Caxton Magazines
Hellbent on Badplaas
Both the land Claims court and the Supreme Court of Appeal have ruled that there is no evidence of fraudulently-inflated land values in the Badplaas area.
Food price inflation likely to ‘normalise’
A “normalisation” of food price inflation can be expected by the end of 2008 and into 2009. This is according to Citigroup economist Jean-Francois Mercier who predicts the CPIX inflation index will moderate to 9,9% year-on-year in 2008 and 4,3% in 2009, f
High potato prices are isolated
The South African potato industry have quashed rumours that prices for pockets of potatoes have skyrocketed over the festive season and will remain high. It said cases of high potato prices over Christmas were limited to isolated retail outlets and prices
Minister’s evictions list welcomed
Farmer unions have welcomed the issuing of a list of farmers that minister of land affairs Lulama Xingwana alleges are guilty of unlawfully evicting farmworkers. Last year Xingwana and her deputy, Dirk du Toit, threatened to expropriate the land of such f
10% wage increase
The wage discrepancy between rural and urban workers is expected to close this year. Labour minister Membathisi Mdladlana announced that the rural minimum wage is expected to increase to R1 090 a month or R5,59 an hour. The current minimum wage is due for
Muti threatens vultures
The demand for vulture parts in traditional medicine is a significant threat to South African vultures, say Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife and the Birds of Prey working group of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). This threat comes against the backdrop
Land Bank toughs out credit upgrade blunder.
The Land Bank stands by a misleading statement issued last year, suggesting international rating agency Fitch had upgraded its credit status because of steps taken by its board and management to improve performance.
Issue date: 25 January 2008
Issue date: 25 January 2008
“Prove that you can produce maize surpluses”
Agriculture director general Masiphula Mbongwa thinks government might allow the use of maize for biofuels if farmers produce a surplus this season. “If we can show Cabinet that South Africa’s maize farmers can comfortably produce surpluses, we can convin
Stock theft decreases, but only very slightly
According to the latest SAPS crime statistics, reported stock theft cases were down nationally by a marginal 0,7% to 14 057 cases. Stock theft has decreased by 32% since 2001, according to the latest figures, but the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga saw thefts
Eskom advised to buy out ranches for Coega powerlines
The proposed double Gamma-Grassridge 765kW transmission power lines that will service the giant Coega development at Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape could result in Eskom having to buy out entire game ranches and ecotourism operations along the rou
Wool up with stronger rand and Chinese quota decision
The wool market made a turnaround following last week’s poor performance and the prices of most types posted solid gains. Cape Wools’ Merino Indicator subsequently rose 4,8% to close at R60,68/kg (clean). This is up 8% on the opening level, according to s
Negligence, weather contributed to M’langa wildfires
Human negligence, lightning and strong winds caused the wildfires that ravaged Mpumalanga in July and August, according to a team appointed to investigate the fires. The fires destroyed an estimated 63 000ha, including plantations and grazing land in 13 o
Fresh premises for Durban’s platform traders
Platform traders at the Durban Fresh Produce Market will soon be plying their trade from slick, new facilities. new premises are expected to be completed by the end of the year. A bout 50 informal or platform traders will be accommodated. traders currentl
Can Pioneer beat price-fixing rap?
Pioneer Foods’ legal experts are confident that the group has reasonable prospects of successfully defending the charges of bread-price fixing being investigated by the Competition Commission.
Issue Date: 18 January 2008
Issue Date: 18 January 2008
R2m to combat blue-ear disease
The recent Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) or blue-ear disease outbreak in the Western Cape cost SA Pork Producers’ Organisation (Sappo) close to R2 million.
Ailing wine trust thrown R100 million lifeline
The embattled South African Wine Industry Trust (Sawit) ended months of speculation by announcing the refinancing of its loan to Phetogo Investments, KWV’s black empowerment partner. This could see funds flowing again early next year to a range of Sawit’s
International News-18 January 2008
Oz farmers remain headstrong
China acquires a taste for mutton
NZ’s 2007 annual dairy report
China acquires a taste for mutton
NZ’s 2007 annual dairy report
It’s global warming, says Manuel
South Africa’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October, excluding mortgage costs, is 0,6% higher at 7,3% year-on-year compared with September’s 6,7%. With the CPI for food at a record increase of 12,3% year-on year, food is emerging as a strong driver of i
Online booking for SANParks
SANParks launched its real-time online bookings system recently, making it possible for internet users to make reservations 22 hours of the day. The system will relieve pressure on the SANParks call centre. Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Ma
Former board members of Samic pass away
Gerard Braak Sr died last month after a long illness. Braak was an active member of the organised pig industry between 1950 and 1990, inter alia as chairperson of the then Transvaal Pig Development Association, a position he held for many years.
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