| SAVVY INVESTORS SURFING VOLATILITY IN SEA OF UNCERTAINTY |
| BEDDING DOWN CULTURE OF EVIDENCE-BASED PROBLEM-SOLVING |
Tanya Hulse (3rd left) and some participants at the structured problem-solving course. Pic by Lethiwe Zondi.
Yesterday’s business skills training session at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business challenged participants to help drive more consistent operational performance and embed a culture of evidence-based problem solving within their organisations.
Led by Tanya Hulse of TLC, participants were encouraged to avoid reactive fixes in favour of disciplined analysis, using Lean and PDCA (plan, do, check, act) tools to isolate root causes and prevent recurrence. The A3 methodology helped to sharpen problem definition and accountability to achieve outcomes including reduced rework, faster resolution cycles, and stronger collaboration.
Click here to download the updated 2026 business skills programme.
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| COMRADES CALAMITY INSURANCE, COFFEE CONVERSATION TOMORROW |
The Comrades Marathon has secured an insurance partnership with iTOO Special Risks, covering event cancellation, contingency and cyber risks for the 2026 race. The deal ensures that runners’ entry fees will be refunded if the race is cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen events such as extreme weather. The policy also includes liability protection for organisers and digital risk cover. The agreement sets a new benchmark for sporting event risk management in South Africa’s endurance racing calendar.
An interactive Coffee Conversation gathering hosted by attorneys Shannon Lawrence and Nokwanda Zondi of Redfern Incorporated tomorrow morning will focus on challenges faced by women in the workplace. The session will explore rights, leadership pathways, mental health, and employer responsibilities, alongside practical HR and legal perspectives. The forum at 8 am at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business encourages open dialogue on improving workplace inclusion and performance and attendees are also invited to raise agenda topics in advance via chamber@pmcb.org.za. No cost for PMCB members, R60 for non-members. |
2009: National and provincial voting saw the election of Jacob Zuma as president by the ANC.
Elsewhere, in 1977, optical fibre was used for telephone transmissions for the first time.
Today is dedicated to our planet, by observing either Earth Day or International Mother Earth Day. |
APARTHEID-ERA FOREX RULES HEADING FOR SCRAP HEAP
South Africa is preparing draft foreign exchange reforms that will remove several apartheid-era restrictions, marking one of the most significant liberalisations of capital controls in decades. The proposed changes are expected to streamline cross-border payments, reduce compliance burdens, and ease limits on investment flows for individuals and corporates.
Authorities argue that some rules, dating back more than 40 years, are outdated and constrain competitiveness in a globalised economy. The overhaul forms part of a broader modernisation drive within the financial system, aimed at aligning with international best practice while retaining safeguards against illicit capital movements. Businesses have long called for greater flexibility, citing delays and costs. Officials say the reforms could unlock faster capital mobility and improve investor confidence. (SOURCE: News24)
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RESERVE BANK KEEPING AN EYE ON RISING INFLATION RISKS
The Reserve Bank has raised concerns over South Africa’s inflation trajectory, warning that external pressures could push prices higher in coming months. Its baseline forecast sees headline inflation peaking at about 4% in the second quarter, remaining within the 3%–6% target range but edging upward. As a net importer, the country is especially exposed to global fuel cost shocks, which continue to filter through to transport and food prices. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and volatile oil markets add to uncertainty, complicating the interest rate outlook. Policymakers signalled a cautious stance, indicating that any easing cycle may be delayed if inflation risks intensify or expectations become unanchored. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS PRIVATE SECTOR KEEPS FAITH IN MEDIUM-TERM OUTLOOK
South African business confidence slipped sharply in March, recording its steepest decline since tariff shocks linked to Donald Trump, as global tensions and war jitters weighed on sentiment. However, economists say the medium-term outlook remains relatively robust, supported by expectations of infrastructure investment and gradual economic stabilisation.CWhile short-term indicators reflect uncertainty tied to Middle East conflict and trade disruptions, forward-looking measures suggest firms still anticipate improved operating conditions. Analysts note that resilience in mining and services, alongside easing inflation pressures, could help underpin recovery, even as geopolitical risks and logistics constraints continue to cloud the immediate outlook. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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R1.93 BILLION FRENCH LOAN TO HELP PLUG MUNICIPAL VACUUM
