ConCourt Rules Against Sugar Levy, Complicating Tongaat Hulett Sale Process
South Africa's Constitutional Court struck down a controversial sugar levy, dealing a financial blow to Tongaat Hulett and altering negotiations with potential buyer RGS.
82 stories found
South Africa's Constitutional Court struck down a controversial sugar levy, dealing a financial blow to Tongaat Hulett and altering negotiations with potential buyer RGS.

Facing challenges from broken displays and reduced visitation, the Tongariro National Trout Centre in New Zealand is seeking community volunteers to help sustain its educational programs and ensure its long-term viability.
RNZ Pacific understands several passengers were briefly hospitalised, but there were no serious injuries.
Finding your identity, as a person of mixed Tongan heritage, can be challenging if you don't speak the Tongan language.
Tonga's Prime Minister has confirmed an upcoming cabinet reshuffle following the resignations of two senior government ministers who were unseated by the Legislative Assembly earlier this month.
Tonga's elections office expects King Tupou VI to issue writs for two by-elections by the end of the week, as part of a round-up of news from the Pacific region.
A new partnership has been launched to help Tongan migrants prepare for life in New Zealand, aiming to streamline their settlement process under the Pacific Access Category resident visa program.
The son of a man allegedly murdered by a US-based hitman is currently on the run after escaping police custody in Tonga.
Tonga Police are offering a reward of up to 5,000 Pa'anga (approx. NZ$3400) each for information leading to the capture of two escaped foreign remandees.

A new investigation has revealed the existence of 73 underwater volcanoes similar in scale to the Hunga Tonga volcano, four years after its powerful eruption temporarily altered Earth's atmosphere.

Entrepreneur Mohammed Dewji was interviewed by Charles Gitonga about his experiences and insights as a billionaire operating in Africa.

The 2022 Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption uncovered a novel atmospheric process. A combination of salty vapor and ash in the stratosphere, activated by sunlight, generated chlorine that effectively destroyed methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

The Hunga-Tonga eruption in January 2022 initiated a chemical reaction in the stratosphere that broke down methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases, surprising experts.
Protests have erupted in Isiolo following the disappearance of hawker George Gitonga, sparking public outcry.

A bidder for Tongaat has appeared in court to face allegations of fraudulently submitting a R2 billion proof-of-funding bank letter as part of its bid for the sugar producer.

Djibo, believed to be Europe's oldest lion, has died at the age of 27 in a French sanctuary. The Tonga Terre d'Accueil refuge announced his passing after the animal had been weak, refusing food and unable to move for several days.

Tongaat Hulett has received a temporary reprieve from liquidation after the Durban High Court approved an adjournment. This decision allows business rescue practitioners more time to finalize a recovery plan, which is backed by billions in IDC funding.
Authorities initially treated a wildfire that burned over 3000 hectares in New Zealand's Tongariro National Park in November as suspicious, prompting a police investigation.
Four years after a devastating eruption, Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua announced that the country will not accept further loans from Beijing, citing existing debt to China as a hindrance to rebuilding efforts.
Kiwi populations in Ruapehu, Tongariro, Wellington, and Taranaki regions of New Zealand have been significantly boosted by kiwis from sanctuaries.

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near the island nation of Tonga in the Pacific, according to the USGS. Alarm sirens were triggered in the capital, though no tsunami was predicted.
A powerful earthquake has struck near Tonga, prompting authorities to assess a potential tsunami threat for New Zealand.
A recent report by an NFL analyst has ranked Kansas City Chiefs veteran signing Khyiris Tonga as one of the top offseason bargains.

Tongaat Hulett, a 134-year-old industrial icon in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal sugar belt, has collapsed due to mismanagement, scandal, and shifting global markets.
This is the second time in recent months that a structure proposed near Balarama Gate of the palace has run into trouble
A shuttle service has been banned from the Tongariro track in New Zealand after it reportedly breached weather warnings, putting lives at risk.

