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The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Training authority believes this sector could be key to jobs and economic growth
Mkhwanazi said those wishing to start their own businesses were 'equipped with the skills' they needed. As South Africa's soaring unemployment numbers reach 32.9%, with youth joblessness standing at 62.4%, the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) is bullish about having waged an effective skills development initiative in the sector. With the W&RSETA having over the past two years sent three groups of graduates and entrepreneurs to Egypt, Turkey and China for training, beneficiaries will on Thursday hold a feedback presentation on the impact the international programmes have had in changing their lives. The skills development programmes include: The Chinese Culture and International Exchange Cross Border E-commerce project, budgeted at R23 million. W&RSETA-Elaraby Egypt TVET College appliance repair programme, budgeted for R2.3 million. Fashion Designers Turkey project, based in the country's capital Istanbul, budgeted for R680 000. 'The number of programmes that we have as a Seta, the impact has been huge – people either getting employed or starting thriving enterprises. 'We empower them with the skills so that they get employed – dealing with the issue of youth unemployment that we have in the country,' said W&RSETA CEO Tom Mkhwanazi. Encouraging entrepreneurship Mkhwanazi said those wishing to start their own businesses were 'equipped with the skills'. 'The reporting taking place in Sandton on Thursday, will largely focus on three international programmes that we have been involved in. 'These including the International Leadership Development Programme, which we have been running since 2009. 'This has benefitted more than 5 000 senior and executive leaders, with our role being to equip senior managers, especially those who are previously disadvantaged, giving them skills to thrive and become leaders in the sector. 'This also closes the existing skills gap, especially with senior managers who lack crucial skills, broaden their mindset and open up opportunities for them,' explained Mkhwanazi. ALSO READ: The dark picture of youth unemployment in South Africa He said the programme was conducted in collaboration with the University of Cape Town and Gibbs. 'We want to produce managers that have gained insight into best practices and cutting-edge innovation and technology – creating opportunities for the beneficiaries and their retailers. 'If they want to start their own businesses, they are fully empowered to do so. 'The other area that we focus on is building leaders that become role models – positioning the retail sector as a career of choice. 'A lot of young people get into the sector by accident when everything else has failed. 'Young people do not think that the sector has opportunities. ALSO READ: More than a million applications for just 44 000 school job opportunities Retail Mkhwanazi described the retail sector as 'dynamic', contributing 20% in the country's employment, 35% to the gross domestic product and having employed over 3.3 million people. 'Young people I address in townships get shocked when I talk about the existence of so many career opportunities in the sector. 'I have always said to young people I come across, that not everyone needs to be looking for a job, because for any country wishing to ramp up economic growth, it has to start by empowering small businesses,' he said. The Seta has taken a group of young local TVET college students to China for a year, to gain workplace experience on E-Commerce. Among the 82 students who have graduated from China, include: Twenty-three students who studied at the Hangzhou Polytechnic – trained in online shop management, social media content creation, logistics, marketing, customer relations and entrepreneurship. Twenty-one who studied at the Wuhan Vocational College of Software and Engineering – trained in cutting-edge e-commerce and business skills. Nineteen, trained at the Changzhou Vocational Institute of Mechatronic Technology – provided with practical and theoretical training to navigate the digital economy. Twenty students trained in the Guangdong Polytechnic – equipped with the competencies to thrive in today's global retail environment. 'We are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital people – pushing young people to be exposed to skills and occupations required by the industry,' he said. NOW READ: South African youth: Mobilising for entertainment but absent in activism
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Life Healthcare Group reports 10. 5% rise in interim divided and plans expansion
Life Healthcare Group, which reported strong operational results for the six months to March 31, 2025 from its network of private hospitals and other healthcare facilities, said the disposal of its Life Molecular Imaging business was expected to be finalised in the second half. Image: Supplied Life Healthcare Group lifted its interim dividend by 10.5% to 21 cents a share in the six months to March 31, and it intends to continue growing its underlying asset base significantly in Southern Africa during the second half. The group, which operates 64 healthcare facilities across South Africa and Botswana, plans to add 58 acute hospital beds and 24 acute rehabilitation beds, and it will start building the new 140-bed Life Paarl Valley Hospital in the Western Cape. A new cath-lab and a new vascular lab will also be added to the acute business, as stated by CEO Peter Wharton-Hood in the results statement. The group will continue to grow its diagnostics business, with further transactions expected to be completed in the second half, as well as the addition of two new PET-CT sites. 