Business Day (South Africa) articles from July 2009

Business Day (South Africa) archives from July 2009

SA misses global food price deflation again.
July 31, 2009... THE BOTTOM LINE COLUMN SA misses global food price deflation again FOOD price increases have finally started to slow significantly and the trend may continue for the rest of this year. That is certainly the message sent by the moderation in...

Keep paying above market rate and face mass unemployment.
July 31, 2009... Byline: MICHEL PIREU StreetDogs Keep paying above market rate and face mass unemployment FROM Planning for Freedom: Let the Market System Work. A Collection of Essays & Addresses by Ludwig von Mises; The only means to increase a nation's...

Bleak jobs data.
July 31, 2009... Bleak jobs data Some figures jar but trend seems accurate THE latest employment figures are a profoundly depressing reflection on the deteriorating state of the economy. But they do need to be taken with at least a small pinch of salt. A couple...

Flying towards turbulence.
July 31, 2009... Flying towards turbulence State-owned airlines display worrying overlaps THAT the state owns three airlines does not seem to trouble the Department of Public Enterprises in the slightest. There is not even the faintest sign of concern regarding...

Three ways to help small business fight poverty.
July 31, 2009... Byline: THAMI MAZWAI Three ways to help small business fight poverty THREE separate issues, if handled correctly, will give small business growth a massive boost, and as a result, abject poverty and rampant unemployment currently ravaging...

Treasure maps a scientific strategy to reach the youth.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Penny Haw Treasure maps a scientific strategy to reach the youth The GM of Mark Shuttleworth's HIP2B educational initiative has a bold vision for the growth of the brand, writes WITH the Department of Science and Technology's National...

My talent was going to waste Mokoena.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Mninawa Ntloko My talent was going to waste Mokoena Downs' new signing was tired of bench and a salary 'I never worked for' MNINAWA NTLOKO Sports Editor A DAY after fiery Orlando Pirates coach Rudi Krol declared that departed...

Film.
July 31, 2009... Byline: PHILLIP ALTBEKER Film DEEPA Mehta has never shied away from controversy her Fire dealt with lesbianism, and her Earth with violence between Hindus and Muslims at the time of India's partition. Her latest, HEAVEN ON EARTH, examines...

Nothing left-wing about being a hooligan.
July 31, 2009... Byline: AUBREY MATSHIQI Nothing left-wing about being a hooligan THE service delivery protests and wave of wage strikes have inspired me to compose a few songs that will provide the ambience for the current political situation. The progress I...

Lewis leaves a rich legacy after a decade as tribunal chairman.
July 31, 2009... Byline: TEMBINKOSI BONAKELE Lewis leaves a rich legacy after a decade as tribunal chairman TODAY is David Lewis's last day on the job as chairman of the Competition Tribunal. He was a true public servant and the country has been immeasurably...

Producer prices beat a sharp retreat.
July 31, 2009... Byline: MARIAM ISA Producer prices beat a sharp retreat Economics Editor PRICES at SA's factories, farms and mines dived a record 4,1% in the year to June, delivering the second pleasant surprise on inflation this week and reinforcing the...

Hlophe stares down judges at JSC 'Zuma' showdown.
July 31, 2009... Byline: FRANNY RABKIN Hlophe stares down judges at JSC 'Zuma' showdown With all parties sticking to their guns, resolution of dispute now appears unlikely Staff Writer JUDGE John Hlophe faced his accusers in open session for the first time...

Big choice of candidates to fill posts on Constitutional Court.
July 31, 2009... Byline: ERNEST MABUZA Big choice of candidates to fill posts on Constitutional Court Legal Affairs Correspondent THE Judicial Service Commission will be spoilt for choice when it interviews 25 candidates to fill four vacancies for judges of...

SA's new tax chief vows to get tough.
July 31, 2009... Byline: SANCHIA TEMKIN SA's new tax chief vows to get tough Professional Services Editor NEW South African Revenue Service (SARS) commissioner Oupa Magashula took office yesterday fully conversant with the challenges facing the organisation...

Magashula up to it, say SARS insiders.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Sanchia Temkin Magashula up to it, say SARS insiders Gordhan's successor has big shoes to fill and comes in at a tough time, writes NEWLY appointed South African Revenue Service (SARS) commissioner Oupa Magashula will struggle to gain...

Police use water cannon on SABC strikers.
July 31, 2009... Byline: JOCELYN NEWMARCH Police use water cannon on SABC strikers Media Correspondent A STAYAWAY at the SABC entered its second day yesterday with radio programmes disrupted and charges of intimidation levelled at strikers. At one point the...

