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IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Time is wealth: reclaiming the hours lost to congestion, collapse and inequality
Every day, millions of South Africans lose hours to inefficiency. Image: Leon Lestrade/ Independent Newspapers South Africa's most undervalued resource is not land or minerals; it is time. Every day, millions of South Africans lose hours to inefficiency. Businesses bleed 140 million hours annually due to logistics delays, costing the economy R248 billion. Individual commuters forfeit an average of 144 hours a year stuck in traffic. Six million tons of coal are pushed onto roads due to rail collapse, worsening gridlock and damaging infrastructure. Women, in particular, carry a disproportionate burden, spending 30 percent more time travelling than men, often in unsafe, unreliable systems that restrict their access to work and education. In rural areas alone, residents lose up to 20 hours each week simply trying to access essential services. These are not isolated inconveniences. They are structural inefficiencies with systemic costs. The cumulative national loss is staggering. Yet, within this crisis lies the opportunity to build an economy that runs on time rather than with delays. South Africa urgently requires a coordinated national strategy to address time poverty, anchored in transport reform, port revitalisation, digital public services and inclusive mobility. This is not simply about efficiency; it is a matter of equity, dignity and competitiveness. Stats SA's 2022 Time Use Survey confirms that women in South Africa spend an average of 4.5 hours a day on unpaid travel, compared to 3.5 hours for men—a 30 percent time penalty that compounds daily. Over a year, this is equivalent to 28 full working days lost simply due to inefficient, unsafe and unequal transport access. This stolen time limits women's access to employment, education and entrepreneurship. In South Africa's startup ecosystem alone, transport barriers have been shown to reduce productivity in women-led businesses by up to 10 percent. This burden is compounded in low-income and rural households, where inadequate public services, childcare responsibilities and long distances between essential points of access trap women in a daily cycle of unproductive mobility. Beyond gender, time poverty cuts across all segments. Due to port inefficiencies, businesses lose 120 million hours annually in logistics delays and an additional 20 million. Commuters lose 144 hours in congestion and public service queues cost the population 50 million hours annually. A core contributor to this loss is the collapse of South Africa's freight rail network. With freight volumes down Inequality 24 percent, coal and minerals are being rerouted onto roads, adding an estimated 400 trucks per day to already congested highways. Durban's port delays alone result in R150 billion in lost exports annually, while portside communities like Wentworth lose up to 10 hours per week to traffic-related gridlock. In response, some private sector leaders have stepped up their interventions where the public sector has fallen short. Anglo American's R10 billion investment in revitalising freight corridors marks a significant intervention which is expected to shift millions of tons of coal off the roads and save over 10 million hours annually. Transnet's integration of AI-based freight tracking has led to a 15 percent reduction in shipment delays. Globally, Singapore's Tuas Port offers a powerful benchmark. Its automated systems and AI-driven scheduling have reduced processing time by 40 percent, recovering over 15 million hours yearly. This is the model South Africa must adopt if it intends to remain competitive under the African Continental Free Trade Area. However, digitisation must extend beyond ports and rail to everyday life. An estimated 50 million hours are lost annually in queues at clinics, government offices and payment centres. With only 41 percent internet penetration, many communities are still excluded from time-saving e-services. Yet the success of platforms like WhereIsMyTransport, used by over 500,000 South Africans for real-time route information, demonstrates the potential. eThekwini's digitised municipal services saved an estimated one million hours in 2024 alone. Expanding broadband and localised transport tech can reduce wait times, cut transport costs and enhance productivity at scale. Time reclamation must also be anchored in community solutions. In Khayelitsha, informal ride-sharing networks have reduced average commute times by 20 percent. Cape Town's 2024 pilot of women-only train carriages saw a 40 percent drop in harassment reports, reinforcing the need for gender-sensitive transport planning. Rural e-bike delivery hubs, based on successful models like Rwanda's Zipline, could reduce last-mile travel times by up to 30 percent. Micro-innovations can contribute to a broader inclusion, safety and economic participation ecosystem. While some argue that port automation and AI threaten jobs, international evidence increasingly suggests otherwise. Smart ports create higher-value employment in engineering, digital maintenance and supply chain optimisation, provided that retraining and education investments are made in parallel. This is not an either-or decision. It is an opportunity to build a dual economy where time and technology