HBO Max is continuing its global rollout by debuting in 12 Asia Pacific markets. Warner Bros. Discovery will debut the global streaming service HBO Max on March 26 in Bhutan, Fiji, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. THis comes after HBO Max’s recent launch in Italy and Germany, and ahead of […]
A report details the alleged corporate 'hijacking' and violation of Tongaat Hulett, a major agricultural and property company.
A prospective buyer from Mozambique has officially pulled out of negotiations to acquire a stake in Tongaat Hulett, complicating the agricultural giant's restructuring efforts.
Research shows the massive underwater volcano eruption released unprecedented amounts of water vapor into the stratosphere, causing initial cooling effects and modifying global weather patterns for two years.
Fiji and Tonga are actively pursuing alternative fuel supply partnerships and exploring renewable energy options to enhance their long-term energy security.
A Tongan officer has been officially sworn in to serve with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).
Tonga's Electoral Commission has confirmed that parliamentary by-elections for the Tongatapu 2 and Niua seats will take place, with candidate nominations scheduled for September 2 and 3.
Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji have all decreased their fuel price caps for August, offering some relief. However, prices in these Pacific Island nations remain higher than before April's global fuel crisis.
A New Zealander, the last of three inmates who escaped jail in Tonga last week, has been recaptured after nearly a week on the run.
Kokohu Vi, the son of a man allegedly murdered by a US hitman, escaped from custody at the Central Police Station in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on Sunday.
Tongan police are investigating claims that Tongan women have been taken to China for marriage, an issue the Chinese Embassy in Tonga has dismissed as a 'transnational marriage dispute'.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has finalized two significant Pacific agreements, including a treaty with Fiji, and is now set to meet with leaders from the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and India during a week of regional engagements.

A new study indicates that the powerful Tonga volcano eruption could provide valuable insights into methods for destroying methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Sirens blared across Tonga after a large earthquake struck, forcing evacuations due to a potential tsunami threat.
A significant High Court confrontation is anticipated regarding Tongaat Hulett Botswana, indicating ongoing legal and corporate challenges for the company.

The Tonga Trench in the South Pacific Ocean is described as an immense geological feature, over 10 km deep, 80 km wide, and 1,375 km long. Its depth is compared to 24 Empire State Buildings stacked on top of each other.

A powerful tsunami, described as the second-highest ever recorded, occurred last year in Tracy Arm Fjord within Alaska's Tongass National Forest. The event took place in a narrow sea inlet surrounded by towering granite cliffs and glaciers.

Joint forces from the Police Regional Office in Caraga and the Philippine Army uncovered an arms cache believed to belong to the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Antongalon, Butuan City.
The collapse of Tongaat Hulett is posing a significant threat to South Africa's sugar industry master plan, raising concerns about the sector's future.
Ghulam Rasool Kumar, a 70-year-old tonga driver, has resumed his rides on Srinagar's streets after a break, offering a nostalgic experience for both tourists and locals despite past disruptions.
Robert Gumede has been identified as a suitor for Tongaat Hulett, with the Daily Maverick reporting on his interest in the company.
Investigators have determined that a vehicle losing its rear wheel and dragging its undercarriage along the road sparked the massive fire that swept through Tongariro National Park in November.
A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near Tonga in the South Pacific at a depth of 237 kilometers, prompting authorities to assess a potential tsunami threat for New Zealand, though no casualties or major damage have been reported.

A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near Neiafu, Tonga, according to the USGS, though the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed no tsunami alert was issued due to the quake's deep origin.
A 66-year-old New Zealand woman drowned while snorkeling with friends in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, after being found unresponsive in the water.
The heritage building has been sitting empty since it was closed in February 2023 due to earthquake risk, after more than 90 years in business.

The South African government and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) are opposing the liquidation of Tongaat Hulett, warning that such a move would lead to business interruption and potential cessation of operations.