Court orders new probe of Oilgate.
July 31, 2009... Byline: ERNEST MABUZA Court orders new probe of Oilgate Legal Affairs Correspondent THE North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria yesterday set aside a report by Public Protector Lawrence Mushwana on an investigation into an allegation of...

Cabinet defends ministers' car purchases.
July 31, 2009... Byline: WYNDHAM HARTLEY Cabinet defends ministers' car purchases Chabane says vehicles were acquired in strict compliance with regulations contained in the ministerial handbook Parliamentary Editor CAPE TOWN The Cabinet has defended the...

Jockeying for North West jobs hots up.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Wilson Johwa Jockeying for North West jobs hots up Decision to disband North West provincial executive a long time coming, writes LOBBYING for inclusion in the African National Congress (ANC) interim executive for the North West...

Changes made to law to rescue 17 councils.
July 31, 2009... Byline: WYNDHAM HARTLEY Changes made to law to rescue 17 councils CAPE TOWN The Cabinet has approved changes to the law that will rescue 17 municipalities across the country that are effectively financially paralysed after failing to compile...

ANCYL investment arm faces restructuring.
July 31, 2009... Byline: HAJRA OMARJEE ANCYL investment arm faces restructuring Political Correspondent THE future of the African National Congress Youth League's (ANCYL's) investment arm, Lembede Holdings, hangs in the balance, after the company yesterday...

Employers value right 'behavioural skills' study.
July 31, 2009... Byline: WILSON JOHWA Employers value right 'behavioural skills' study Political Correspondent A NEW study has found that soft skills rank higher than technical competence on employers' list of preferred skills among prospective employees. The...

Party loyalty 'before skills' for city jobs.
July 31, 2009... Byline: SIBONGAKONKE SHOBA Party loyalty 'before skills' for city jobs Local government representative tells of prevalence of 'nyamazane' Staff Writer A REPRESENTATIVE of a municipalities' association said yesterday political appointments at...

Tribunal expects smooth transition.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Hilary Joffe Tribunal expects smooth transition New chairman has been with the watchdog body since its inception, writes Hilary Joffe WHEN Norman Manoim replaces David Lewis as Competition Tribunal chairman on Monday, it is expected...

Arts and culture deputy is fifth official to be suspended this month.
July 31, 2009... Byline: CHANTELLE BENJAMIN Arts and culture deputy is fifth official to be suspended this month Chief Reporter DEPARTMENT of Arts and Culture's acting deputy director-general Tale Motsepe was suspended this week, bringing to five the number...

Business now accepts shift in Setas, says Nzimande.
July 31, 2009... Byline: LUPHERT CHILWANE Business now accepts shift in Setas, says Nzimande General Reporter HIGHER Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande said yesterday the business sector was showing an understanding of the need to have Sector...

Most print media still in same old hands, says report.
July 31, 2009... Byline: JOCELYN NEWMARCH Most print media still in same old hands, says report Media Correspondent MORE attention must be given to ownership transformation in the print media industry, as this sector lags the rest of the media industry, the...

Cape Town gets nod to host 2010 World Cup draw.
July 31, 2009... Byline: ROUX VAN ZYL Cape Town gets nod to host 2010 World Cup draw More than 2000 guests, including team captains, expected at week-long event CAPE Town was yesterday officially appointed as the venue where the draw for the 2010 Soccer World...

Health tourism industry 'must not disadvantage SA's poor'.
July 31, 2009... Byline: JULIUS BAUMANN Health tourism industry 'must not disadvantage SA's poor' Aviation and Tourism Editor SA WAS well positioned to take advantage of a fast-growing health tourism sector but the country had to guard against disadvantaging...

Union stalls negotiations with Durban bus operator.
July 31, 2009... Byline: MARGIE INGGS Union stalls negotiations with Durban bus operator THE Transport and Allied Workers Union of SA (Tawusa) in a dispute with Durban's new bus operator, Transnat Africa has set back progress made in negotiations by reverting...

Restoring trust a test for managements.
July 31, 2009... Byline: BEN TEMKIN PRIVATE INVESTOR Restoring trust a test for managements I'VE read the lead story, in the July issue of Business Day Management Review, several times over the past few days. The world has changed Anyone interested in...

out.Judicial Service Commission chairman Lex Mpati.
July 31, 2009... Judicial Service Commission chairman Lex Mpati, for even thinking that a matter as crucial as the John Hlophe case should be heard behind closed doors. The South Gauteng High Court put paid to that idea.