work in tandem to uplift rather than exclude. Economically, the dividends are substantial. According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, reviving rail and port infrastructure could save the country R160 billion annually, with an additional R30 billion in GDP gains from time savings. These infrastructure investments could generate 60,000 new jobs and support over 10,000 in portside communities. Environmentally, coal-to-rail shifts are expected to reduce carbon emissions by at least 35,000 tons annually. With transport contributing 10.8 percent of South Africa's total emissions, time reform is not just an economic or gender issue, it is a climate imperative. Globally, South Africa ranks 101st out of 139 countries on the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index, trailing regional peers like Kenya and Ethiopia. This inefficiency costs more than money; it costs time, credibility and investment. Under AfCFTA, time efficiency is not optional. If South Africa reduced border and port delays by just 30 percent, it could unlock a 20 percent increase in exports, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Failure to act carries broader strategic risks. Global exporters are already diverting supply chains to more efficient East African ports. If South Africa does not modernise its time infrastructure, it risks being bypassed in the very continental trade bloc it helped to shape. Time poverty, if left unchallenged, becomes a risk to national stability, not just a drag on GDP. Solving South Africa's time crisis also accelerates progress on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), where transport, access and inclusion converge. Time is not infinite. It is not neutral. And in South Africa, it is not equally distributed. We must start by reclaiming the hours stolen by dysfunction, delay and neglect to rebuild this nation. Time, like freedom, should not be a privilege. It is the currency of dignity and South Africa must fight to restore it. Nomvula Zeldah Mabuza is a Risk Governance and Compliance Specialist with extensive experience in strategic risk and industrial operations. She holds a Diploma in Business Management (Accounting) from Brunel University, UK, and is an MBA candidate at Henley Business School, South Africa. Nomvula Zeldah Mabuza is a Risk Governance and Compliance Specialist with extensive experience in strategic risk and industrial operations. She holds a Diploma in Business Management (Accounting) from Brunel University, UK, and is an MBA candidate at Henley Business School, South Africa. Image: Supplied BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Historic Germiston Golf Club closes amid controversy
The golf community of Germiston is reeling from the closure of the historic Germiston Golf Club, which officially shut its doors in April 2025. For more than 127 years, the club was a cornerstone of the city's sporting and social landscape. It was more than just a patch of green, it was a living piece of Germiston's identity. With the course silent and padlocked since April 16, residents and stakeholders are rallying to prevent its permanent loss. Germiston City News spoke to John Diamond, president of the Germiston Local Sport Confederation, who has been instrumental in efforts to reopen the club. ALSO READ: Jeppe Boys tee off for fundraiser at Germiston Golf Club 'The course carries so much history. Generations of Germiston families have walked these fairways. 'Beyond its recreational value, the golf course has contributed significantly to local business growth and community development,' Diamond said. A mix of challenges The closure has sparked widespread disappointment among longtime club members, families, and business owners. When asked about the circumstances that led to the course's demise, Diamond explained that it was the result of a complex blend of administrative, financial, and infrastructural challenges. 'A biased lease agreement with the Real Estate office placed the entire burden of maintenance, including perimeter fencing and infrastructure, on the club, with little to no support from the municipality,' he said. Additionally, the club had fallen into arrears with its electricity bill, further straining its finances. ALSO READ: Senior golfers enjoy another successful round at Germiston club While membership was beginning to recover thanks to new partnerships and growing optimism, this revival was cut short. 'What really broke the camel's back was the municipality's refusal to subsidize pitch and lawn maintenance, which costs around R150 000 per month, even during winter. Other golf courses receive support, but not Germiston.' Pleas that fell on deaf ears According to Diamond, efforts to intervene began months before the closure. Ward councillor Jean Ingram was approached as early as November 2024 and helped spread the word through WhatsApp groups and a fundraising initiative on Help a Buddy. Despite these efforts, the municipality's real estate office did not support them. A long-awaited meeting with the head of the department has still not taken place. 'I went to plead our case,' Diamond said. 'We even had companies submit Letters of Intent to partner with or take over the club, yet nothing came of it.' Risk of ruin When asked about the site's future, Diamond stressed that the land is classified as wetland, making it unsuitable for other types of development. 