| DIGITAL PROGRAMME TAKING SMALL BUSINESS PLACES |
Credit to the Tradehub’s energetic manager Lucrisha Polton at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business for connecting entrepreneurs to practical tools that support sustainable digital commerce growth. Most recently, the International Chamber of Commerce and TikTok have launched the Digital Commerce Labs, a free global programme designed to help micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises strengthen their digital presence and grow online. The initiative aims to accelerate digital readiness and unlock wider market access for small businessses. Here’s the link to register.
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| TAKING BACK THE CITY'S STREETS, ONE SIGN AT A TIME |
Major Mthethwa with a refurbished sign that was made possible with the financial backing of Courtney Thatcher from Athlone Circle Pick n Pay.
Observant residents may have noticed that some street signs sport a fresh coat of paint as part of a city-wide reclamation of public spaces to help restore a sense of pride, dignity and belonging. To this end, entrepreneur Major Mthethwa is on a mission to repaint 66 street signs by Mandela Day on 18 July. According to Lara Edmonds of the KPCA, Mthethwa is well on his way to meet the goal and can do so with assistance in the form of a R400 donation to the project. Contact Edmonds on 084 587 0880 (WhatsApp) or at info@kpca.co.za.
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| READERS POLL: HOW CLEAN IS THE QUEST FOR GREEN ENERGY? |
The quest for energy has an uneven history in KZN but is fundamentally extractive, from the largely depleted coal fields in the north-west, to failed attempts to investigate shale gas fracking in the Midlands and now lithium being mined on the South Coast. The irony is that cleaner energy often comes with its own disruptive technologies and we’re interested in what your readers think about these activities and how best to mitigate conflicting interests? We'll publish the result tomorrow. Click on the link for a quick survey.
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1948: The Herenigde Nasionale Party (Reunified National Party) took power from the United Party by five seats to herald apartheid.
Elsewhere, in 1521, church reformist Martin Luther was declared a heretic by the Edict of Worms.
Red rules the day on World Redhead Day. It’s also World Dracula Day!
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FOOD INFLATION EASES DESPITE RISING FUEL COSTS
South Africa’s food inflation slowed to a 13-month low of 2.8% in April 2026, offering consumers some relief despite broader inflation rising from 3.1% to 4% year-on-year. Lower grain and fresh produce prices helped offset pressure from rising fuel costs linked to Middle East tensions. Maize prices remained sharply lower than a year ago, with white maize averaging R3 212 per tonne, down 37%, while yellow maize fell 30% to R3 334 per tonne.
Meat inflation also eased below double digits to 9.4%, while fruit and vegetable prices stayed in deflationary territory, supported by strong domestic agricultural supply conditions. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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... AS WHEAT PRODUCERS HEAD TO COURT IN TARIFF SHOWDOWN
Grain SA and Sacota have taken legal action over continued delays in implementing revised wheat import tariffs, arguing that administrative inaction is harming local producers already under pressure from subsidised global competition. The groups say they applied in June 2024 for a higher dollar-based reference price and faster tariff adjustments, but have waited nearly two years for finalisation by ITAC. In a letter of demand, they gave ITAC and the trade and finance ministers until June 1 to respond with progress updates. They warn that delayed tariff responses are undermining industry viability, food security and rural employment. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND RISING FARM EXPORTS DEFY TRADE BOTTLENECKS
South Africa’s agricultural exports rose 11% in the latest reporting period, lifting the sector’s trade surplus despite persistent logistics constraints at ports and rail corridors. Strong demand from Asia and the Middle East supported the gains, with grain, fruit and wine among key contributors. However, exporters continue to face higher transport costs and delays that erode margins and limit faster expansion. Industry stakeholders warn that without improved port efficiency and rail reliability, the country risks undercutting future export competitiveness even as global demand remains favourable for South African produce in key international markets. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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LICENCE DISCS MAY HELP FUND ROAD ACCIDENT FUND
South Africa is considering a new vehicle owner contributory scheme that could see motorists paying an additional fee when purchasing or renewing licence discs to help fund the struggling Road Accident Fund. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says the move is being explored as the current fuel levy model becomes less sustainable, particularly with rising electric vehicle adoption reducing fuel-based revenues. The RAF’s contingent liabilities are estimated at over R500 billion, with potential additional exposure of about R400 billion from recent legal rulings. Government is also reviewing broader reforms, including a possible no-fault compensation system. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS CHINESE, INDIAN AUTO IMPORTS DEEPEN TRADE DEFICIT
South Africa’s vehicle trade deficit with China and India has surged to about R90bn, underscoring the growing pressure on the domestic automotive industry as cheaper Asian imports reshape the market. According to recent trade data, imports from China alone account for the bulk of the imbalance, with the deficit with that country estimated at R57.7 billion, while India contributes a growing share through low-cost vehicle and component exports. The widening gap highlights structural weaknesses in local manufacturing, as domestic producers struggle to compete with lower-cost production hubs amid rising global competition and shifting supply chain dynamics in the auto sector. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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TREASURY JOBS FUND OPENS NEW ROUND
The National Treasury’s Jobs Fund has launched its 13th funding round, seeking innovative, scalable projects to boost employment in South Africa’s green and informal economies. Running from May 18 to June 30, the round targets intermediaries across public, private and nonprofit sectors to unlock demand-led job creation. Since 2011, the fund has committed R7.7 billion in public finance, leveraging R15.7 billion in partner contributions. It has supported over 180 projects, creating more than 343 000 jobs and internships, while training over 418 000 work-seekers and entrepreneurs. Youth and women make up the majority of beneficiaries, with a strong focus on inclusive, sustainable growth. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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S&P AND MOODY’S LEAD RATING REVIVAL