IN. Congress of the People leader Mvume Dandala.
July 31, 2009... Congress of the People leader Mvume Dandala. At last someone is being truthful about divisions that have been wracking the party. It must help being a man of the cloth rather than a common or garden politician.

IN.Formula One racing driver Michael Schumacher.
July 31, 2009... Formula One racing driver Michael Schumacher. He may not be The Stig, but racing fans are absolutely atwitter at the news that he is returning from retirement to stand in for Ferrari's injured Felipe Massa.

Griquas out to prove three-match run is no fluke.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Zeena Isaacs Griquas out to prove three-match run is no fluke While Lions want to demonstrate that a change of coaching staff has benefited the team ZEENA ISAACS Rugby Correspondent GRIQUAS will be on a mission to prove that their...

It is anyone's day to win the Gold Cup.
July 31, 2009... Byline: David Mollett It is anyone's day to win the Gold Cup Race over 3200m may once more produce a surprise result DAVID MOLLETT Racing Editor WHILE trainer Mike Bass holds a strong hand with four runners in tomorrow's R1,2m Canon Gold Cup...

Chartered accountant students stay sure of their jobs.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Sanchia Temkin Chartered accountant students stay sure of their jobs SANCHIA TEMKIN DESPITE the economic downturn and the toughest job market in decades, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (Cima) students remain confident...

Industry site is of interest.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Madden Cole Industry site is of interest THE Alliance Group in KwaZulu-Natal has sold No9, Valleyview Road, a 5000m commercial property, for R19,25m. The warehouse, which is ideal for industrial operators, was sold on auction at the...

Lively interest in historic hotel and cemetery.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Madden Cole Lively interest in historic hotel and cemetery Private, 17000-grave facility near Orange Farm attracts a bid price of R3,5m A HISTORIC hotel and a cemetery were among the 17 lots offered by Bidline at a well-attended...

Internet criminals increasingly using established business practices Cisco.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Lesley Stones Internet criminals increasingly using established business practices Cisco LESLEY STONES INTERNET criminals are learning some of their best business practices from legitimate companies and forming partnerships with one...

Bantry Bay home.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Madden Cole Bantry Bay home on the block CLAREMART Auction Group will auction a large home in Bantry Bay, next week. Situated at 21 Victoria Road, this dual-level family home offers large living areas and beautiful sea views. The...

White Water Resources does what it can to retain JSE listing after cautionary.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Charlotte Mathews White Water Resources does what it can to retain JSE listing after cautionary CHARLOTTE MATHEWS Resources Editor MINING investment and exploration company White Water Resources would have devised an operational,...

Companies warned about dawn raids.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Sanchia Temkin Companies warned about dawn raids SANCHIA TEMKIN Professional Services Editor A SLIGHT infringement of the Competition Act could trigger an unexpected visit to a company's premises from the competition authorities. Dawn...

Stronger rand puts pressure on Liberty.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Edward West Stronger rand puts pressure on Liberty JSE analysts describe loss as disaster as insurance policy lapses rise and share price falls 4,8% to R60 EDWARD WEST Finance Editor LIBERTY Holdings is expected to plunge to a...

Jobs target attainable.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Pumela Salela Jobs target attainable My comments are related to the factual correctness of the article, India's Aegis buys SA call centre (July 10). The first page of the National BPO Marketing Strategy states that The business...

Your front-page article (Thousands more joins jobless ranks as recession grinds on, July 29) today on the matter of unemployment and recession is repetitive. For some time now the public.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Ron Bryer Labour costs key Your front-page article (Thousands more join jobless ranks as recession grinds on, July 29) is repetitive. For some time now the public's attention has been drawn to the fact that we have this massive...

Bad service payback.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Ian Goddard Bad service payback In spite of Trevor Manuel's read my lips, there's no recession utterance on a TV newscast late last year, the nation now knows that he got that one wrong. The arid breath of recession is certainly with...

Working with the state.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Mandisi Tyumre Working with the state Steven Friedman has again raised the debate on the so-called service delivery protests plaguing the country (People are demanding public service, not service delivery, July 29) by asking whether...

Talking trash.
July 31, 2009... Byline: SC Weiss Talking trash Many more strikes occur than the public is aware of at this time of year. Most of those strikes occur in the private sector. Almost all of those strikes involve people withholding their labour and gathering...

Planned mayhem.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Louis Rossouw Planned mayhem Although July is traditionally strike season, this year's industrial action is notably more militant and co-ordinated than most, and is happening just months after Jacob Zuma, the workers' favourite, was...

