Business Day (South Africa) articles from May 2009, page 2

Business Day (South Africa) archives from May 2009

Mugabe-Tsvangirai battle looms.
May 29, 2009... Byline: DUMISANI MULEYA Mugabe-Tsvangirai battle looms Disputes on central banker, attorney-general threaten shaky Zimbabwean government Harare A FIGHT is looming between Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai...

Listening to the scratching on the known universe's utmost rim.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Michelle Pireu StreetDogs Listening to the scratching on the known universe's utmost rim NO SOONER do we deem ourselves free from a particularly gross superstition than we are confronted by something that would plunge us back into the...

Foschini improves margins despite downturn.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Nicola Mawson Foschini improves margins despite downturn NICOLA MAWSON FASHION retailer Foschini has not escaped the economic turmoil, but managed to improve operating margins as a result of improved second-half trading. CEO Doug...

Bloubergstrand apartment with striking views on offer.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Madden Cole Bloubergstrand apartment with striking views on offer MICHAEL James Organisation will auction an apartment at Bloubergstrand with views of both Table Mountain and Robben Island, next week. Bloubergstrand is close to the...

Labour laws need to be changed to protect temporary employees.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Sanchia Temkin Labour laws need to be changed to protect temporary employees Only a minority of labour brokers in SA are registered, writes SA's labour laws need to be amended to ensure that employment benefits for temporary employees...

Curb unemployment.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Gavin Lewis Curb unemployment The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the 5-million jobs initiative of the Centre for Development and Enterprise (Five-million new jobs possible, says CDE's Bernstein, May 28, and The urgent, practical...

SA is at ideological war with itself.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Jim Harris SA is at ideological war with itself I suggest ancient Brit commie Patrick Craven fills a much-needed gap and deserves a swift, long and silent retirement (Cosatu supports state against 'imperfect Doha deal', May 27). ...

Following success.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Geoffrey S Roberts Following success I read that Julius Malema will be sending hoards of black SA citizens from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape to overwhelm the Democratic Alliance (DA). He should not bother. Once people of all...

ANC pays lip service.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Johann Rossouw ANC pays lip service Koos Malan's article (Changes to constitution go beyond letter of the law May 27) refers. Malan brilliantly lays bare the effects of the dominant illusion of most of SA's opposition parties and...

Industrial protection.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Phillimon Mnisi Industrial protection Growth, development and sustainability can be obtained only when a country observes its sovereignty. SA, like many developing countries, is very unsure of itself, although the country can in fact...

Friedman got it wrong.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Nozipho J Mxakato-Diseko Friedman got it wrong I read with interest Steven Friedman's commentary (Monitoring Ministry is not the way to improve accountability, May 20). On the contrary for me, as a national commissioner for the public...

Why the drip-feed?
May 29, 2009... Byline: Sydney Kaye Why the drip-feed? What can one make of the Treasury now saying it is shocked by the severity of the downturn, when even I, as a lay observer, could write to you last November as follows: It is true that high interest...

It must now be true.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Steyn de Vos It must now be true I suppose that now that it has been published (SA in recession as GDP shrinks 6,4%, May 27) even Trevor Manuel can figure it out and admit what every South African has known for months, that we are...

Metrofile takes third step in Africa expansion.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Lesley Stones Metrofile takes third step in Africa expansion Commercial document warehouse always partners local companies LESLEY STONES Information Technology Editor DOCUMENT storage company Metrofile is setting up a warehouse in...

Porsche Carrera takes lead at repossession sale.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Madden Cole Porsche Carrera takes lead at repossession sale A 2005 Porsche Carrera S stole the show at the Park Village auction of bank repossessed cars in Martindale last Saturday, where two Mercedes-Benz S500 models were also on...

Peermont selected to bid for 51% of lucrative Casinos of Mauritius.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Julius Baumann Peermont selected to bid for 51% of lucrative Casinos of Mauritius JULIUS BAUMANN Aviation and Tourism Editor GAMING group Peermont has been selected by the Mauritian State Investment Corporation as the preferred bidder...

Super Group in bid to sell assets.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Artwell Dlamini Super Group in bid to sell assets Troubled company talking to 'interested parties' about buying its retail businesses ARTWELL DLAMINI Transport Correspondent SUPER Group, the troubled transport and logistics company,...

