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Stronger Gold Prices Boost South Africa's Rand Amid Inflation Concerns

Stronger Gold Prices Boost South Africa's Rand Amid Inflation Concerns

South Africa's currency, the rand, has strengthened against the dollar, buoyed by rising gold prices. As of the latest trading session, the rand was valued at 16.84 to the dollar, marking a 0.2 percent increase. This appreciation is attributed to gold prices nearing a seven-week high, benefiting South Africa as a major producer of precious metals. Investors are now focusing on upcoming consumer inflation data, which is expected to remain at 3.6 percent year-on-year. The South African Reserve Bank's recent reduction of its inflation target to 3 percent adds significance to these figures.

Ivanhoe Mines Opens Tier 1 PGM Mine in South Africa, Aiming for Major Production Expansion

Ivanhoe Mines Opens Tier 1 PGM Mine in South Africa, Aiming for Major Production Expansion

Ivanhoe Mines has officially opened its Platreef platinum group metals (PGM) mine in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the mining industry. The mine, located on the northern limb of South Africa's Bushveld Igneous Complex, is a Tier 1 discovery of PGMs, nickel, copper, and gold. The opening ceremony was attended by South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, who initiated the plant's operations. The mine's first concentrate was produced from its Phase 1 concentrator, which began its final stages of commissioning in late October 2025. Ivanhoe Mines plans to expand the mine with a Phase 2 concentrator, expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2027, increasing production significantly. The project is a joint venture, with Ivanhoe owning 61%, broad-based black economic empowerment partners holding 26%, and a Japanese consortium led by ITOCHU Corporation owning 10%.

Building under construction collapses on temple in South Africa, leaving 1 dead

Building under construction collapses on temple in South Africa, leaving 1 dead

Local authorities report that a multistory building under construction collapsed on a Hindu temple in Verulam, South Africa, killing at least one person and trapping several others

International Cricket Council Partners with AB InBev for Major Events Through 2027

International Cricket Council Partners with AB InBev for Major Events Through 2027

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a significant global partnership with AB InBev, the world's leading brewer, to become the Official Beer Partner for all major ICC tournaments starting in 2026. This partnership will cover all major ICC men's and women's events through 2027, including the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in the UK, and the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The partnership will be spearheaded by Budweiser 0.0, a no-alcohol beer, in India, with other AB InBev brands activating in Europe and Africa. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta emphasized the natural alliance between ICC and AB InBev, highlighting the potential to create memorable experiences and deepen fan engagement through innovative activations.

South Africa's Rare Earths Set for 2026 Market Entry Amid Global Demand

South Africa's Rare Earths Set for 2026 Market Entry Amid Global Demand

Rainbow Rare Earths is advancing towards the commercial production of rare earth elements from a waste dump in Phalaborwa, South Africa. The company is nearing the completion of a definitive feasibility study, with plans to enter the global market in 2026. The project leverages existing phosphogypsum waste, offering a low-cost, high-value entry into the rare earths market, which is crucial for the production of permanent magnets used in green technologies.

Eskom's New Strategy Separates Grid Assets from Transmission System Operator

Eskom's New Strategy Separates Grid Assets from Transmission System Operator

Eskom has announced a new unbundling strategy that separates its grid assets from the future transmission system operator (TSO). This strategy, approved by Electricity and Energy Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, aims to create a competitive electricity market by establishing a separate TSO responsible for system operations, market operations, and central purchasing. The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) will continue to own and maintain the national grid as a subsidiary of Eskom Holdings.

Dairy Industry Appeals to President for Urgent Action Amid FMD Vaccine Shortage Threatening Food Security

Dairy Industry Appeals to President for Urgent Action Amid FMD Vaccine Shortage Threatening Food Security

The Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) has urgently called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to address a critical shortage of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine, which is jeopardizing national food security in South Africa. Fanie Ferreira, CEO of the MPO, emphasized the need for immediate presidential intervention to restore confidence and prevent further deterioration in animal health. The MPO has also reached out to Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen for an urgent meeting, though no response has been received. The vaccine shortage is particularly affecting KwaZulu-Natal, where approximately 220,000 cows produce 30% of the country's milk. The region is experiencing increasing FMD outbreaks, threatening rural livelihoods and the dairy value chain. Despite efforts to manage the situation, the limited vaccine supply only allows for reactive measures, which are unsustainable. The MPO is also concerned about delays in approving an import permit for the Dollvet FMD vaccine, which could exacerbate the sh...

FIFA World Cup Ticket Sales Open Amid High Demand and Prices

FIFA World Cup Ticket Sales Open Amid High Demand and Prices

FIFA World Cup Ticket Sales Open Amid High Demand and Prices

New Employment Equity Regulations in South Africa Could Impact Agricultural Workforce

New Employment Equity Regulations in South Africa Could Impact Agricultural Workforce

South Africa's new employment equity regulations, introduced in 2025, are raising concerns about their impact on the agricultural sector. According to Gabriel Crouse, head of the legal department at the Institute of Race Relations, these regulations could lead to a reduction in black workers, despite being designed to promote racial equity. The regulations require companies with more than 50 employees to report on racial classifications and avoid over-representation of any racial group. This could force farmers to hire white, coloured, or Indian workers to comply with the quotas, potentially displacing black workers who are currently overrepresented in the agricultural workforce.

AgriSA and TLU SA Oppose Proposed Firearms Control Amendment Bill, Citing Safety Concerns

AgriSA and TLU SA Oppose Proposed Firearms Control Amendment Bill, Citing Safety Concerns

AgriSA and TLU SA, two prominent agricultural unions, have expressed strong opposition to the South African government's proposed Firearms Control Amendment Bill of 2025. The unions argue that the bill, which aims to disarm law-abiding citizens, fails to address the ongoing issues of illegal firearms and ineffective policing. They have joined other organizations, such as the SA Gunowners’ Association and the Democratic Alliance, in voicing concerns over the bill's potential impact on lawful firearm ownership and rural safety. AgriSA is actively engaging with the National Economic Development and Labour Council to ensure that the interests of farmers and landowners are represented. The unions emphasize that firearms are essential tools for farmers, not just for self-defense but also for their daily operations.

Interpol Investigates Illegal FMD Vaccine Smuggling from Kenya

Interpol Investigates Illegal FMD Vaccine Smuggling from Kenya

Interpol has joined an investigation into the illegal importation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines from Kenya into South Africa. The State Security Agency is probing the case after a shipment was seized by the Border Management Authority. The vaccines, disguised as a heart medication, were intended for distribution across several regions. This incident raises concerns about biosecurity and the potential risks of unregulated vaccine use in the agricultural sector.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Advocates for Resolution to Sudan Conflict Amid Refugee Crisis

Egyptian Foreign Minister Advocates for Resolution to Sudan Conflict Amid Refugee Crisis

Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt's Foreign Minister, is actively working to resolve the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis. During the G20 summit in South Africa, Dr. Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's commitment to ending the violence and ensuring a stable future for Sudan. The conflict has led to over 1.5 million Sudanese seeking refuge in Egypt, as reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This influx of refugees is adding pressure to Egypt, which is already grappling with its own economic challenges and regional instability, including issues in neighboring Libya and Gaza.