The Mercury - April 17, 2025

In this issue

April 17, 2025

Jonas clarifies his 'racist' remarks on Donald Trump

SOUTH AFRICA's newly appointed Special Envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas has explained that his previous remarks against US President Donald Trump should be understood in the context that he was speaking in 2020 as an activist.

1 min

Singh committed to Durban film studio project despite delays

DURBAN businessman and film-maker Anant Singh has reiterated his commitment to bringing the city its first movie studio, despite challenges that have hindered the progress of this catalyst project for more than 20 years.

2 mins

MTN Group faces Anti-Terrorism Act lawsuit

Legal battle in US court could have consequences for SA

3 mins

Pet tortoise found alive after US tornado

MYRTLE, a cherished pet tortoise, has been reunited with her family in Kokomo, Mississippi, in the US, weeks after disappearing during a tornado, according to Associated Press.

2 mins

The IFP's betrayal: a call for accountability

I WRITE as a disappointed, disgruntled IFP member. Current leaders of the IFP are playing with the lives of the citizens of this beautiful country. There is no consistency in their policy.

2 mins

The IFP’s betrayal: a call for accountability

I WRITE as a disappointed, disgruntled IFP member. Current leaders of the IFP are playing with the lives of the citizens of this beautiful country. There is no consistency in their policy.

2 mins

Rev Hooper: man of the cloth with a 'Double Agenda'

HE INVITED trouble to himself by being involved in the Struggle against the oppressors who were his colour in favour of those oppressed and from another racial group.

3 mins

How the US has eroded its moral authority in Africa

The US-South Africa crisis of 2025 is a microcosm of a shifting global order

3 mins

Treasury's support helps Department address R443m debt

THE National Treasury has stepped in to assist the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (DoE) pay off a R443 million debt it has with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) in the province.

2 mins

Finance Minister outlines plans for R5bn SANDF peace mission funds

FINANCE Minister Enoch Godongwana said any decision regarding the R5 billion allocated for the SANDF peace mission will take into account the Department of Defence's needs amid the withdrawal of troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

2 mins

uMhlanga and Ballito's popularity among the wealthy on the rise

THE coastal towns of uMhlanga and Ballito are fast emerging as prime investment destinations and havens for high-net-worth individuals.

3 mins

Residents prepare for rates boycott

A GROUP of residents in eThekwini Municipality is gearing up for a rates boycott amid complaints of poor service delivery.

3 mins

Lamola says SA maintains its position on Taiwan office relocation

MINISTER of International Relations and Co-operation, Ronald Lamola says the relocation of the Taiwanese Liaison Office (TLO) from Pretoria to Johannesburg is to ensure that South Africa maintains its independent foreign policy position while reaffirming China's sovereignty over Taiwan.

2 mins

Sassa to appoint firm to probe social grant vulnerabilities

SOCIAL Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has said the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) will appoint a service provider to conduct a full scale investigation into vulnerabilities for all types of social grants.

2 mins

MKP responds to LPC matters against Mpofu, Mkhwebane

THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has broken its silence on the charges brought by the Legal Practice Council (LPC) against party members, Advocate Dali Mpofu and Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane.

2 mins

How one country's maternity package sets the standard for new mothers

PREGNANCY is no small feat. It’s a marathon, not a sprint and one that leaves your body, mind, and spirit in desperate need of care and support.

2 mins

March sees a rise in business confidence, fuelled by tourism, exports despite global risk

IN MARCH South Africa's business environment reflected a sustained improvement in sentiment that began in June 2024, driven by stronger economic prospects.

2 mins

Vision Group secures clearance to take over Tongaat Hulett's operations in Zimbabwe

THE Vision Group announced on Wednesday that it has received competition approvals for acquisition of all Tongaat Hulett's assets in Zimbabwe.

1 min

How South Africa's tourism sector is gearing up for a booming Easter 2025

SOUTH Africa's tourism and hospitality sectors are poised for a vibrant Easter weekend, with expectations high for a significant surge in both domestic and international visitors.

2 mins

WTO warns of potential 1.5% decline in global merchandise trade

Outlook for global trade has deteriorated due to a surge in tariffs, trade policy uncertainty, says WTO

3 mins

Platinum: Protectionism presents challenges for a key metal

UNDER a sky of uncertainty and volatility, platinum emerges as a key player in a global economic landscape marked by trade tensions and geopolitical challenges.

