Latest news with #Mpumalanga
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa Canegrowers warns of job losses due to subsidised sugar imports
SA Canegrowers has warned that the local sugar industry faces mounting threats from cheap sugar imports, placing thousands of jobs at risk and undermining rural livelihoods. The organisation raised the alarm this week following its Annual General Meeting in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, where Mpumalanga farmer Higgins Mdluli was re-elected as chairperson for a one-year term. Industry under pressure Mdluli, who farms sugarcane in Mpumalanga, said he was honoured to continue leading the organisation at a pivotal time for the sector. 'It is an honour to be re-elected to serve as chair of the SA Canegrowers board at such a critical time for our industry. I look forward to continue working closely with our growers, partners, and stakeholders to build a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient sugar sector that supports rural livelihoods and drives agricultural and economic growth in South Africa,' said Mdluli. However, he cautioned that the industry is increasingly vulnerable due to unfair global trade practices and other pressures such as mill closures, unpredictable weather, and the sugar tax. Unfair competition from imports SA Canegrowers has flagged growing concerns about imported sugar entering South Africa at prices below both the global market rate and local production costs. Mdluli attributed this to sugar dumping and state subsidies from other countries. 'Foreign sugar is currently entering South Africa at prices below the cost of production and below the global sugar price, owing to some foreign governments either heavily subsidising their industries or countries dumping their excess sugar at a loss,' he said. For every tonne of imported sugar, local growers lose an estimated R6,000 in income, with job losses across the value chain inevitable if the trend continues. Call for sector support Rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, which rely heavily on sugarcane farming for employment, remain particularly at risk. 'Local canegrowers need greater protection from unfair sugar dumping and subsidised cheap imports,' says Mdluli. 'We call on all social partners, government, industry players, and commercial end-users and consumers, to stand with South African sugarcane growers. Our growers contribute to a thriving, inclusive agricultural economy, but to continue to do so, we need to be able to compete on a level playing field.' The organisation reaffirmed its support for the upcoming revision of the Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan 2030, aimed at ensuring long-term stability for the sector. Mdluli will be supported by vice-chairpersons Andrew Russell and Kurt Stock, with Rex Talmage appointed independent vice-chair of the South African Sugar Association. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
News24
5 days ago
- Climate
- News24
Monday's weather: Cold snap grips SA with rain expected in some regions
Partly cloudy conditions are expected over southern areas, with isolated rain and showers along the south coast. Elsewhere, it will be fine and cool, but warm in places in the north, according to the South African Weather Service. Advisories: Very cold conditions are expected with maximum temperatures of 10°C and below in parts of the interior of the Western Cape and the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape from Wednesday to Saturday. Weather forecast for today & tomorrow, 15 - 16 June 2025. Partly cloudy along the southern areas with isolated rain & showers expected for tomorrow, 16 June 2025. Otherwise, fine & cool but warm in places in the north. #saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather — SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) June 15, 2025 The weather in your province Gauteng: Partly cloudy and cool to cold weather conditions are expected. Mpumalanga: Cloudy and cool to cold, with warmer conditions anticipated in the Lowveld. Mbombela: 11°C — 21°C Ermelo: 5°C — 16°C Emalahleni: 7°C — 17°C Standerton: 1°C — 16°C Skukuza: 10°C — 29°C Limpopo: Cloudy skies with cool to warm temperatures expected. Polokwane: 7°C — 18°C Phalaborwa: 12°C — 27°C Tzaneen: 11°C — 22°C Musina: 12°C — 26°C Lephalale: 8°C — 20°C Mokopane: 9°C — 20°C North West: Fine and cool, but partly cloudy in the extreme east later in the day. Klerksdorp: 1°C — 18°C Potchefstroom: 1°C — 19°C Mahikeng: 3°C — 20°C Rustenburg: 4°C — 20°C Vryburg: 1°C — 19°C Free State: Fine and cool to cold throughout the day. Bloemfontein: 0°C — 17°C Welkom: 3°C — 19°C Bethlehem: -3°C — 18°C Norrthern Cape: The province will experience fine, windy, and cool conditions, with partly cloudy skies along the coast. Coastal winds will be moderate and south-easterly. Upington: 5°C — 24°C Kimberley: 0°C — 20°C De Aar: 4°C — 18°C Alexander Bay: 13°C — 21°C Springbok: 11°C — 21°C