Foot and mouth disease outbreak on Mpumalanga farm
BOTHAVILLE - The meat industry's concerned about a growing number of farms with Foot and mouth disease outbreaks.
Outbreaks have spread to three provinces after the disease was reported on an Mpumalanga farm.
China has suspended its South African beef imports sparking worry about the impact on farmers and their livelihoods.
Red Meat Industry Services CEO, Dewald Olivier, says he is perplexed by the China ban, but he does not believe other nations will close or prohibit their products because they have mechanisms in place to ensure quality products.
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The South African
25 minutes ago
- The South African
Chocolate prices set to rise in South Africa
Global cocoa prices remain near record highs and may still rise, leaving South African consumers unlikely to find cheaper chocolates this year. According to BusinessTech , while South Africa's overall inflation remains within the Reserve Bank's 3% to 6% target range, food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation rose to 4.0% in April 2025. Within that category, sugar, confectionery, and desserts saw sharper increases, rising 5.6% year-on-year. Chocolate prices alone jumped 6%. Over a longer period, the increases are even more striking. A standard chocolate slab now costs nearly 27% more than it did in 2023, while the price of a chocolate bar has gone up 18.6%. Soaring global cocoa prices, which have increased by almost 300% in the past year, have directly driven the surge in chocolate prices. Cocoa reached a record high of $12 565 per metric tonne in December 2024. Extreme weather and disease have devastated cocoa crops in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, driving the spike in prices. The two countries together produce about two-thirds of the world's cocoa. Although exports from the Ivory Coast briefly increased earlier this year, easing prices, the government has since warned of tighter supply, which reversed the trend. Now, concerns over the quality of the ongoing mid-crop are driving prices higher again. Reuters analysts report that cocoa processors are rejecting truckloads of beans due to poor quality. Cocoa processors reject about 5% to 6% of mid-crop deliveries, compared to just 1% during the main crop. Erratic rainfall has caused the drop in quality and could cause yields to fall 9% from 2024 levels. Major chocolate manufacturers, including Mondelez International which owns Cadbury and Oreo have acknowledged the price strain. The company flagged 'unprecedented cocoa cost inflation' in recent forecasts and warned that more price increases may be necessary if prices remain high. Nestlé and other global producers have also hinted at future price increases due to cocoa shortages and rising input costs. Tiger Brands owner of Beacon and South Africa's popular marshmallow Easter eggs is looking to sell its chocolate division, citing decades of underinvestment and limited strategic focus. The group admitted it had failed to keep pace with competitors like Cadbury and acknowledged it had not actively engaged with the brand or updated its technology in over 30 years. Tiger Brands will support Beacon until it finds a suitable buyer but believes new ownership could improve the brand's performance. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Omoda and Jaecoo launch new plug-in hybrids with impressive range and luxury
The Omoda C9 PHEV is positioned as their flagship luxury SUV. Image: Supplied Buckle up, Mzansi. The local automotive scene just got a significant jolt of electrified energy as the Omoda and Jaecoo brands officially unleash their latest plug-in hybrid contenders onto South African roads. Leading the charge are two distinct SUVs: the premium-focused Omoda C9 PHEV and the more accessible Jaecoo J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System), signalling a bold commitment to New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in our market. Pivotal moment For Omoda, the arrival of the C9 PHEV marks a pivotal moment. Positioned as their flagship luxury SUV, this plug-in hybrid aims to blend the serene efficiency of electric driving with the reassurance of petrol power and a hefty dose of premium appeal. Hans Greyling, General Manager for Omoda and Jaecoo South Africa, says: "The C9 PHEV represents a fresh chapter for efficient luxury motoring locally. It's crafted for drivers ready to embrace electric mobility but who equally demand performance, elegance, and safety. Think of it as having the best of both worlds – electric silence for the daily grind, petrol readiness for the open road." Efficiency Under the sculpted bonnet lies a high-efficiency electric motor working alongside a petrol engine and, together, they muster a substantial 440 kW and 915 Nm of torque. Yet, the real magic lies in its efficiency. Drivers can tap into up to 150 kilometres of pure electric driving – ample for most daily commutes – before the petrol engine takes over. This dual approach yields a claimed combined range exceeding 1,100 kilometres, while official combined fuel consumption dips as low as 1.4l/100 km. Charging practicality is key. Owners can replenish the sizable 34.5kWh battery pack in roughly 5.5 hours using a home Wall Box. For quicker top-ups, the C9 PHEV supports 70 kW DC fast charging, capable of boosting the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 25 minutes at compatible public stations. "Keeping drivers moving with minimal downtime is crucial," says Lindokuhle Sibanyoni, Product Manager for Omoda and Jaecoo. The Omoda C9 PHEV supports 70kW DC fast charging, capable of boosting the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 25 minutes. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Exterior Exclusively offered in the top-tier Explore trim, the C9 PHEV makes a visual statement. Its exterior features a diamond-shaped grille, sleek LED lighting front and rear (including daytime running lights), and standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Sporty red brake callipers hint at the performance within, while a panoramic sunroof and second-row privacy glass enhance the upscale feel. Colour options include Cosmic Black, Meteorite Grey, Moonlight White, and Quantum Grey, with a distinctive two-tone black roof available on Moonlight White and Tech Grey models. Performance Talking performance, the C9 PHEV does not disappoint, and a brief stint behind the wheel on the road to the Gerotek Testing Centre produced brisk acceleration with instant throttle response – the hallmark of electric power. Significantly, the ride is almost eerily quiet and supremely comfortable as the suspension soaks up the many ripples on our roads. At Gerotek there was an opportunity to do what is generally known as the 'moose test' – or, more pertinent for us, a pothole dodger – that involves a rapid swerve around an object from 60km/h and back into your original lane. For a car topping the 2-ton mark the agility and