Make unions pay for the damage.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Charles Fairweather Make unions pay for the damage As a former running-dog capitalist (retired) I have been impressed by the rapaciousness of our unions. They compete on equal terms with international bankers, and are likely to have...

Sappi moves closer to profitability.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Mathabo Le Roux Sappi moves closer to profitability Conditions improve in core markets as paper users run down stocks MATHABO LE ROUX Trade and Industry Editor PAPER and pulp producer Sappi has climbed out of a hole in the third...

Property company control a step closer.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Nick Wilson Property company control a step closer Australian shareholders favour Growthpoint deal NICK WILSON Deputy Companies Editor GROWTHPOINT Properties, SA's largest listed property company, with assets valued at more than R29bn...

Attractive car prices at Park Village.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Madden Cole Attractive car prices at Park Village A 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo realised an auction price of R1,55m at a recent Park Village Auctions car sale, proving yet again that car auctions are relevant right across the buyer...

Offshore investor makes Super offer.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Artwell Dlamini Offshore investor makes Super offer ARTWELL DLAMINI Transport Correspondent SUPER Group, which was expecting to post a R1bn loss, announced yesterday that an offshore white knight had made it an offer, opening another...

Smoker's companion remained a mystery.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Madden Cole Smoker's companion remained a mystery AN UNUSUAL and finely carved 19th century smoker's companion, whose origins are a mystery, and paintings by Walter Battiss and Louis van Essche, were among the lots in demand at the...

The perfect rural mountain retreat.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Thumeshni Mudeliar ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT The perfect rural mountain retreat The Karoo attracts investors aspiring to tranquil living and the allure of snow-capped peaks, writes THE coast no doubt gets a great deal of attention as the...

Auction raises public issues.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Anna-Marie Smith CAPE NEWS Auction raises public issues Property in Hout Bay was auctioned this week amid controversy, writes APPOINTED auctioneers Julius Buchinsky Group, which due to protests by local residents from the Hangberg...

Create your own outdoor gallery.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Alice Spenser-Higgs DECOR & DESIGN Gardening Create your own outdoor gallery Your garden can be the perfect setting to display unusual and original works of art, writes WHEN next you consider adding to your art collection, think...

Environment features high on creative agenda.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Suzanne Frost DECOR & DESIGN Lighting Environment features high on creative agenda finds out about the beauty, functionality, fantasy and eco-savvy merging at Euroluce 2009 EVERY two years, interior decorators, designers,...

Old fashioned style.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Thumeshni Mudeliar DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHT Old fashioned style Old world, elegant apartment living can be expected at Whitehall Court in Killarney, Johannesburg, writes STATELY, upmarket apartment living can be found at Whitehall Court...

A sign of the times.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Michelle Swart Editor's Note A sign of the times MICHELLE SWART IT IS no secret that among all the economic downturn talk, it's the property market that has been particularly hard hit. There have been a number of factors playing a...

Luxury living out of Africa.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Michelle Swart SHOWCASE Luxury living out of Africa Knysna's Pezula Private Estate offers great views along with the lifestyle LOCATED on the Eastern Head of Knysna on SA's scenic Garden Route, Pezula Private Estate spans more than...

Posh nests for designing dogs.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Suzanne Frost HOMETALK Posh nests for designing dogs finds out how to pamper your pooches with designer poufs SMELLY bean bags are out. Fashion-forward Fiefies, minimalist Afghans, loving Labs and street smart mutts agree that do-good...

In your dreams... PECANWOOD GOLF & COUNTRY ESTATE, Hartbeespoort.
July 31, 2009... PECANWOOD GOLF & COUNTRY ESTATE, Hartbeespoort Size: The erf size 541m is and the property size is 407m Setup: This new, double-storey home has four bedrooms, four bathrooms and two garages. It is north facing and overlooks the 6th green and...

In your dreams... PARKTOWN NORTH, Gauteng.
July 31, 2009... PARKTOWN NORTH, Gauteng Size: This neo-classic north facing home is positioned on a stand of 952m. Setup: The stylish home has a lounge (with fireplace) and dining room opening out to a covered terrace overlooking a solar-heated pool and...

In your dreams... DAINFERN GOLF ESTATE, Gauteng.
July 31, 2009... DAINFERN GOLF ESTATE, Gauteng Size: The property size is 1106m Setup: Designed for modern living, this residence includes a full home automation system incorporating the latest HD ready components as well as a home theatre, gym and steam room....

