the next Miss South Africa as pageant breaks new ground

THE Miss South Africa Organisation has officially kicked off the search for the next titleholder, inviting women from across the nation to step forward as potential successors to current Miss South Africa, Miale le Roux. Entries close at 6pm on Friday. | Supplied

1 min

MPs are divided over a plan to regulate surprise oversight visits

PARLIAMENT'S initiative to create guidelines for members to undertake unannounced visits at public institutions has sparked a contentious yet optimistic response among political parties.

2 mins

George building contractor denies liability for collapse

THE contractor involved in the George building, which collapsed last May claiming 34 lives, says it is co-operating with authorities.

2 mins

From stress to serenity: how magnesium helps you find your calm

If there’s one mineral that never seems to fall out of fashion in the world of wellness, it’s magnesium.

3 mins

How to start your baking journey: Tips for new bakers

WHEN watching baking shows, one is often left wondering how the contestants started their baking journey.

2 mins

THE TRUTH ABOUT OZEMPIC FACE AND HOW TO PREVENT IT

IF YOU’VE scrolled through social media lately, you’ve probably seen people talking about “Ozempic face,” a new buzzword that has celebs and influencers in a frenzy.

3 mins

US weaponising tariff policy could become the new normal

IN A MASSIVE diplomatic push, Donald Trump's advisors of US President Donald Trump have said that 50 countries have come forward to negotiate for better tariffs from the country.

3 mins

Escalating US tariffs send SA market into tailspin amid political uncertainty

Rand plunges to two-year low by 1.6% to R19.44 against the dollar, its lowest since May 2023

3 mins

South Africa aims to expand agriculture exports in wake of US tariff threats

THE Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has urged the nation to diversify its export markets in response to US trade threats following President Donald Trump's announcement of potential tariffs that may exceed 10% on South African exports.

2 mins

The agricultural sector can overcome the impact of potential Agoa exit

THE hostile disposition of the US President Donald Trump towards South Africa raises serious concerns about the possible exclusion of South Africa as a beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which is set for renewal in 2025.

4 mins

Strengthening and diversifying our trade relations with other countries is critical - BLSA

LAST week saw South Africa’s Parliament approve a phased increase in VAT, sparking debates about its impact on the economy. Meanwhile, the ongoing trade conflict with the US intensified as President Donald Trump issued new tariffs, leading to fears of a global economic slowdown.

3 mins

TNPA seeks operator for Cape Town Port’s liquid bulk terminal

TRANSNET National Ports Authority (TNPA) on Monday issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the appointment of a liquid bulk terminal Operator for the handling of edible oils and compatible cargo at the Port of Cape Town.

2 mins

South African tourism businesses remain optimistic despite operational challenges

NEARLY half of tourism businesses in South Africa are expecting improved performance in the next 12 months despite economic and operational difficulties.

2 mins

Sirius Real Estate reports 12.8% rent roll growth for 2025

SIRIUS Real Estate, leading owner and operator of branded business and industrial parks in the UK and Germany, has reported a 12.8% increase in rent roll for the year to March 31, 2025.

2 mins

Navigating the nature of digital divide: protecting township communities

WHEN you are in need there’s a temptation to express gratitude without questioning. Any form of clarity seeking service is often associated with being ungrateful; this is clearly visible when one looks at the digital divide challenge in South Africa.

2 mins

How AI is disrupting Africa’s creative industries and what creators can do about it

\"I'M SORRY, but I think you're aware your voice talent job is going to disappear.\"

3 mins

Frankie denied by Hit Show

BIG outsider Hit Show (80/1) landed the 29th Dubai World Cup with a very late run under Florent Geroux at Meydan on Saturday.

4 mins

Zackey is on fire

CRAIG ZACKEY was on fire for the whole of last week which first saw him claw back a deficit in the national jockey championship and then saw him take the lead.

3 mins

Lolesio leaves Australia for Japan

JOE Schmidt's looming departure as Wallabies head coach was a big reason for Noah Lolesio to ditch Australian rugby and play in Japan, the flyhalf said on Monday.

1 min

Mentally refreshed Saka ready to fire for Arsenal

BUKAYO Saka said yesterday his enforced injury break was \"really good\" for him mentally as he set his sights on staying at Arsenal for the long term.

1 min

Kaizer Chiefs need two games to save their season

KAIZER Chiefs are two games away from breaking their decade-long wait for silverware, but a formidable Mamelodi Sundowns challenge could prove a hurdle too high for them to overcome.

2 mins

Saints sack coach Juric after spectacular drop

SOUTHAMPTON have sacked manager Ivan Juric, following their relegation from the Premier League, the club announced yesterday.

2 mins

Micromanagers hinder creativity

IS RUBEN Amoreira’s project at Manchester United in danger of imploding after another tepid display in the derby?

2 mins

How Riveiros exit will affect Pirates

JOSE Riveiro’s decision to leave Orlando Pirates will undoubtedly stir deep emotions, not only among the fans but also within the team and management.

2 mins

SUNDOWNS ALLENDE DETERMINED TO FINISH JOB AGAINST ESPERANCE

MAMELODI Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende has confirmed that the team is determined to secure a win when they travel to Tunis for their second-leg CAF Champions League quarter-final clash against Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

2 mins

Klaasen’s future in doubt

HEINRICH Klaasen was the major omission on the Cricket SA contracted players list announced on Monday.

2 mins

Mongalo praises Sharks youngsters for making Lyon sweat

THE Sharks joined the Lions on the EPCR Challenge Cup sidelines after losing 34-21 to Lyon on Sunday but defence coach Joey Mongalo saw positives from the youngsters sent to France.

2 mins

Reds’ Slot backs skipper following Fulham loss

LIVERPOOL boss Arne Slot has leapt to the defence of skipper Virgil van Dijk and the rest of the backline after they faced criticism for their first-half display in the weekend’s 3-2 loss away at Fulham.

2 mins

Milan’s quest for a historic treble against Bayern Munich

INTER Milan are on an unlikely mission to repeat the treble as the Serie A champions travel to take on Bayern Munich, the team they beat to complete a historic Uefa Champions League triumph under Jose Mourinho 15 years ago.

2 mins

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