Even as some American manufacturers have benefited as their foreign competitors encounter higher barriers, others struggle with ballooning costs and persistent uncertainty.

The marketplace in the Iranian capital's north would usually be abuzz with customers, but shops now sit mostly empty with only small numbers of people walking its old narrow paths

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has resolved to convene an urgent, in-person meeting to interrogate further the implementation of the Constitutional Court judgment on asylum applications. This after the Director-General of the Department of Home Affairs withdrew the directive his office issued on 28 September regarding the intake of asylum seeker applications. In July, the Constitutional Court ruled that refugees and asylum seekers must be given the opportunity to access processing centres, regardless of whether they entered South Africa illegally. On 28 September, Home Affairs issued the directive regarding the intake of asylum seeker applications. However, it withdrew the directive on Friday, citing the fact that RRO operations were overwhelmed within a matter of days, Home Affairs officials being placed at risk and serious threats to public safety and order. The withdrawal of the directive has not stopped South Africans from protesting, and some protests have turned violent. Police have arrested 30 suspects since Thursday. Urgent meeting During its meeting on Friday, the portfolio committee welcomed the withdrawal of Home Affairs’ directive. It further directed the department, led by the Director-General, to evaluate and provide the broader operational plan for implementing the Constitutional Court judgment. This meeting must be attended by the Ministers of Home Affairs and Employment and Labour, relevant parliamentary committees, the department’s immigration branch, the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa (RAASA). The committee said it would also consider an oversight visit to refugee reception centres, and civil society organisations will have an opportunity to engage the committee on the subject. Home Affairs committee of SA’s immigration and refugee legislation Although the Home Affairs committee is seeking an operational plan to implement the judgment, it says the concerns of South Africans should not be dismissed. “The committee has always maintained that South Africans come first, and their concerns are legitimate; hence, during the sixth administration, it initiated a review of migration laws, which led to the then Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, carrying out the recommendations,” said committee chairperson Mosa Chabane. However, the committee expressed concern about the pace of this reform of South Africa’s citizenship, immigration and refugee legislation. “It is time that Cabinet must demonstrate urgency on their part and speed up the draft bill to allow South Africans an opportunity to contribute to determining the path the country must take. We require a proper account of the process and clear timeframes for when the draft bill will reach Parliament,” Chabane said. The White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection introduces a merit-based system for citizenship and naturalisation. It also introduces a first safe country principle for asylum seekers. This means an asylum seeker will not be eligible in South Africa if it is established that they passed through a safe country before reaching South Africa. ‘Detailed information’ The committee has called for detailed information on the capacity of refugee reception offices, asylum and appeals caseloads and staffing constraints. The meeting also raised concerns about asylum applicants who may be sought for prosecution in their countries of origin. It also reiterated concerns about an individual who serves both on the immigration board advising the minister and the Scalabrini Centre. The Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town is the party that took Home Affairs to court over certain provisions of the Refugees Act relating to the asylum application process. “The committee further noted that the judgment does not mean that a person automatically acquires refugee status simply by expressing an intention to seek asylum. Applicants must still go through the prescribed process to determine refugee status.”

Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi is reportedly in trouble with the Sharks following an episode of ill-discipline at a game a reserve during pre-season. The 35-year-old two-time World Cup winner is awaiting the outcome of a disciplinary hearing into his conduct, which could see his contract with the Durban-based rugby union ended, in the worst case scenario. According to Sunday Afrikaans publication Rapport, Mbonambi has been embroiled in a disciplinary issue for some time with his employers following his conduct during a pre-season team-building camp at a private lodge. Rapport says Mbonambi failed to adhere to the rules coach JP Pietersen put in place at the camp, with regards to socialising one evening. Trevor Nyakane, Fez Mbatha and Eduan Swart were also involved. Mbatha and Swart apparently received written warnings and apologised for their behaviour, while Nyakane seems to have been excused because he was not present when Pietersen stipulated the rules for socialiasing at the get-together. The presiding officer in the matter is expected to rule on his findings in the next two weeks. Mbonambi hasn’t played for the Boks since late last year. He has also not turned out for the Sharks in recent times, with injuries curtailing his involvement. It is understood though he is fully fit and keen to get back in the Bok mix. For the full story in Rapport click here.

Kaizer Chiefs return to action midweek following the FIFA international break, with a Betway Premiership clash against Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday evening. Amakhosi will be looking to revive their title hopes when they host Stellies, with Fernando Da Cruz’s side unbeaten in the league so far this season. The Soweto giants have recorded three wins and four draws in their opening seven matches. Victory would see Chiefs climb to third place, while anything less could allow title rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns to extend their advantage at the top of the standings. How Will Kaizer Chiefs Line Up? Da Cruz faces a key decision in the goalkeeping department, with Brandon Petersen and Renaldo Leaner competing for the starting spot. Petersen has been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for the past two seasons, but a series of recent mistakes saw him come under scrutiny before an injury sidelined him. His absence opened the door for new signing Leaner to make his debut, and the goalkeeper responded with a clean sheet against Golden Arrows. It remains to be seen whether Da Cruz will restore his trusted first-choice goalkeeper or stick with Leaner after his encouraging debut. In midfield, Sphesihle Ndlovu and Sibongiseni Mthethwa could feature from the start as Kaizer Chiefs look to control proceedings against Stellenbosch. Lebohang Maboe, however, remains a doubt for the encounter. Further forward, Flavio Silva is expected to return to the starting line-up as Amakhosi look to improve their attacking threat. Amakhosi host Stellenbosch on Tuesday (13 October). Kickoff is scheduled for 19:30. Kaizer Chiefs predicted XI Renaldo Leaner; Thabiso Monyane, Miguel Inacio, Thabo Moloisane, Bradley Cross; Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Sphesihle Ndlovu; Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, Pule Mmodi; Flavio Silva. Who is in your team?

South Africa is one of the few countries in the world where you can see wild penguins without leaving the city.  WHERE TO FIND WILD PENGUINS IN SOUTH AFRICA The African penguin is the only penguin species that breeds in Africa and these penguins can be spotted in Cape Town. BOULDERS BEACH One of the most popular spots to spot wild penguins is Boulders Beach, an hour’s drive away from Cape Town, in Simon’s Town on False Bay. The colony of penguins settled in Simon’s Town in 1982, and it is now home to a breeding colony of over 2000 penguins.  At Boulders Beach you can swim near the penguins. It is not advisable to touch or feed the penguins and keep your distance. Take a look at how much it cost to visit Boulders Beach here. STONY POINT, BETTY’S BAY  Stony Point is about 90 minutes outside of Cape Town in the Overberg region. Close to 4000 African penguins live there. However, it is far quieter than Boulders Beach. There is unfortunately no beach for visitors. A wooden boardwalk lets you watch the penguins on the rocks.  ISLAND COLONIES Most of the protected colonies are on islands which include Robin Island, Dassen Island and Dyer Island. Access is limited.  WHICH SEASON IS BEST TO SEE WILD PENGUINS?  Seasons may affect how many penguins you see and what exactly they are doing at the time. The main breeding season begins in February when birds are in burrows.  TIPS FOR VISITING Arrive early. Mornings are quieter and cooler. Check fees ahead of your visit,  Stay on the boardwalks. This protests the nests and the birds.  Carry sun protection. In Summer and other seasons in South Africa, you will need sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. 

Cybersecurity is Shoprite’s top-ranked risk, and the only one whose controls it rates as partially effective.

Standard Bank will buy as much as 4.99% of Nigeria-focused fintech OPay as it files to list in New York.