'The southern African business will look to drive occupancies to 70%, with paid patient days (PPD) growth expected to be 1.5%. The southern African business will continue to optimise its asset portfolio and focus on operational efficiencies,' he said. Capital expenditure for the 2025 year is expected to be R2.3 billion. The R13.9bn Life Molecular Imaging (LMI) disposal to Lantheus Holdings is also expected to close in the second half. In the six-month period under review, there has been robust activity growth, with paid patient days (PPDs) up by 2% and occupancy at 68.6%. Revenue from continuing operations increased by 8.1% to R12.1bn. Normalised earnings per share increased by 9.1% to 49 cents. Earnings per share (continuing and discontinued operations) decreased to negative 155.2 cents from 242.8 positive cents in the first half of 2024, mainly due to the R2.8bn one-off gain in the first half of 2024 following the completion of the Alliance Medical Group disposal, and a R2.9bn fair value loss on the Piramal contingent consideration in the first half of 2025. The group remains in a strong financial position. As of March 31, 2025, net debt to normalised EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation) of 0.65 times is well within the covenant of 3.5 times. Cash from continuing operations was R2bn and represented 105.3% of normalised EBITDA from continuing operations. The strong operating performance for the six-month period, with revenue up by 8.1%, was driven by 'robust activity growth,' benefits from acquisitions concluded in the second half of 2024, and a tariff increase. The acute hospitals delivered strong revenue growth in the period, with PPDs growing by 2% on a like-for-like basis. This translated into a higher occupancy of 68.3% compared to 66.2% in the prior period. The acute hospitals had a strong second quarter, with occupancies over 71%, benefiting from the timing of the Easter and school holidays. Visit:
The South African
24-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
Afrikaner 'refugee' lists R2 million house after 'flying to US for free'
Another Afrikaner 'refugee' has been questioned over her motive for leaving South Africa for the US, under President Donald Trump's Executive Order. Like many others, Santana de Bruyn of Gqeberha is accused of being an 'opportunist' who hopes to reap the benefits of the resettlement programme for 'persecuted' people. According to reports, the former Heineken employee has put her R2,3 million home on the market. According to the Herald , Santana de Bruyn, her three children, and her mother, Susana, were part of the 49 Afrikaner 'refugees' who arrived in the US last week. The publication reports that the 33-year-old has listed her R2.3 million home on the market. Her uncle, Roelof de Bruyn, said: 'They said [President] Trump was flying them for free from Gqeberha to Johannesburg. And then to the US. 'Then he will give them houses, furniture, and vouchers to buy food'. It's unclear what persecution she faced to warrant her being granted 'refugee' status. According to the listing of her home, the five-bedroom property contains a 'vast entertainment area', complete with a 'refreshing pool' and a 'spacious flatlet'. It is described as a 'a true sanctuary that merges comfort, style, and endless possibilities'. An Afrikaner 'refugee' listed her R2,3 million home on the market. She reportedly 'flew for free' to the US under President Trump's resettlement programme. Image via Remax According to her LinkedIn account, Santana de Bruyn has worked for Heineken Beverages for over a decade. Prior to that, she lived in Rustenburg, where she completed her studies. Like other 'refugees', Santana has also 'locked' her Facebook, possibly preventing the public from prying. Santana de Bruyn is not the only Gqerberha resident, or Afrikaner 'refugee', whose claims of 'persecution' landed her a spot on Trump's resettlement programme. Jacqueline Botha left her home in the affluent neighbourhood of Rowellan Park. She is accused of scoring a 'free flight' to allegedly reunite with her husband, who has been living in the US for years. Limpopo Graniting mining businessman Charl Niehaus spoke to the media about leaving behind his five-bedroom home to find a better life abroad. He hopes to reunite with his brother, who lives in the US. Similarly, another, IT businessman, Errol Langton – who claimed he was an Afrikaner English South African who farmed 'leafy green vegetables,' – sought 'refugee' status after experiencing crime in South Africa. He also joins family members who live and work in the US. 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.
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
These Gauteng municipalities are lagging behind with their refuse collection bills
The Ekurhuleni municipality recently reported that refuse collection debt stood at R2.3 billion with 35% of customers not paying their bills. Gauteng's municipalities have millions in refuse collection debt sitting on their books. Electricity and water debts extend into the billions, but the cost of move waste from households to landfills is mounting. Gauteng's refuse removal resources may be in the dumps, but non-payment from residents is hampering recovery efforts. Ekurhuleni debt over R2 billion Refuse removal services in major municipalities operate as separate departments with individual budgets and revenue generation objectives. The figures were recently provided by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Jacob Mamabolo in a written response to a question posed in the provincial legislature. The MEC's response was a compilation of information provided by the province's 11 municipalities on how they handled their refuse removal matters. The City of Ekurhuleni has the highest reported debt for waste collection, while other municipalities focused on the percentage of residents not paying for the service. Ekurhuleni reported their total refuse debt stood at R2.3 billion as of February 2025, and that the averages payment rate was in line with other services at just over 65%. The City of Johannesburg reported a payment of 75% of waste management bills, adding that R780 million has been allocated to Pikitup for the financial year to cover bad debts. Johannesburg offers free waste collection at properties valued R350 000 and under, as does the City of Tshwane for residents of informal settlements and indigent households. 'The city indicates that its billing system for waste services to households is not issued separately, thus it is not possible to isolate and allocate unpaid municipal bills to just one line item on a typical municipal bill,' stated Tshwane's feedback. Low payment rates Other smaller municipalities in the province noted that it was difficult to calculate refuse removal as it was lumped together with other services. Those municipalities that disclosed their debts were the Merafong, Lesedi and Emfuleni municipalities. Merafong listed a R19 million debt with a 46% non-payment rate from residents and businesses, while Lesedi reported a R173 million refuse debt, with 60% of residents and 72% of businesses paying their bills. Emfuleni is currently under Operation Shanela interventions after being identified as one of the eight worst municipalities in the country by Cogta. Emfuleni's reported a R615 million debt, explaining that while 52% of those serviced paid their bills, the amounts were problematic. 