Trustco has huge rise in turnover.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Edward West Trustco has huge rise in turnover EDWARD WEST Finance Editor THE share price of Trustco Group Holdings, the Namibian company that this year became the first to list on the JSE's Africa board, rose 5,2% to 80c yesterday...

Seacom on track for its switch-on.
May 29, 2009... Byline: LESLEY STONES Seacom on track for its switch-on Tests on new 17000km undersea telecoms cable now under way Information Technology Editor TESTS have begun on the undersea telecoms cable Seacom with its switch-on only 29 days away. The...

Top prices realised for works by SA artists.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Madden Cole Top prices realised for works by SA artists THIS week's fine and decorative art auction in Cape Town at Stephan Welz & Co, in association with Sotheby's, saw about 600 lots come under the hammer. Numerous world-record...

Oil goes for 20 times estimated price.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Madden Cole Oil goes for 20 times estimated price Portrait of an Indian Lady fetches R480000, the highest price at Westgate Walding sale THE biggest surprise at the Westgate Walding fine arts and decorative sale in Sandton this week...

Winelands village with global appeal.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Anna-Marie Smith CAPE NEWS Winelands village with global appeal Demand for exclusive, secure estate living in Franschhoek remains buoyant in tough conditions, writes THE Franschhoek valley has become established as the darling of all...

Ideas to warm you up.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Thumeshni Mudeliar DECOR & DESIGN FIREPLACES Ideas to warm you up A fireplace can also function as a decorative element, writes THERE is nothing like gathering around a cosy fireplace for those intimate social get-togethers with...

Golf and glamour at Zwartenbosch.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Thumeshni Mudeliar DEVELOPMENT FEATURE Golf and glamour at Zwartenbosch Balinese elegance expected of homes at a new Eastern Cape estate, writes THE Zwartenbosch Golf & Lifestyle Estate is situated just outside the small town of...

A West Coast gem just waiting to be discovered.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Michelle Swart DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHT A West Coast gem just waiting to be discovered Great news for investors is that suites at Shelley Point Hotel will go into a rental pool with a guaranteed return, writes SHELLEY Point is a...

Sensational in every aspect.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Michelle Swart SHOWCASE Sensational in every aspect A stunning residence in Atholl is on the market, priced at an eye-watering R22m THE Johannesburg suburb of Atholl, named after a former district in the Scottish Highlands which now...

In your dreams: UPPER KENILWORTH, Cape Town.
May 29, 2009... UPPER KENILWORTH, Cape Town Size: This erf size is 1518m Setup: The tranquil home boasts a lovely garden and serene mountain views. It offers five bedrooms, four bathrooms, four receptions rooms and two garages. The residence has beautiful teak...

In your dreams: CAMPS BAY, Cape Town.
May 29, 2009... CAMPS BAY, Cape Town Size: The erf size is 1112m and the size of the house is approximately 900m Setup: It is modern, spacious is close to the beach and would make an excellent family home address. The attractive home is described as having two...

In your dreams: DURBAN NORTH, KwaZulu-Natal.
May 29, 2009... DURBAN NORTH, KwaZulu-Natal Size: Land size is 3109m Setup: This is a palatial home of four bedrooms, five bathrooms and four lounge areas. It also has fitted kitchen with extractor, study, dining as well as top security, four garages, a pool...

In your dreams: WESTCLIFF, Johannesburg.
May 29, 2009... WESTCLIFF, Johannesburg Size: The stand size is 2121m and the house is 609m Setup: The richly designed home offers a romantic garden plus al fresco dining overlooking the pool and pavilion. There are five reception rooms, four bedrooms (all...

Scale the heights of island living.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Michelle Swart INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT Scale the heights of island living looks at a new Mauritian residential property recently launched to South African investors UK DEVELOPER Mordaunt Estates, in partnership with Erna Low Property...

A geological wonder that makes an impact.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Thumeshni Mudeliar INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY A geological wonder that makes an impact finds out about ecotourism opportunities for investors at a pecan farm property in the heart of the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, just an hour...

Pick of apartments are right by the water's edge.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Keith Wakefield KZN NEWS Pick of apartments are right by the water's edge The Pearls of Umhlanga and the Point Waterfront are two of the leading contenders when it comes to sourcing top drawer apartments IN MY mind there are only two...

Window of opportunity for the astute buyer.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Michelle Swart LIFESTYLE FEATURE Window of opportunity for the astute buyer Local and international investors now have a chance to acquire a share in Fairmont Zimbali Hotel & Resort, writes Currently under construction on the...