In your dreams... NELSPRUIT, Mpumalanga.
July 31, 2009... NELSPRUIT, Mpumalanga Size: This 700m home is set on a 10000m stand Setup: Described as classic contemporary, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom home is located within a popular wildlife estate and enjoys uninterrupted views over the Lowveld....

A London address at a discounted price.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Thumeshni Mudeliar INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT LONDON A London address at a discounted price London properties offer great investment opportunity for savvy investors, writes LONDON has earned the reputation of being an influential global...

Looking to longer-term benefits.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Michelle Swart LIFESTYLE INVESTMENT Looking to longer-term benefits CEO of Zorgvliet Group calls for creation of sustainable tourism from 2010 rather than shortsighted profit-grabbing, writes KA'INGO is a 'big five' private game...

Kloof surroundings offer a country feel.
July 31, 2009... Byline: Thumeshni Mudeliar PROPERTY HIGHLIGHT Kloof surroundings offer a country feel Kloof home offers upmarket bush lodge feel to discerning buyers, writes KLOOF lies 25km out of Durban and is a residential suburb of gentle slopes, rich...

Antiques roadshow at Mandela Square.
July 31, 2009... Property News Antiques roadshow at Mandela Square TREASURE-TROVE With the success of the first programme of The Collector Antiques Roadshow on DStv's The Home Channel, the Antiques Fair at Nelson Mandela Square will host the filming of the next...

Location is everything when house-hunting.
July 31, 2009... Location is everything when house-hunting AREA CHECKLIST If you're house-hunting, you should carefully choose the areas before you pick out any properties. Martin Schultheiss, CEO of Harcourts Africa, says: In the heat of the moment, buyers...

Agents ink pact to help Spanish-SA deals.
July 31, 2009... Agents ink pact to help Spanish-SA deals MEDITERRANEAN LIVING South Africans wishing to acquire a property in Spain's sought-after Costa Blanca in southern Valencia, or Spaniards considering buying a property in SA, now have access to the...

Help is at hand when the going gets tough.
July 31, 2009... Help is at hand when the going gets tough QUICK SELL For homeowners, there can be few things as devastating as being unable to pay your monthly bond instalments, having your property repossessed by the bank and having your credit rating badly...

IHS injects R230minto low-cost housing.
July 31, 2009... IHS injects R230minto low-cost housing PRIVATE EQUITY In what is believed to be one of the biggest private equity deals within the affordable housing sector, property finance company International Housing Solutions (IHS) has invested in excess...

Robust internal control is vital.
July 31, 2009... Byline: ANDREW GILLINGHAM Robust internal control is vital A FOCUS on good corporate governance is a key element to contain fraud in the present economic climate. Suresh Kana, CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers Southern Africa, says the release of...

Call for proportionate liability.
July 31, 2009... Byline: ANDREW GILLINGHAM TIME FOR REFORM Call for proportionate liability Profession wants amount capped, joint responsibility eliminated THE overwhelming majority of commentators canvassed in an industry-wide survey by the South African...

How to monitor auditors to ensure full information was available and correct procedure followed.
July 31, 2009... Byline: ANDREW GILLINGHAM How to monitor auditors to ensure full information was available and correct procedure followed THE financial audit is the last step in the long process of good governance. Amir Lubashevsky, executive director at...

Auditors face grim challenges.
July 31, 2009... Byline: ANDREW GILLINGHAM ON THE RACK Auditors face grim challenges They must cope with complex regulations that carry the possibility of major financial liability, writes Andrew Gillingham THE environment in which auditors operate is...

High cost of regulatory oversight.
July 31, 2009... Byline: ANDREW GILLINGHAM High cost of regulatory oversight REGULATORY oversight is beneficial for the profession and will help to ensure high standards are maintained, says John Spencer, CEO of BDO Spencer Steward. Individual auditing...

Global downturn eases SA's skills shortfall.
July 31, 2009... Byline: ANDREW GILLINGHAM Global downturn eases SA's skills shortfall THERE IS a shortfall of 22000 accountants in SA but as it is a worldwide problem many recently qualified professionals are poached by overseas countries, says Andrew...

Warning on 'unsustainable' rises in earnings.
July 30, 2009... THE BOTTOM LINE COLUMN Warning on 'unsustainable' rises in earnings GREEN shoots are sending overseas stock markets higher, but earnings head-winds may buffet our market for some time yet. The FTSE/JSE all share index has been rising since...

THE INSIDER.
July 30, 2009... Kindly do not wait for our redundant correction THE Congress of the People (COPE) may be its own worst enemy, needing no help from anyone to perpetuate the idea that it is in a state of disarray. Yesterday morning, it put out a statement in...