2 mins

Europe seeks to break its US tech addiction

WITH President Donald Trump more unpredictable than ever and transatlantic ties reaching new lows, calls are growing louder for Europe to declare independence from US tech.

2 mins

Global tech stocks drop as ASML warning adds to Nvidia curbs

TECHNOLOGY stocks sank as new US government restrictions on the export of Nvidia chips to China and a disappointing report from ASML Holding dimmed the outlook for the semiconductor sector, wiping out $155 billion (R2.9 trillion) in market value for the two companies alone.

2 mins

Clothing sales helps beat the February retail sales blues

PURCHASES of clothing helped push retail sales for the month of February to a year-on-year gain of 3.9%, an indication that such momentum should help drive some economic growth even if overall gross domestic product (GDP) is being let down by mining and manufacturing.

2 mins

PwC shuts operations in nine African countries

PwC shut operations in nine Sub-Saharan African countries last month following a strategic review, the Big Four accounting firm said, in response to a media report that said the company exited over a dozen countries to avoid scandals.

1 min

US President Donald Trump says ball in China's court on tariffs

DONALD Trump believes it is up to China to come to the negotiating table on trade, the White House said Tuesday, after the US president accused Beijing of reneging on a major Boeing deal.

2 mins

US President Donald Trump says ball in China's court on tariffs

DONALD Trump believes it is up to China to come to the negotiating table on trade, the White House said Tuesday, after the US president accused Beijing of reneging on a major Boeing deal.

2 mins

PwC shuts operations in nine African countries

PwC shut operations in nine Sub-Saharan African countries last month following a strategic review, the Big Four accounting firm said, in response to a media report that said the company exited over a dozen countries to avoid scandals.

1 min

Clicks to open up to 55 new stores despite economic headwinds

THE Clicks Group plans to open up to 55 new chain stores and an equal number of pharmacies this year as it continues on an ambitious expansion plan.

2 mins

Clicks to open up to 55 new stores despite economic headwinds

THE Clicks Group plans to open up to 55 new chain stores and an equal number of pharmacies this year as it continues on an ambitious expansion plan.

2 mins

Volkswagen pauses Polo production for a month at Plant Kariega to prepare for new model

VOLKSWAGEN Group Africa (VWGA) will temporarily halt the production of the popular Polo and Polo Vivo models for one month as Plant Kariega in the Eastern Cape as the plant will instal and upgrade facilities throughout its production areas.

1 min

How to build a strong business credit profile for easier access to funding - Business Partners

THE National Development Plan (NDP) envisions that by 2030, 90% of South Africa's 11 million needed jobs will be created through small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

2 mins

How branding drives growth in South Africa's business landscape

THE legacy of influence and growth through branding has been a cornerstone of business identity, evolving over time to resonate with loyal customers while attracting new audiences.

2 mins

How to build a strong business credit profile for easier access to funding - Business Partners

THE National Development Plan (NDP) envisions that by 2030, 90% of South Africa's 11 million needed jobs will be created through small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Recently, the government launched a new Spaza Shop Support Fund, adding to the many funding options available in South Africa.

2 mins

How branding drives growth in South Africa's business landscape

THE legacy of influence and growth through branding has been a cornerstone of business identity, evolving over time to resonate with loyal customers while attracting new audiences.

2 mins

Innovative startup hosts world's first sperm race to raise awareness of male fertility decline

TO RAISE awareness about declining male fertility an innovative Los Angeles, American startup will host the world's first sperm race on April 25 at the Hollywood Palladium, aiming to raise awareness through a microscopic competition billed as both sport and spectacle.

2 mins

Amorim confirms Onana back for Man United in Europa League playoff

ANDRE Onana will be recalled for Manchester United’s season-defining Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon after his costly goal-keeping errors in the first leg, manager Ruben Amorim confirmed yesterday.

2 mins

Cupido out, but Stephens returns for Stellies semi-final

STELLENBOSCH FC's 1-0 victory over AmaZulu on Tuesday evening came at a major cost, with striker Ashley Cupido expected to be out for “a minimum of six weeks” and miss this week’s trip to Zanzibar for the all-important CAF Confederation Cup semi-final against Simba FC.