'It can only ever be a golf course,' he emphasized. 'Letting it fall into ruin would not only be a betrayal of our city's heritage, but a risk. It could become a vandalized dump site or worse, an informal settlement.' The closure has already begun to impact the local economy. Businesses that rely on the golf club's traffic are suffering losses, and young aspiring golfers have lost a valuable development platform. ALSO READ: Golfers take top honours at local tournament 'Germiston is at risk of losing a generational opportunity to promote the sport among youth,' Diamond said. Hope still lingers Despite the setbacks, hope persists. Talks with interested private-sector partners continue. Many believe that declaring the site a heritage landmark, recognizing its unique history and cultural value, could unlock new avenues for funding and protection. 'This is not just about saving a golf course,' said Diamond. 'It's about preserving a legacy, a city's identity. Let's remain hopeful. We South Africans are resilient. 'We know how to PUSH, meaning persevere until something happens.' An enquiry was sent to the city on May 16 to ask whether the municipality supports the reopening initiative and why the site has not yet been declared a heritage site. No comment was received by the time of going to print. ALSO READ: Senior golfers of Ekurhuleni enjoy a successful tournament While city officials have not responded formal, the community remains hopeful that increased visibility and pressure will lead to a sustainable solution—one that either revives the club or preserves the space for public recreation. For now, the once-vibrant greens of the Germiston Golf Club lie untended. But the spirit of the community that grew around them is still alive — determined to reclaim and reimagine a treasured piece of Germiston's soul. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
How two Gauteng municipalities fight contravention of bylaws — and support SMMEs willing to comply
The mushrooming of illegally built structures, particularly homes and plots converted into business premises without municipal approval in Kempton Park, Pomona and Bredell, is one of the biggest challenges in the City of Ekurhuleni. Businesspeople and the city are caught in this challenge as offending companies face penalties ranging from R500 to R5,000 per day for contravening bylaws. Some of the businesses' fines have accumulated to between R150,000 and R300,000. The City of Tshwane is also faced with this challenge. Its built environment and enforcement division issues, on average, about 84 contravention notices per month to businesses operating without approved land use rights. Tshwane economic development and spatial development MMC Sarah Mabotsa said if businesses fail to comply with the contravention notices matters are referred to court for prosecution. 'Contravention notices are also issued for illegal structures, and if there is a failure to comply with national building regulations, the matter is referred to court for prosecution. 'Where properties are being used for non-permitted land use, in addition to contravention notices and court action, which can sometimes result in demolition orders, the city is also able to charge those landowners with a punitive rates charge until the situation is rectified or the property is rezoned for the correct land use activity,' she said.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Luxury real estate: adjacent 2,700sqm vacant erven in Clifton fetch R170 million
A multinational entity based in various countries, has indicated that it is intent on building one expansive trophy property to crown Nettleton Road. Image: Supplied Two adjacent vacant erven comprising a total of 2 700sqm have been sold for a total sum of R170 million, VAT inclusive. The plots of land situated in prime position in what is considered South Africa's most prestigious and coveted address-Nettleton Road in Clifton on the world-renowned Cape Atlantic Seaboard were sold by Annette Hepburn of Pam Golding Properties. According to Hepburn, a long-term resident agent and area specialist, while these erven have planning permission for nine apartments, the buyer, a multinational entity based in various countries, has indicated that it is intent on building one expansive trophy property to crown Nettleton Road. She said this is one of a few remaining vacant sites in this highly sought-after address, where properties rarely become available, and when they do, opulent, completed residences can be acquired for upwards of R150 million. 'Nettleton Road is the most exclusive of all roads in the country, with a limited number of residential properties, large luxurious, iconic homes which offer all the elements desired by high-net-worth individuals – an unparalleled lifestyle, exclusivity, privacy and rarity, and above all, the spectacular views which epitomise the essence of the globally acclaimed Atlantic Seaboard. "Panoramic views from Nettleton Road sweep from the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range to all four Clifton Beaches. This premium location is home to captains of industry and some of the most luxurious designer homes in South Africa.' Hepburn added that the prime, upmarket suburb, Clifton's residential property median sales price of R34 million for 2025 to date is +29.5% above year-earlier levels and 136% above levels a decade ago. 