Big problem for the NPA, and new bid for SARU and the Springboks

Here’s what is happening in and affecting South Africa today:

• New SARU bid emerges: A consortium of AltVest Capital, EasyEquities, 27four Investment Managers, and RainFin has launched a bid to acquire up to 40% of the South African Rugby Union’s (SARU) commercial rights, including the Springboks. This comes ahead of Friday’s vote on a proposal from US-based Ackerley Sports Group (ASG) for a 20% stake, which is expected to fail due to opposition from the Sharks, Bulls, and Lions. The consortium, offering R6.7 billion, promises to maintain SARU’s control while enhancing fan engagement and funding through listed debt instruments. [Business Day]

• NPA’s headache: Sibongile Mzinyathi, the North Gauteng director of public prosecutions, has expressed concern that the National Prosecuting Authority is continuing to struggle to finalise complex corruption cases, which are often contested by the accused, due to a shortage of prosecutors with specialised skills. [City Press]

• Security company raided: Police officers raided the Cape Town office of PPA Security, a company linked to the investigation into the murder of Mark Lifman. The company, known for its security services in Cape Town’s upscale Atlantic Seaboard, is cooperating with authorities, stating that its operations remain unaffected. Lifman, who was killed on November 3, 2024, had connections to PPA’s head, Alwyn Landman, with whom he once tried to start a security firm. Investigations into Lifman’s murder are exploring potential ties to security contracts in other provinces. [Daily Maverick]

• More illegal miners resurface: Six more illegal miners have resurfaced from an abandoned mine shaft in Stilfontein, North West. They are now among more than 1,300 people arrested in North West since August for illegal mining. Eight dead bodies have also been retrieved from one of the disused shafts since November. [EWN]

• Markets: The rand strengthened on Thursday on expectations of an interest rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve later this month. On Friday (06 December), the rand was trading at R18.04 to the dollar, R23.04 to the pound, and R19.08 to the euro. Oil is trading at $72.07 a barrel. [Reuters]