Author: Staff Writer
A legal battle is brewing between Trade, Industry & Competition Minister Parks Tau and bidders vying for South Africa’s lucrative R180bn national lottery licence, after Tau rejected a proposed court order to fast-track the process. The dispute stems from Tau’s decision to pause awarding the permanent eight-year licence, opting instead for a 12-month temporary licence, a move critics claim unfairly benefits the current operator, Ithuba Holdings. Eighteen bidders initially competed, with eight shortlisted after presenting to the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). Minister’s Controversial Move Sparks Outrage Bidders were stunned when Tau halted the permanent licence process, extending bid validity and issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for…
A flying trapeze, a Big Five game reserve, Zulu-inspired décor, and a surf school will dazzle guests at South Africa’s first Club Med, opening in July 2026, The Sunday Times reported. The R2bn luxury beach resort, rising on a former sugar-cane plantation in Tinley Manor (KZN’s north coast), is now a hive of construction. After years of searching, French-owned Club Med chose this prime location for its debut upmarket SA resort. While exact prices remain undisclosed, bookings will open in October. Globally, a week’s stay for a family of four at Club Med averages between R75,000 and R380,000. Olivier Perillat-Piratoine, Club Med…
In a surprising move amid strained South Africa-US relations, President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly considering four white Afrikaners – including former negotiator Roelf Meyer – for the ambassador role, while retaining Mcebisi Jonas as special envoy. According to The Sunday Times, government sources indicate Meyer – Ramaphosa’s counterpart in the 1990s Codesa talks – is a top contender. The pair, dubbed “R&R,” played a pivotal role in South Africa’s democratic transition and were known for their close rapport. Other potential candidates include Marthinus van Schalkwyk, ex-leader of the National Party (NP), who later joined the ANC and served as tourism minister…
– Huawei South Africa has launched its leading smart warehouse solution in Johannesburg. This strategic investment has the potential to revolutionise logistics operations in Africa. The newly opened 14,000 square meter facility boasts advanced technologies that boost efficiency, security and sustainable practices – marking a major step forward for the warehousing industry. Huawei is transforming Africa’s logistics sector by introducing intelligent systems to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. This smart warehouse represents the future of the industry and showcases Huawei’s commitment to innovation in Africa. Will Meng, CEO of Huawei South Africa, spoke to the strategic vision for the industry,…
Clicks Group reports strong growth in loyalty membership, retail turnover, and sustainability initiatives in the six months to end-February 2025. Clicks ClubCard Loyalty Programme Soars Clicks ClubCard has grown to 12.1 million active members, adding over 1 million new members in the past year. The loyalty program now drives 81.6% of Clicks’ sales, with members earning R438 million in cashback over six months. Retail Turnover Up 6.4% The Clicks Group reported a 6.2% increase in group turnover, reaching R23.2 billion for the six months ending February 2025. Retail turnover, including Clicks, The Body Shop, M-Kem, and Sorbet, rose by 6.4%, with 5.4% comparable store growth (excluding leap year effects). Excluding…
The Sunday Times reports the Cape Winelands has become South Africa’s fastest-growing millionaire hotspot, with centimillionaire residents nearly doubling in the past decade, according to the World’s Wealthiest Cities Report 2025. Key Findings Wealth Boom: The Winelands (Stellenbosch/Franschhoek/Paarl) now host 18 centimillionaires ($100M+ net worth), up from 10 in 2015 Cape Town Dominance: The Mother City leads with 34 centimillionaires, up from 28 last year Jo’Burg Decline: Gauteng continues losing wealthy residents to coastal regions Why the Winelands? Luxury Estates: Exclusive developments attract global ultra-high-net-worth individuals Vineyard Lifestyle: Wealthy owners increasingly retire to their wine farms Education Hub: Top schools + Stellenbosch University appeal to affluent families SA’s Winelands Billionaire…
The ANC appears ready to abandon its proposed 0.5% VAT increase following fierce opposition from its Government of National Unity (GNU) partners, including the DA, The Sunday Times can reveal. Budget U-Turn: Key Details Original Plan: Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana initially proposed a 2% VAT hike in February, later reduced to two 0.5% increases over two years. GNU Resistance: The DA and other parties refused to support any VAT rise, forcing the ANC to reconsider. May 1 Deadline: Businesses had already begun invoicing at the new 15.5% rate, but the hike may now be scrapped entirely. R13.5bn Budget Gap: Dropping the tax increase leaves a major revenue shortfall, pushing Treasury to find alternatives. Why This…
A preliminary report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has implicated Road Accident Fund (RAF) CEO Collins Letsoalo in alleged wrongdoing involving a R79 million lease deal for the fund’s Johannesburg offices. The investigation, initiated under a 2021 presidential proclamation, follows a whistleblower’s complaint to the Public Protector, accusing Letsoalo of overturning bid committee decisions to favor Mowana Properties, a losing bidder that ultimately secured the five-year contract. Key Findings from the SIU Report Whistleblower’s Claims Confirmed: The SIU’s preliminary findings support allegations of tender manipulation in leasing, cleaning, security, and legal services. Letsoalo’s Defense: The RAF CEO claims Mowana Properties—a Government Employees Pension Fund…
The Huawei Intelligent Finance Summit (HiFS) Sub-Saharan Africa 2025 has paved a new path for the digital transformation of Africa’s financial services industries (FSI). Huawei shared how its “Mobile First, Resilience Empowers AI-infused Finance” strategies would strengthen service resilience and promote digital innovation for the FSIs on the continent. In his opening address titled “In Africa, for Africa, Technology Inclusion Booming Financial Inclusion”, Victor Guo, President of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa Enterprise Business, said that greater technology integration is driving financial inclusion on the continent. He observed that increased economic activity and smartphone adoption have enhanced banking services in Africa. Through…
In a dramatic trade policy shift, former President Donald Trump declared economic war on China while extending an olive branch to other nations. The Guardian reported that effective immediately, Chinese imports will face a crushing 125% tariff, a fivefold increase from previous levels, while most other countries get a 90-day reprieve with reduced 10% duties. “When China punches America, we punch back harder—125% harder,” declared White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, framing the move as retaliation for Beijing’s “disrespect of global markets.” The announcement sent stocks skyrocketing, with the S&P 500 up 5.6% and the Nasdaq leaping 8% as investors cheered…