Minister Tau has intervened in the liquidation woes of Tongaat Hulett (THL) with the aim of saving the company from collapse, preserving jobs, and protecting the market for small sugarcane growers.
South African sugar and property company Tongaat Hulett is reportedly facing allegations of corporate 'hijacking' and violations, as detailed by Daily Maverick.
A financial review argues that the IDC-Vision equity partnership with Vision Sugar Group represents a strategic pan-African opportunity that converts distressed debt into productive ownership while protecting thousands of jobs.
An unlicensed whale-watching boat carrying New Zealand church delegates capsized in Tonga, raising questions about the incident. Investigations are underway to determine the cause and circumstances of the accident.

An Ecuadoran diplomat has joined the race for the United Nations chief position, with Tonga also nominating Ivonne A-Baki as its candidate for the role. Both individuals are now contenders for the top leadership position at the UN.
Three new ministers have been sworn in as members of Tonga's Cabinet, taking their oath today.
Tosh Gitonga, the filmmaker behind 'Nairobi Half Life,' has requested the court's permission to settle a Sh10,000 amount through monthly installments, stating he can only afford that sum.
Tonga's Supervisor of Elections has announced that two by-elections will be held following the resignations of ministers who were convicted of bribery.

The town of Tonga in Cameroon's West Region saw large crowds gathering ahead of a mega rally organized to express appreciation to President Paul Biya following the election of Right Honourable Theodore Datouo.
Tonga Police have recaptured a Fijian national, but a high-risk New Zealand citizen of Tongan descent remains at large after an escape.
Top filmmaker Tosh Gitonga has been fined Sh1 million due to a WhatsApp chat. The details of the chat and the specific offense leading to the fine were not immediately disclosed.

Actors Anirudh Pisharody and Tongayi Chirisa have wrapped lead roles in 'Chronos,' a new independent thriller directed by Gianinni Semedo Moreira.

Concerns are raised that allowing the liquidation of Tongaat Hulett could undermine the progress made by the Sugar Value Chain Master Plan, emphasizing the need for flexibility in the industry.
Tonga prop Paasi has been released by St Helens after six seasons and is scheduled to bid farewell to fans during a home match on June 11.
Rugby player Tolu Koula is set to bring his speed to the State of Origin arena, following in the footsteps of his parents who represented Tonga at the Sydney Olympics in the same stadium.

Horse-drawn carriages, known as Tongas, are experiencing a nostalgic return in Jammu town, India, driven by the Centre's push for fuel conservation.
Her older sister had a psychotic break, her brother-in-law was struck and killed by a vehicle in Rarotonga and her mother was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Rising opera star Ridge Ponini from Rarotonga is preparing to travel to London, pursuing his musical career on an international stage.
The King of Tonga is scheduled to pay his respects, though the specific context of the event is not detailed.
Four years after a devastating eruption, Tonga's significant debt to China is reportedly impeding its reconstruction and recovery efforts.

The Kingdom of Tonga enforces strict Sunday laws where nearly all activities, including working and going to the beach, are forbidden, with potential penalties for violations.
The latest Chiefs news reports that Khyiris Tonga has signed with a team, with the headline humorously suggesting it was the 'wrong team'.
An earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, prompting countries in the region to assess a tsunami threat.

Tonga's newly elected leader, Lord Fakafānua, has expressed enthusiasm for a partnership with the US to explore deep-sea minerals, despite environmental concerns raised by critics regarding the potential impacts of seabed exploration.

Samoa and Tonga raise supply concerns with foreign partners as businesses and residents in Papua New Guinea grapple with higher fuel prices amid the Iran war The leaders of some Pacific countries…
A new report reveals native plants are making a comeback in the blackened fire-charred areas of Tongariro National Park, but invasive weeds and animal pests pose a risk to a full recovery.

Ahead of the provisional liquidation hearing for Tongaat Hullet Limited in the Durban High Court, interested parties are exploring options to save the centennial sugar company and the 250,000 jobs it supports.

A photograph titled 'Mahina,' capturing a rare white humpback whale calf and its mother, taken by Australian Jono Allen in Vava'u, Tonga, has won a major nature photography award.
Reports indicate a corporate 'hijacking' and violation of the South African sugar and property company Tongaat Hulett.