Sharing takes the hassle out of holidays.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Jackie Bauermeister MONEYMASTER Sharing takes the hassle out of holidays Fractional ownership offers a cost-effective means to get away from it all and you'll be spoilt for choice by the variety of destinations on offer CURRENT...

Optimism in UK housing market.
May 29, 2009... Property News Optimism in UK housing market ON THE UP Those who believe the South African residential property market mirrors what is happening in the UK will be interested to learn the UK's Sunday Times Money supplement quote three of the...

Auckland Park piques interest.
May 29, 2009... Auckland Park piques interest STUDENT LIFE Buy-to-let investors are beginning to take an interest once more in Auckland Park, one of Johannesburg's prime spots for student accommodation. So says Lewis Kennett, sales agent for local agency...

Give your home a saleable edge.
May 29, 2009... Give your home a saleable edge BRUSH UP If your property is on the market in the current climate where demand is thin and listing times are running between six and nine months, it's crucial to make the home as saleable as possible. Now is not a...

Mboweni must 'have courage'.
May 29, 2009... Mboweni must 'have courage' MAKE A MOVE Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni needs to take the proverbial bull by the horns and cut interest rates by a further 3% or more to kickstart the residential property market. So says Gerhard Kotze, CEO of...

Property prices down in April.
May 29, 2009... Property prices down in April STILL FALLING The April oobarometer price index recorded a 2,8% drop in year-on-year houses prices, a slower rate of decline than March's 4,2% fall. The April oobarometer shows that property prices continue to fall,...

Find space to breathe.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Thumeshni Mudeliar ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT Find space to breathe A Cederberg escape, inclusive of rock pool beaches, waterfalls and panoramic views, can be found at Waterfall Farm, writes THE Cederberg in the Western Cape is a vast...

Residence exudes air of exclusivity.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Thumeshni Mudeliar PROPERTY HIGHLIGHT Residence exudes air of exclusivity Durbanville in Cape Town presents an exotic home address, writes AMEDITERRANEAN influence coupled with a Far East flavour makes for an interesting, creative...

Goalposts moved for merger notification.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Sanchia Temkin Goalposts moved for merger notification NEW regulations to raise thresholds for notifying the Competition Commission of mergers are expected to reduce the workload of competition authorities. The new thresholds,...

New era for enforcement.
May 29, 2009... Byline: Sanchia Temkin Competition law transformed New era for enforcement Introducing criminal liability for directors would have far-reaching effects on SA's justice system, writes THE Competition Amendment Bill has not been passed into law...

Inflation targeting comes under fire again.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Colin Anthony THE BOTTOM LINE COLUMN Inflation targeting comes under fire again WITH gross domestic product (GDP) falling faster than expected while inflation refuses stubbornly to follow suit, inflation targeting is once again under...

The Insider.
May 28, 2009... Let's stop quibbling instead of tackling the serious stuff THE more leaders change, the more they stay the same. Just as the Insider was recovering from the Mbeki-Pahad era of media mismanagement, the new Presidency shows itself beset by similar...

JSE ends flat on expected CPI figure.
May 28, 2009... JSE MARKET REPORT JSE ends flat on expected CPI figure SOUTH African stocks closed a fraction higher yesterday amid a consumer price index (CPI) figure in line with expectations. By 5pm, the JSE all share index had added 0,36%, with resources...

Spending effort.
May 28, 2009... Spending effort Public sector projects core to surviving recession THREE days is hardly enough time for the new Cabinet to wrap its collective head around the myriad troubles it must deal with. However, one of the things that must come out of...

Africa's white elephant.
May 28, 2009... Africa's white elephant Toothless and leaderless, PAP's going nowhere TODAY is election day but don't feel bad if you failed to register to vote, can't identify any of the candidates, or weren't even aware that a poll was taking place so soon...

Generations of leaders on a path toward African unity.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Jabu Mabuza Generations of leaders on a path toward African unity The best transference of heritage requires a constant integration of ideas between older and younger leaders, writes IT IS my privilege to share some thoughts with you...

Jazz.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Gwen Ansell Jazz GWEN ANSELL FINALLY, on Saturday night, the occasional jazz club at Barrington's in Killarney swung back into action for 2009. In a city which now has no dedicated jazz venues, the return was welcome. Barrington's is...

