IOL
Own the AI, Own the Returns: How businesses can reclaim up to 240 hours a year
Discover how businesses can bridge the AI credibility gap and reclaim up to 240 hours a year with bespoke AI systems designed to enhance productivity and ownership.
IOL
Court rejects appeal from man sentenced to life for deadly road rage incident in Upington
John Ivan Francious Mouton's appeal against his life sentences for the tragic murders of Boiphelo Khumalo and Shadrack Dube in a shocking road rage incident has been denied by the court.
The Citizen
Fuel price rollercoaster: Relief turns to pain for motorists: Here’s what you need to know
South Africa’s mid‑July fuel outlook has flipped from relief to renewed pain, with petrol recoveries shrinking sharply and diesel swinging into negative territory. The new data raises the risk of price hikes that will hit motorists and the wider economy. Data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) at the end of the third week in July shows that diesel price recoveries have gone into the red, with a 0.05% (500ppm) price hike on the cards. Changes The under-recovery has been attributed to the rising global oil price, which has shot up to around $85 a barrel as renewed tensions in the Middle East take their toll on Brent crude prices and on South Africa’s fuel price recoveries, and the war between the United States and Iran reignited earlier in the month. Last week, both petrol and diesel showed a strong over-recovery, translating into large price reductions in August. CEF data The CEF data show petrol prices still showing an over-recovery of R1.07 per litre, while diesel recoveries are over or in the red, with 0.05% (500 ppm) diesel recording an over-recovery of one cent and 0.005% (50 ppm) diesel at an under-recovery of 24 cents per litre. Illuminating paraffin has also swung into over recovery, now at 22 cents per litre. Fuel price outlook If these forecasts hold, motorists could see the following adjustments in August 2026: Octane 93 petrol: decrease of R1.07 per litre Octane 95 petrol: decrease of R1.03 per litre Diesel 0.05%: increase of one cent per litre Diesel 0.005%: decrease of R0.24per litre Illuminating paraffin: decrease of R0.22 cents per litre Oil prices Oil prices were on track for a weekly gain as escalating conflict involving Iran threatened to disrupt flows through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Brent crude climbed to around $107 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate traded above $102, marking a sharp rise of about 6% over the week. The escalation has already slowed tanker traffic out of the Persian Gulf to a trickle, raising fears of a prolonged supply squeeze, according to Moneyweb. Warning Analysts warn that global inventories are falling at a record pace, with the International Energy Agency cautioning that the market will remain “severely undersupplied” until at least October, even if hostilities ease. Geopolitical uncertainty continues to drive volatility. A US blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, and reports of seized vessels have heightened tensions. President Donald Trump’s mixed signals on whether the US requires the Strait of Hormuz to remain open have added to market jitters, while inflationary pressures from rising oil costs are beginning to weigh on economies worldwide.
The Citizen
Six-try All Blacks see off Ireland at Eden Park fortress
New Zealand unfurled a commanding first-half performance to beat Ireland 40-21 in a bruising Test on Saturday and extend their remarkable unbeaten streak at Eden Park to 53 matches. The All Blacks scored four of their six tries in the first spell to lead 28-7 at the interval, setting up a third win from three matches in the inaugural Nations Championship. Playing their final game of the season, Ireland failed to mount a sustained assault on the home side’s 32-year-old record in Auckland, They paid for an error-riddled start in which they missed too many tackles and made fundamental handling mistakes The visitors improved as the match progressed but couldn’t add to this month’s Nations Championship wins over the Wallabies and Japan in Australia. New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie completed an encouraging start to his tenure, with his side producing an improved display following home wins against France and Italy. Next up is a tour of South Africa, where they will play four Tests against the world champions. “Very proud of the men turning up here tonight and putting in a performance like that,” said New Zealand captain Ardie Savea. “I think it’s all been in the mindset. We talked about throwing the first punch, and you know we got a lead in the first five minutes, so that was a start. “You’ve got to give credit to the Irish — they’re real quality. But we’re stoked to get the win.” ‘The Irish are tough’ Patrick Tuipulotu scored New Zealand’s opening try, bursting onto a short pass from fellow lock Josh Lord. Captain Ardie Savea doubled New Zealand’s lead to 14-0 when he stormed straight across from the back of a scrum, carrying two defenders with him. The hosts were reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes when flanker Luke Jacobson was shown a yellow card after a dangerous ruck cleanout made contact with the head of Josh van der Flier. Ireland capitalised when back-row forward Jack Conan powered over from close range. Any threat of a fightback was extinguished minutes later when Will Jordan swooped on a spilled pass, giving the All Blacks wing his sixth try in three Tests. Replacement hooker Asafo Aumua’s try on the stroke of half-time all-but consigned Ireland to a fourth straight loss to New Zealand. “We were pumped up to be here and get the opportunity to play at Eden Park,” said Ireland captain Dan Sheehan. “The All Blacks are a classy outfit, and they’ll punish you if you’re not on your A game. And at times we weren’t. “We wanted to test ourselves against the best, we know where we are now and we know the work we have to do because it’s a big, big year coming up leading up to the World Cup.” Impressive Ireland lock Joe McCarthy opened the scoring in a more even second half before New Zealand fullback Damian McKenzie responded to maintain a 21-point advantage. “It was a tough Test match, right from the get-go, Ireland coming out of the gate strong and we knew we had to start well,” said player-of-the-match McKenzie. “The Irish boys are a tough side. We had to work really hard for our points in that second half, but awesome to come away with a tough Test won.” Hugo Keenan crossed in the corner with nearly 20 minutes still to play but Ireland struggled to create more attacking chances. New Zealand replacement back Anton Lienert-Brown had the final say with a try in the corner.