'Sales activity rebounded post-pandemic, remaining elevated ever since, with 18 sales already recorded this year to date (according to Lightstone data) – exceeding the whole of 2019 and close to the 2023 total of 27 sales. These figures include both sectional title and freehold homes.' 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 ✕ In February, an independent real estate group said the residential property market on the Cape's world-renowned Atlantic Seaboard has experienced a particularly buoyant start to the summer season, driven primarily by increased demand for luxury property and characterised by stock shortages. Basil Moraitis, regional head in the Western Cape for Pam Golding Properties, said at the time that the fact that their trading in December (2024) was busy throughout the entire month was a positive indicator and underlines the ongoing demand for Cape Town's sought-after Atlantic Seaboard-notably for prime luxury properties. Furthermore, they said January (2025) was much busier than December, with February also promising robust sales. Currently, we have a waiting list of qualified buyers, both local and international, all seeking to acquire their own place in the sun on this highly desirable coastline. Among notable sales in January by Pam Golding Properties are homes in Clifton-sold for R47 million to a local buyer and R46.5 million to an international buyer from Germany, and a home in Camps Bay purchased by a UK buyer for R55 million. Currently, Pam Golding Properties is marketing a five-bedroom (all en-suite) multi-storey, residence which was designed by award-winning architect, Stefan Antoni, and which is also situated in Nettleton Road, priced at R160 million including VAT with no transfer duty payable. With 180-degree views across Clifton and the ocean, this world-class architectural masterpiece is said to have unique, oversized, open-plan entertainment areas carefully integrated into the natural environment. With specifications of international standards, the villa is spread over five levels, each accessible by a private glass elevator. It includes a bespoke Italian Assirelli designer kitchen, level garden with outdoor lounge and dining areas, exceptional views from the spacious entertainment terrace complete with a 16-metre heated infinity pool, four reception rooms, home office, media room, gym, laundry, steam room, three additional guest cloakrooms, staff apartment with two bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom plus a security suite at the entrance-on ground level. There is 24-hour security, four garages and four off-street parking bays. Meanwhile, this week, Transnet SOC Ltd ('Transnet') said in a statement that in July last year, it obtained government approval to dispose of its residential properties through auction. The South African rail, port and pipeline company said the disposal of the residential property portfolio is a strategic imperative, positioning Transnet Property to focus on its main mandate of commercialising the portfolio and maximising returns through best practice asset management principles and standards. It said the decision to disinvest from the residential portfolio, except for employee accommodation in remote operational areas, is informed by recent loss-making performance and heightened risk exposure. To action this, Transnet Property has adopted a dual approach, which includes a self-funding component realised through the completion of several disposal transactions for non-core properties, particularly within the residential portfolio, including residential houses, hostels, lodges and line camps. Transnet Property has taken a strategic decision to urgently exit this portfolio, and the non-core properties will be disposed of through several transactions. The auctioneering process will be handled by independent auctioneers to ensure transparency and good governance. Independent Media Property
Eyewitness News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
SARS ready to take responsibility of filling revenue gap in national budget
JOHANNESBURG – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has indicated it's ready to take up the responsibility of filling in the revenue gap in the national budget. On Wednesday, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presented the budget but didn't include an increase to value-added tax (VAT). READ: FULL SPEECH: The 2025 Budget Speech - 21 May 2025 In his previous two failed budgets, Godongwana was adamant on raising VAT, saying it was the only way the government could continue to fund some of its critical programmes. Godongwana has shifted some of that revenue-raising responsibility to SARS, saying it will be able to raise an additional R20 to R50 billion a year due to increased staff capacity. SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter said, 'We don't think of it as a lot of pressure, we think of it as a greater reliance on the SA Revenue Service in terms of its role to strengthen the fiscal integrity of South Africa.' Kieswetter said the revenue service has an uncollected tax bill of R500 billion. 'That includes penalties, interests, debt that will never be collected because it is not economical, some taxpayers are no longer in business, so we are saying even if through a focused effort we can collect a third of that, and it will be R150 billion or more.' ALSO READ: Budget 3.0: Keeping VAT at 15% limits funding for new initiatives, says Godongwana