2 mins

Marshall is ‘Seeking The Stars’

TRAINER Vaughan Marshall will saddle nearly 20 horses at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday, including three lively chances in the Grade 3 Champagne Stakes over 1200m. Seeking The Stars has long been one of the stable favourites and being seven years old, he has seemingly not lost any zest for racing. He could claim a richly deserved ninth career win under Gavin Lerena.

3 mins

Opt for longer, slender baits to catch the hard-hitting kob

THIS Easter weekend promises nonstop coastal chaos - and we mean that in the best way possible!

2 mins

Clear skies predicted for Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival

IT is now all up to the weather gods to tame the Hillcrest area weather conditions today for the 16th edition ahead of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF) to get underway at Kearsney College.

2 mins

Scott and Koedyk crowned PNB Mixed Pairs champions

AMANZIMTOTI Bowling Club was the heartbeat of local bowls action last weekend, as the club hosted the knockout rounds of the 2025 PNB Mixed Pairs competition on Saturday and Sunday.

2 mins

Opt for longer, slender baits to catch the hard-hitting kob

THIS Easter weekend promises non-stop coastal chaos — and we mean that in the best way possible!

2 mins

Nothing sweeter than Ikeys' triumph over old foes Maties at Danie Craven Stadium

THE sand had run out on the clock.

2 mins

Scott and Koedyk crowned PNB Mixed Pairs champions

AMANZIMTOTI Bowling Club was the heartbeat of local bowls action last weekend, as the club hosted the knockout rounds of the 2025 PNB Mixed Pairs competition on Saturday and Sunday.

2 mins

Durban City faces pressure as rivals close in on promotion

THE uncertainty of life in the Betway Premiership, caused by the Royal AM saga, has not gone unnoticed in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, with three clubs quietly rising to within six points of Durban City at the summit of the log.

1 min

Clear skies predicted for Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival

IT is now all up to the weather gods to tame the Hillcrest area weather conditions today for the 16th edition ahead of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF) to get underway at Kearsney College.

1 min

Nothing sweeter than Ikeys’ triumph over old foes Maties at Danie Craven Stadium

THE sand had run out on the clock.

2 mins

How player load management can secure Pirates' quadruple dream

ORLANDO Pirates are riding a high wave at the moment, and with the Royal AM shenanigans opening a shot at a rare quadruple, their supporters are rubbing their hands in anticipation of their greatest season.

2 mins

Teenager Thabede excites AmaZulu coach ahead of KZN derby

AMAZULU coach Arthur Zwane has bemoaned his team's failure to take their opportunities against Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium.

2 mins

Booi to earn historic 50th cap for Springbok Women against Spain

NOLUSINDISO Booi's name will be etched into the Springboks' history books this weekend as she becomes the first South African woman to reach 50 Test caps, when the national senior women's team face Spain.

1 min

Spencer backs Nabi, but warns: No excuses for Amakhosi next season

FORMER Kaizer Chiefs defender Derrick Spencer has thrown his weight behind Nasreddine Nabi for now, saying there’ll be no room for the coach to make excuses next season.

2 mins

Wounded Sundowns eye CAF Champions League final

MAMELODI Sundowns shift their focus to the CAF Champions League encounter against Al Ahly, with a place in the coveted final up for grabs when the two sides clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

2 mins

Booi to earn historic 50th cap for Springbok Women against Spain

NOLUSINDISO Booi’s name will be etched into the Springboks’ history books this weekend as she becomes the first South African woman to teach 50 Test caps, when the national senior women’s team face Spain.

1 min

How player load management can secure Pirates' quadruple dream

ORLANDO Pirates are riding a high wave at the moment, and with the Royal AM shenanigans opening a shot at a rare quadruple, their supporters are rubbing their hands in anticipation of their greatest season.

2 mins

Malcolm's Dream has much in her favour

TORRENTIAL rain put paid to tomorrow's scheduled night meeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville, but there is still hope as the meeting has been moved to a day meeting on Sunday. With a few days of sunshine predicted, the track will hopefully have dried out.

2 mins

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