Calvinia: 9°C — 21°C Sutherland: 2°C — 17°C Western Cape: Cloudy and cold in the south-west, with the rest of the province partly cloudy, windy, and cool. Isolated showers and rain are expected along the south coast. Coastal winds will be moderate south-westerly to westerly, becoming fresh in the south-west by the afternoon. Cape Town: 16°C — 18°C Vredendal: 12°C — 23°C Riversdale: 11°C — 19°C George: 11°C — 19°C Worcester: 13°C — 18°C Beaufort West: 12°C — 24°C Oudtshoorn: 9°C — 19°C Western half of the Eastern Cape: Fine and cool conditions are expected initially, becoming partly cloudy later with isolated showers and rain anticipated along the coast in the evening. Coastal winds will range from light north-westerly in the morning to moderate south-westerly later in the day. Eastern half of the Eastern Cape: Fine and cool weather is forecast, with colder conditions in places in the north. Coastal winds will transition from light north-westerly to moderate south-westerly. Gqeberha: 12°C — 20°C Makhanda: 11°C — 20°C Cradock: 4°C — 20°C Graaff-Reinet: 7°C — 21°C East London: 13°C — 24°C Port St Johns: 13°C — 24°C Mthatha: 7°C — 21°C Komani: 7°C — 18°C Qonce: 9°C — 23°C KwaZulu-Natal: Fine and cool to warm weather conditions, with partly cloudy skies in the north-west by the afternoon. Coastal winds will vary from moderate to fresh northerly to north-easterly, while the south will experience light to moderate westerly to north-westerly winds. Durban: 13°C — 25°C Richards Bay: 14°C — 26°C Pietermaritzburg: 9°C — 24°C Ladysmith: 3°C — 24°C
The Herald
5 days ago
- The Herald
Armed robbers steal cellphones and pastor's car after storming night prayer service at Mpumalanga church
Mpumalanga police have opened a case of business robbery after armed suspects stormed a church during a night prayer service in Numbi in the early hours of Saturday. According to police, no arrests have been made. Congregants were attending an all-night prayer service at The Moving Ministries of God Church when five unknown men wearing balaclavas entered the church. Police spokesperson Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane said the suspects, armed with pistols, threatened the congregants and robbed them of 11 cellphones, two amplifiers and the pastor's vehicle keys. 'The stolen items were loaded into a white Audi Q3 SUV with registration number KFM 302 MP, which the suspects used to flee the scene. The vehicle has not been recovered at this stage, but tracking efforts are ongoing through the Cartrack company,' Ndubane said. Acting provincial police commissioner Maj-Gen Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the incident. 'We grew up knowing that the house of the Lord is a sacred place to be respected. It is deeply concerning that criminals now boldly target churches. We urge congregants to remain vigilant, especially during night gatherings, to ensure their safety and avoid falling victim to such crimes.' Ndubane said no injuries were reported during the incident and no shots were fired. 'Anyone with information that may assist in locating the suspects is urged to contact Det Capt David Hlatshwayo on 0722337530,' he said. TimesLIVE
The Herald
6 days ago
- The Herald
Mpumalanga man dies after setting himself, partner and toddler alight
A man died after he set himself, his lover and their two-year-old toddler, alight on Thursday in Leslie in Mpumalanga . According to police, the suspect allegedly poured petrol over himself and the woman who was holding the child and ignited the fuel. The woman was able to flee the scene and asked nearby relatives to help them. The 30-year-old man, identified as John Masuku, 'allegedly set himself alight along with his 28-year-old partner and a two-year-old toddler, after accusing the woman of infidelity during an argument at their residence. 'Emergency services were contacted, and all three individuals were transported to hospital. The child, due to the severity of her injuries, was transferred to another medical facility for specialised care. Unfortunately, the suspect succumbed to his injuries on arrival at the hospital,' police said. They confirmed they were investigating an attempted murder case. The mother and child are recovering in hospital. Provincial police commissioner Maj-Gen Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the incident, saying people should opt for more constructive ways to resolve domestic disputes instead of resorting to gender-based violence. 'This incident is deeply disturbing and highlights the need for peaceful conflict resolution. Violence is never the answer, there are resources and professionals available to help those in distress.' TimesLIVE
News24
6 days ago
- News24
Highway horror: Drunk driver's 170km/h rampage ends in fatal crash
A suspected drunk driver speeding at 170km/h caused a three-vehicle crash on the N2 in Mpumalanga, killing five people. Sharon Seretlo/Gallo Images Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