lack of histrionics were impressive. Interior Step inside, and the C9 PHEV envelops occupants in a cabin focused on contemporary luxury and advanced tech. The ambiance is set by Black/Light Brown Premium Nappa leather-trimmed seats, with the driver enjoying six-way electric adjustment and the front passenger four-way. Both front seats offer heating and ventilation, complemented by a heated Nappa leather steering wheel. Rear passengers aren't forgotten, benefiting from an electrically adjustable backrest and seat heating. Dual-zone climate control, rear air-conditioning controls and heated/cooled armrest storage add further comfort layers. Acoustic laminated glass significantly reduces wind noise, fostering a tranquil cabin environment. Technology takes centre stage with dual 12,3-inch digital displays – one for the driver's cluster, the other controlling infotainment and vehicle settings. An intuitive Intelligent Voice Command system (activated by "Hello, Omoda") allows hands-free operation. Entertainment is delivered crisply via a 12-speaker Sony sound system, while connectivity is covered by Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 50W wireless charging pad. Practicality isn't sacrificed, with a power-operated tailgate revealing 660 litres of boot space, expandable to 1 783 litres with the rear seats folded. The cabin is focused on contemporary luxury and advanced tech. Image: Supplied Safety Safety is paramount, with the C9 PHEV boasting an extensive suite of driver-assist systems. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM) with intervention, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Brake (RCTA/RCTB), Lane Departure Warning and Prevention (LDW/LDP), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA), and Traffic Congestion Assist (TCA). Further reassurance comes from front and rear parking sensors, a 540-degree surround-view camera, and a comprehensive array of airbags. Pricing Priced at R999,000, the Omoda C9 PHEV is backed by a strong ownership package: a seven-year/100,000 km service plan, a seven-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty, a 10-year/200,000 km warranty for electric drive components, a 10-year/1-million km engine warranty, and an industry-leading 10-year/unlimited km warranty for the main power battery pack for the first owner (reverting to 10 years/200,000km subsequently). Seven years of roadside assistance completes the offering. Jaecoo J7 SHS: Electrified Accessibility Alongside the premium C9 PHEV, Jaecoo is expanding its popular J7 range with the new J7 SHS plug-in hybrid derivative. Building on the J7's success since its 2024 launch, which drew favourable comparisons for its driving dynamics, the SHS focuses on making plug-in tech more accessible. Power The J7 SHS pairs a turbo-charged 1,5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering power smoothly via a 3-gear Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). While output figures are lower than its Omoda sibling (approximately 265kW), the focus here is on efficiency and daily electric usability. Its standout feature is an impressive 90 km all-electric range, sufficient for many urban commutes. The smaller 18,3kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery supports fast charging, replenishing from 30% to 80% in around 20 minutes using a 40 kW DC charger. Combined range reaches an estimated 1,200 km, with fuel consumption rated below 5.0l/100 km overall, potentially dropping to 1.5 l/100 km under optimal electric use. Visually, the J7 SHS retains the model's distinctive 'waterfall' grille and gains unique 19-inch alloy wheels, maintaining the signature lighting elements front and rear. Inside, it offers a comfortable leather interior, ambient lighting, a large central infotainment screen, heads-up display, wireless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and an eight-speaker Sony audio system. Safety is also comprehensively addressed with 15 driver-assist features standard, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross-Traffic Brake (RCTB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and a Driver Monitoring System (DMS). The Jaecoo J7 SHS pairs a turbo-charged 1,5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering power via a 3-gear Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). Image: Supplied
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Barloworld's R23 billion sale inches closer as deal gets CompCom go ahead
Barloworld is a step closer to being purchased by a consortium made up of Entsha, which was created for the deal by the Katlego Le Masego Trust, and Saudi Arabia's Zahid Group. Image: Supplied Barloworld is a step closer to being purchased by a consortium made up of Entsha, which was created for the deal by the Katlego Le Masego Trust, and Saudi Arabia's Zahid Group. On Monday, the industrial company said that it had been granted Competition Commission approval to go ahead with the sale of a 40.93% stake to Entsha, which is ultimately owned by Dominic Sewela, as well as the Saudi Arabian company, which operates across 14 sectors in 33 countries. The consortium continues to woe investors to sell the balance of the listed industrial company, which has the sole rights to distribute Caterpillar in Southern Africa. Sewela's position as CEO of JSE-listed Barloworld was a bone of contention with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), which had expressed concerns about a lack of transparency from the company. He will indirectly own a 51% stake in the consortium via an inter vivos trust. The Zahid Group will own the balance. The Competition Commission has now recommended the Competition Tribunal approve the deal, subject to certain conditions. These include the consortium implementing a 13.5% broad-based black economic empowerment transaction at Barloworld after the company is delisted on the JSE and A2X. Should the deal ultimately go ahead, Barloworld, an iconic South African company, will delist from the JSE after 84 years as a public company. Founded in 1902 as Thomas Barlow & Sons, the company has changed from being a family business selling woollen goods to a major industrial conglomerate with operations in 16 countries. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Because the initial scheme of arrangement failed towards the end of February, a Standby Offer, which was contingent on the scheme's success, was triggered. Although the PIC's concerns have been resolved, shareholders still have until the end of the month to vote on the Standby Offer. This Standby Offer could see the consortium increasing its stake from a currently committed 40.39% - including the PIC's 21.93% - to 100%. Caterpillar is in support of the deal. 'In addition to the approval of the Tribunal, the parties are continuing to work towards the fulfilment of the remaining conditions,' Barloworld said in a statement to shareholders on Monday morning. It said it would update shareholders on any material developments. IOL