The urgent, practical work of creating jobs for SA's young.
May 28, 2009... Byline: James Motlatsi, Jayendra Naidoo and Ann Bernstein Employment The urgent, practical work of creating jobs for SA's young IN HIS inauguration speech, President Jacob Zuma argued that jobs are being lost in every economy across the...

A case for protecting the fruits of freedom.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Stephan Hofsatter A case for protecting the fruits of freedom A RULING handed down this week by the North Gauteng High Court illustrates why the outcome of the Hlophe saga is so important for ordinary citizens. If Judge John Hlophe...

Why living in hope is crucial as SA begins a new political era.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Xolela Mangcu Why living in hope is crucial as SA begins a new political era Hope as a kind of activism springs eternal in SA, and to think that we can improve our society without it is an illusion FOR the first time in more than a...

Smart steps towards reversing the legacy of Myanmar vote.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Nicole Fritz Smart steps towards reversing the legacy of Myanmar vote NICOLE FRITZ LAST week, Minister for International Relations and Co-operation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane condemned the trial of Myanmar's Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu...

Analysts expect big rate cut in spite of inflation concern.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Mariam Isa Analysts expect big rate cut in spite of inflation concern Clamour for Bank to act even though earlier cuts have not yet had intended effect MARIAM ISA Economics Editor INFLATION subsided more slowly than expected last...

Mutual to cough up R520m to exit deal in China.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Edward West Mutual to cough up R520m to exit deal in China EDWARD WEST Finance Editor OLD Mutual is paying more than R520m (& x20AC;45m) to unwind a decision to obtain a 49% stake in an asset management firm in China. The...

Rand strength shields consumers on oil price.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Siseko Njobeni Rand strength shields consumers on oil price SISEKO NJOBENI Energy Affairs Editor THE petrol price is set for an increase of more than 13c/l next week, according to predictions by economists. The expected fuel...

SA's credit rating at mercy of global risk appetite.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Mariam Isa SA's credit rating at mercy of global risk appetite S& P warns that knock-on effects of world recession make it harder for SA to stick to prudent economic policies MARIAM ISA Economics Editor THE biggest risk to SA's...

Total taxes contributed by industries to SARS for last year.
May 28, 2009... Total taxes contributed by industries to SARS for last year Oil and gas contributed R40875m Banks contributed R22824m Consumer goods paid R20722m Insurance paid R14100m General manufacturing contributed R1200m Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers

Study shows large firms pay substantial tax rates.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Sanchia Temkin Study shows large firms pay substantial tax rates SANCHIA TEMKIN Professional Services Editor LARGE companies in SA continued to contribute more taxes to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) than reflected in their...

Five-million new jobs possible, says CDE's Bernstein.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Kgomotso Mathe Five-million new jobs possible, says CDE's Bernstein KGOMOTSO MATHE Staff Writer THE Centre for Development and Enterprise yesterday tabled its suggestions on how to address SA's pressing issue of job creation, urging...

MK veterans demand Zille apology.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Wyndham Hartley MK veterans demand Zille apology Marchers refuse to deliver a memorandum to Cape premier's 'boyfriend' WYNDHAM HARTLEY Parliamentary Editor CAPE TOWN The ugly political stand-off between elements of the African...

GETTING IT RIGHT.
May 28, 2009... GETTING IT RIGHT CORRECTION In our edition last Tuesday, on this page, we quoted an anonymous source criticising businessman Sandile Zungu in connection with a post in President Jacob Zuma's office. He should stop telling people that he is going...

Malema wants Skwatsha's executive to be disbanded.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Hajra Omarjee Malema wants Skwatsha's executive to be disbanded HAJRA OMARJEE Political Correspondent THE campaign to oust African National Congress (ANC) Western Cape chairman Mcebisi Skwatsha is gaining momentum, with ANC Youth...

Discontent among IFP youth gains momentum in KwaZulu.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Sibongakonke SHoba Discontent among IFP youth gains momentum in KwaZulu SIBONGAKONKE SHOBA Staff Writer THE move to remove Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) president Mangosuthu Buthelezi and his national leadership has gained momentum as...

Forfeited farm dispute resolved.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Ernest Mabuza Forfeited farm dispute resolved ERNEST MABUZA Legal Affairs Correspondent THE Supreme Court of Appeal seems to have found a solution to the problem of immovable property that has to be forfeited to the state but belongs...