The South African
Why more South African entrepreneurs are looking to the UK for international business growth
South Africa has long produced ambitious entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and globally minded business owners. From technology startups and e-commerce brands to consultants, agencies, and professional service firms, an increasing number of South Africans are building businesses that serve international markets rather than operating solely within domestic borders. As digital commerce continues to expand, many founders are evaluating how best to structure their businesses for long-term growth, access international clients, and operate across multiple jurisdictions. Recent UK business data suggests the United Kingdom remains one of the world’s most active and accessible business environments. The UK Remains One of the World’s Largest Business Hubs According to the latest Companies House Annual Report, the UK corporate register contained approximately 5.43 million companies as of March 2025, making it one of the largest company registers globally. During the 2024/25 financial year alone, Companies House processed 801 871 new incorporations and accepted approximately 14.7 million filings. The register was accessed more than 16.3 billion times during the year. These figures highlight both the scale of UK entrepreneurship and the importance of the corporate register to businesses, investors, banks, suppliers, and customers. South Africans Have Strong Business Links with the UK The UK and South Africa share long-standing commercial, legal, and professional connections. Many South African entrepreneurs already work with UK-based customers, suppliers, technology platforms, and financial institutions. English-language contracts, familiar legal principles, and established trade relationships continue to make the UK an attractive market for internationally focused businesses. South African-born entrepreneurs have also built successful UK companies across multiple sectors. One prominent example is fintech entrepreneur Philip Belamant, who relocated from South Africa and went on to co-found Zilch, now one of the UK’s best-known fintech businesses. Technology Is Making International Business Easier The barriers to international expansion have changed dramatically over the last decade. Cloud computing, AI-powered tools, remote working, digital payments, and global marketplaces have reduced the need for physical offices and large operational teams. Today, a software company in Cape Town, an agency in Johannesburg, or an e-commerce brand in Durban can acquire customers in London, New York, Dubai, and Sydney while operating remotely. For many entrepreneurs, international expansion is no longer a long-term objective – it is built into the business model from the start. Compliance Is Becoming More Important At the same time, regulatory standards are increasing. The UK’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act is introducing some of the most significant reforms in Companies House history. Identity verification requirements are being introduced for directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), while Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) will play an increasingly important role in helping businesses meet compliance requirements. For entrepreneurs, this means that governance, transparency, and compliance are becoming increasingly important parts of building a credible international business. Entrepreneurship Continues to Drive Economic Growth According to UK Government Business Population Estimates, there were approximately 5.7 million private sector businesses operating in the UK at the start of 2025. SMEs accounted for 99.85% of all businesses, employed approximately 16.9 million people, and generated around £2.8 trillion in annual turnover. These businesses represented approximately 60% of private sector employment and 51% of turnover. The figures reinforce the importance of entrepreneurship as a driver of innovation, employment, and economic resilience. Building Businesses for Global Markets According to Robert Engeham of Your Company Formations, a leading UK company formation and compliance provider:”The most successful entrepreneurs increasingly think internationally from day one. Technology has reduced barriers to entry, but sustainable growth still depends on strong business foundations, compliance, and long-term planning.” As more South African founders pursue international opportunities, the ability to combine innovation with effective governance may become an increasingly important competitive advantage. Looking Ahead The future of entrepreneurship is becoming more global. For South African business owners, technology now makes it possible to reach international customers, access new markets, and build globally competitive businesses without the barriers that existed only a few years ago. With more than 5.4 million companies on the UK register, over 800 000 new incorporations each year, and major reforms designed to improve corporate transparency, the UK continues to play an important role in the international business landscape. For founders seeking international growth, the opportunity is no longer simply to build a business locally – it is to build a business capable of competing globally.
The South African
Kaizer Chiefs transfer report: Lilepo, Silva, Mayo, R8 million profit
Today’s Kaizer Chiefs transfer news revolves around Glody Lilepo and a massive potential profit that could accrue to the club. Kaizer Chiefs to sell Lilepo Chiefs spent €500 000 (approx. R9,3 million) to bring Glody Lilepo to Kaizer Chiefs from French third-tier side Valenciennes in January 2025. Roughly 18 months later, the club looks set to sell the 28-year-old for almost double that amount. Moroccan giants AS FAR are keen to sign the Congolese star. He has become one of the club’s most reliable operators, so a sale would be somewhat of a surprise. He bagged five goals and four assists in 27 league outings last term in a mostly wide attacking role. With news that Khanyisa Mayo is likely to sign permanently after his loan spell, it’s not out of the question that Lilepo could leave Naturena after arriving from Valenciennes in January 2025. Will his sale make the club’s reliance on Flavio Silva even more exaggerated? Mako breaks his arm Left-back Paseka Mako will miss the start of the new season after fracturing his arm during a pre-season friendly match in Spain. Chiefs confirm several departures Happy Mashiane, George Matlou, Aden McCarthy, Gaston Sirino and Tashreeq Morris are all no longer on the playing staff at Kaizer Chiefs. Mashiane and Matlou have battled injury issues, and 22-year-old Aden McCarthy has moved to Azerbaijan, while Sirino and Morris, both the ‘wrong’ side of 32, are deemed surplus to requirements. Goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner and defender Thabo Moloisane have arrived to start their work at the club. It’s believed that the club will also turn Khanyisa Mayo’s loan move into a permanent one.
TechCentral
How the Post Office plans to rise from the dead
Acting CEO Fathima Gany tells TechCentral the Post Office can survive - but only if government honours its funding promise.
TechCentral
iOCO snaps up ERP firm as acquisition machine cranks up
ERP specialist Astraia Technology is iOCO's second purchase in four months as dealmaking accelerates.