'The other challenge is that the rate applied to waste is not viable for the municipality. It is too low, and if it were to increase, it would become unaffordable for customers,' Emfuleni's response stated. Rand West City indicated that 31% of residents were not paying for services, while Midvaal had between 87% and 94% of its residents paying their rates. The Sedibeng and West Rand District municipalities did not provide waste management services to residents, while Mogale City stated service charges were billed together. Mamabolo's office was contacted for further comment, which will be added once received. NOW READ: Gauteng's waste collection woes: R1 billion needed for landfills, R60 million for fleets
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Ramaphosa, Mashatile defends Godongwana amid VAT debacle as Mashatile reportedly calls for accountability
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa's unwavering support for Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana amid the Value Added Tax (VAT) debacle was reportedly causing internal rifts within the highest levels of government, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile allegedly advocating for the minister's dismissal. The controversy erupted after Godongwana's proposal to raise VAT by 2% sparked widespread backlash from opposition parties, labour unions, and civil society. The proposal was ultimately withdrawn following a legal challenge, but not before costing taxpayers an estimated R2.3 million in wasted budgetary processes. Godongwana was now expected to re-table the 2025 Budget Review on May 21. Sources within the ANC told Daily News that Mashatile has privately expressed discontent over the matter, believing that the president had shielded the embattled minister rather than holding him accountable. However, Mashatile's special advisor Kieth Khoza refuted these claims as 'mischief' that sought to 'cause divisions within the government'. 'Whoever is behind this is fabricating an untruth and a lie. At no stage did the Deputy President express any views on Minister Godongwana and his role in government. This mischief seeks to cause divisions within the government,' said Khoza. He added: 'This allegation is not based on truth and is therefore rejected.' According to one insider, the deputy president voiced his concerns during the May Day rally held at Curries Fountain in Durban, where he was among the event's key speakers. 'The deputy president is not happy at all with how the matter was dealt with,' the source said. 'He openly expressed the view that the finance minister should have at least faced some consequences or public rebuke from the president.' Another ANC figure confirmed these sentiments, adding: 'Many leaders within the party, including Mashatile, feel that the president treated Godongwana with kid gloves.' The perception among some ANC insiders was that Ramaphosa's defence of Godongwana may be tied to political loyalty. During the Phala Phala scandal, when Ramaphosa faced mounting calls to resign, it was senior ANC big hitters like Godongwana and national chairperson Gwede Mantashe who rushed to his defence. 'Ramaphosa is simply returning the favour. Godongwana stood by him during a critical time, and now the president is protecting him in return,' said the informant. During his speech at the May Day rally in Mpumalanga on Thursday, Ramaphosa said: "This is something that we need to take on board and it doesn't need to lead to a minister of finance resigning or stepping down, no. It should be on all of us to say, what are we learning from all of this?" Despite the denials, opposition parties have seized upon the VAT controversy, arguing that it reflected a deeper crisis of leadership and policy coherence within the Government of National Unity (GNU). Julius Malema's EFF and the DA both took legal action against the initial VAT hike, leading to a court-ratified settlement that forced Godongwana to withdraw the proposal. EFF Member of Parliament Omphile Maotwe called the R2.3 million expenditure 'wasteful' and demanded that Godongwana personally cover the costs. 'All of this could have been avoided if the minister had listened to the people,' said Maotwe. 'We told him to adjust personal income tax in line with inflation instead of burdening the poor with a VAT hike. Instead, he pushed forward with a plan that was both unpopular and, ultimately, unsustainable.' In the wake of the legal backlash, Godongwana attempted to revise the increase to 0.5%, but that too faced immediate court challenges. Facing increasing political pressure and the potential for a judicial defeat, he eventually settled out of court and withdrew the proposal entirely. However, Godongwana defended the move as necessary to plug a R75 billion shortfall in the national budget. 'The proposal was constitutional and essential,' he said, insisting that tough decisions were needed to stabilise the country's fiscal position. But the damage may already be done. The Western Cape High Court has since suspended the entire 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals, deepening scrutiny of Godongwana's leadership. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), which now serves as the official opposition to the GNU, has tabled a motion of no confidence in the minister. The party accused him of promoting 'neoliberal dogma' and called for radical shifts in economic policy, including nationalising the South African Reserve Bank and mandating it to pursue employment and growth alongside inflation control. 'South Africans deserve a finance minister who will prioritise their needs over market interests,' the party said in a statement. As Parliament prepared for a contentious re-tabling of the Budget, the political fallout from the VAT debacle continues to unfold, raising questions not only about Godongwana's future but also about the unity and direction of Ramaphosa's administration. DAILY NEWS