Airspace to be tightened over Cup stadiums.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Julius Baumann Airspace to be tightened over Cup stadiums Stricter controls in force ahead of Confederations Cup next month JULIUS BAUMANN Aviation and Tourism Editor SA's aviation industry was ready for the influx of fans expected...

Jo'burg buses will run after pay deal is reached.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Artwell Dlamini Jo'burg buses will run after pay deal is reached ARTWELL DLAMINI Transport Correspondent METROBUS and the South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) yesterday finally broke the impasse when they signed a wage deal...

Getting army to help police has its pitfalls.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Wyndham Hartley Getting army to help police has its pitfalls It seems an obvious solution, but soldiers are not policemen, writes FORMER president Kgalema Motlanthe, in one of his last executive acts before handing over the reins to...

Court hears closing arguments on SAA.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Julius Baumann Court hears closing arguments on SAA JULIUS BAUMANN THE type of contracts used by South African Airways (SAA) to tie in travel agents were designed to disadvantage the consumer, rival airline group Comair told the...

City to replace 500km of piping.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Bheki Mpofu City to replace 500km of piping Johannesburg spending R500m in five years to upgrade old water mains BHEKI MPOFU Infrastructure Editor JOHANNESBURG Water will spend R500m over the next five years replacing some of the...

Cape Town spends to attract investment.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Linda Ensor Cape Town spends to attract investment LINDA ENSOR Political Correspondent THE City of Cape Town would spend R6,2bn on capital projects over the next year, with the aim of making the city more attractive for foreign...

OUT: Acting SABC CEO Gab Mampone.
May 28, 2009... Acting SABC CEO Gab Mampone. A panel discussion on political satire has been inexplicably pulled once again. Public broadcaster? His Master's Voice is more like it.

OUT: Former land affairs minister Lulu Xingwana.
May 28, 2009... Former land affairs minister Lulu Xingwana. The judgment overturning her dodgy seizure of a black-owned farm makes us even more amazed that she's back in the Cabinet.

IN: US Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.
May 28, 2009... US Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. Change under Barack Obama may be slow, but it's very visible. Her appointment changes the face of the highest US court.

Springboks out to make their own history.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Zeena Isaacs Springboks out to make their own history Smit excited about challenge, says consistency in selection over the past few years is the squad's biggest asset ZEENA ISAACS Rugby Correspondent SPRINGBOK coach Peter de Villiers...

Du Preez has faith in Bulls' 'winning culture'.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Zeena Isaacs Du Preez has faith in Bulls' 'winning culture' BULLS vice-captain and scrumhalf Fourie du Preez believes the team's winning culture, which forms part of the legacy of triumphant 2007 Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer, will be a...

Shameful season for most of SA's Super 14 teams.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Zeena Isaacs Shameful season for most of SA's Super 14 teams WITH the Super 14 almost at a close and the British and Irish Lions tour about to kick off, it is a good time to wrap up what has been another shameful season for most of...

Van Rooyen criticises Super 15 revenue deal as 'laughable'.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Zeena Isaacs Van Rooyen criticises Super 15 revenue deal as 'laughable' SA 'should have called Australia, New Zealand bluff on breakaway' FORMER South African Rugby Union (Saru) president Brian van Rooyen yesterday accused his...

Financial crisis reveals key to survival within the resources sector.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Charlotte Mathews Financial crisis reveals key to survival within the resources sector CHARLOTTE MATHEWS Resources Editor THE key to weathering the financial crisis over the past nine months within the resources sector was, first, to...

New Companies Act curbs creditors.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Sanchia Temkin New Companies Act curbs creditors SANCHIA TEMKIN Professional Services Editor NEW company laws dealing with schemes of compromise could create further inroads into the rights of creditors. Companies no longer have to...

Miller's battered value fund is once again burying the Quants.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Michel Pireu StreetDogs Miller's battered value fund is once again burying the Quants UNTIL 2006, legendary investor Bill Miller, who runs the multibillion Legg Mason Value Trust in Baltimore, had one of the most remarkable records in...

Edcon spending pays off as sales increase.
May 28, 2009... Byline: Nicola Mawson Edcon spending pays off as sales increase NICOLA MAWSON SA's largest clothing retailer Edcon, delisted since April 2007, said yesterday it spent R571m in the year to March, mostly on new stores, refurbishments and a new...