South Africa’s potential climb out of junk status is increasingly being driven by a small cluster of major rating agencies, with Moody’s Ratings and S&P Global Ratings seen as the key movers to watch, while Fitch Ratings remains the most cautious outlier. Following Moody’s shift to a positive outlook, economists say S&P is now most likely to follow with the next meaningful move, given it had already placed South Africa on a positive outlook earlier and upgraded the sovereign in late 2025. Analysts argue that continued fiscal discipline and reform delivery could prompt S&P to act first, potentially as soon as the next budget cycle. Moody’s could then follow with an upgrade if primary surpluses and debt stabilisation continue, while Fitch is expected to lag unless growth and structural constraints improve more decisively. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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ESKOM DEFENDS LOW-TARIFF SMELTER DEAL
Eskom has defended its proposed 62c/kWh electricity tariff for ferrochrome producers Samancor Chrome and Glencore-Merafe, arguing the contracts help offset exposure to long-term coal supply costs and stabilise industrial demand. At National Energy Regulator hearings, Eskom said losing 12.8 TWh of annual demand would trigger a R56 billion downside risk linked to take-or-pay coal contracts, while also forfeiting about R42.5 billion in potential revenue over the contract period. The utility said the negotiated pricing agreements would retain industrial load, support baseload demand stability and prevent broader tariff increases for other customers, despite selling below standard electricity prices. Critics, however, argue the arrangements contrast sharply with repeated tariff hikes, including recent increases of more than 12% for many consumers and businesses. (SOURCE: Engineering News/News24) |
SA FIRM WINS GLOBAL AWARD FOR WASTE WATER PLANT
South African wastewater treatment company Calcamite has won the AVEVA Sustainable Impact Award 2026, announced at AVEVA World in Milan on 21 May. The subsidiary of JoJo Tanks was recognised for its decentralised packaged wastewater solutions, treating up to 4 000 gallons of wastewater per day and expanding access in areas without existing infrastructure. Judges praised its data-driven approach to bridging infrastructure gaps and delivering grassroots impact. The company said small-scale interventions can collectively drive meaningful environmental and social change at scale. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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JSE CALLS TIME ON ALGORITHMIC TRADING
Johannesburg Stock Exchange is preparing stricter regulations for algorithmic trading and direct market access as it seeks to strengthen market integrity and reduce systemic risks linked to high-speed electronic trading. The proposed measures are expected to introduce tighter oversight, enhanced compliance obligations and stronger controls around automated trading systems used by brokers and institutional investors. The JSE says the changes aim to align South Africa’s financial markets with evolving global standards and improve resilience against trading disruptions or manipulation. Market participants will likely face stricter testing, monitoring and reporting requirements under the revised framework once implemented. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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PICK N PAY DOUBLES DOWN ON COST-CUTTING DRIVE
Pick n Pay is urging staff to accept restructuring and cost reductions as it battles weak consumer demand and rising input costs across its core retail operations. The group has reported cumulative losses of about R3.2 billion over two financial years, alongside pressure from intense competition in South Africa’s grocery sector and declining margins in its core supermarket business. Management says cost cuts are essential to restore profitability and protect long-term jobs, with restructuring expected to reduce operating expenses by several hundred million rand over the medium term as the retailer attempts to stabilise its balance sheet. (SOURCE: News24)
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'OUPA' BRANDY CLEARED OF BINGE-DRINKING COMPLAINT
The Advertising Regulatory Board has given a cheeky nod to a Wildebeest Brandewyn television advert accused of promoting binge drinking, ruling that viewers were unlikely to take its “more brandy, more happiness” line too seriously. Featuring veteran actor Ian Roberts as a wisecracking “oupa”, the ad sparked complaints from viewers who argued it glamorised excessive drinking. The ARB admitted the script may have wandered a little too close to the bottle, but concluded the farmhouse-stoep humour was clearly fictional banter rather than a serious invitation to down endless brandy and soda. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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The PMCB welcomes the following new members:
The Wisdom Project – Outdoor environmental education. Self development and youth mentorship – 082 802 0005
GSJ Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd - Precision Cutting, Bending, and Drilling of Steel – 033 401 0012
AI Marais Accounting Services - Professional accounting and advisory firm that provides practical, compliant, and easy-to-understand financial solutions to support informed decision-making – 083 557 3189
Alvin Anthony Property Holdings cc - Comprehensive financial and business services, including tax accounting, financial planning, and short-term and long-term insurance solutions. In addition, we own, manage, and let a diverse property portfolio comprising commercial, residential, industrial, and agricultural properties, offering well-managed rental and investment opportunities – 081 371 2630
Aluminum Metal Recycling (Pty) Ltd – Smelter - 033 001 0358
Instant Turf cc - Growers and Suppliers of Instant Grasses, Compost, lawndressings etc. Hydroseeding and anti erosion products - 072 845 7719
Afro Global Technologies – Wola is a South African online business directory designed to help local businesses increase visibility and connect with potential customers – 076 197 5254
To find out more about chamber membership and the many benefits click here. |
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The man who has no imagination has no wings.
Muhammad Ali |
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