France and South Africa are in discussions over a €100 million (about R1.93 billion) loan aimed at improving struggling municipal trading services, particularly water, waste and energy infrastructure. The funding is intended to support metros grappling with ageing systems, poor maintenance and financial strain, which have undermined service delivery. French ambassador David Martinon said the initiative reflects growing cooperation between the two countries. The proposed financing could help stabilise essential services and restore investor confidence in urban centres, though implementation risks remain amid governance challenges and capacity constraints at municipal level across the country. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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KZN-SWEATSHOP EXCESSES PROMPT RETAIL INTERVENTIONS
Retail groups Pick n Pay, Pepkor and The Foschini Group have taken action against suppliers linked to alleged sweatshop conditions in KZN, following accreditation and labour compliance concerns. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of factory standards, with reports of poor working conditions and possible breaches of supplier codes. Retailers say they are tightening oversight, conducting audits and reviewing sourcing relationships to protect brand integrity. Suppliers found non-compliant face corrective action or termination. The crackdown highlights growing pressure on South Africa’s retail supply chains to meet ethical labour and accreditation requirements across manufacturing networks. Industry reform expected to continue pressure. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS SPAR BATTENS DOWN HATCHES IN R168 MIILION SHOWDOWN
Retail group Spar Group is disputing a R168 million damages claim brought by the Giannacopoulos family, arguing its own losses total about R1.3 million. The case relates to a failed SAP system rollout affecting independently owned Spar stores, primarily in KZN, where the family operates supermarkets. They claim the system disruption caused major financial losses, while Spar maintains the impact was limited. The group’s model relies on independent retailers across South Africa and parts of southern Africa. Despite the dispute, Spar lifted operating profit 1.6% to R1.5bn through tighter cost control. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SOARING VEHICLE WRITE-OFFS RAISE SAFETY CONCERNS
The South African Motor Body Repairers Association warns that rising vehicle write-offs may be reaching a risk point, with some vehicles now written off at as little as 35% of value. National director Juan Hanekom says this is increasing the flow of damaged vehicles back into circulation, putting pressure on tracking and transparency systems. South Africa’s vehicle parc exceeds 13 million units, with an average age of 10.8 years, heightening oversight challenges. While a proposed vehicle salvage database would improve visibility, it would cover only insured cars. SAMBRA is calling for broader, complementary measures to strengthen lifecycle tracking, improve safety, and reduce the risk of uneconomical repairs returning to roads. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS AUTO INDUSTRY HUNTS 312 000 WORKERS DUE R88 BILLION
The Motor Industry Bargaining Council has launched a nationwide drive to reconnect more than 312 000 workers with unclaimed retirement and employment benefits. About R88 billion in assets remains unclaimed across South Africa in 2025, including pensions, severance pay, death and provident fund benefits. Many workers miss out due to outdated contact details or lack of awareness after leaving the motor industry. General secretary Paulos Masemola says benefits often include arrear wages and holiday pay. The council is introducing digital “welcome packs” and improved employer reporting across 23 513 companies. Officials stress claims do not expire and can be recovered indefinitely, aiming to restore financial dignity and reduce systemic loss. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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HEALTH WATCHDOG ON BACKFOOT OVER ORAL FLU BAN
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority faces mounting pushback over plans to phase out oral phenylephrine, a common decongestant in cold and flu remedies. The move follows a finding by a US Food and Drug Administration advisory panel that the ingredient is ineffective when taken orally, offering no better relief than a placebo. Industry players warn the decision could disrupt supply and force costly reformulations, while regulators argue it safeguards consumers. Phenylephrine remains effective in nasal sprays, but its removal from tablets and syrups could reshape South Africa’s over-the-counter medicines market and limit familiar treatment options. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
R2.4 BILLION BRIDGE MARKS LESOTHO WATER SCHEME MILESTONE
The completion and handover of the R2.4. billion Senqu Bridge marks a key milestone in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2, ensuring uninterrupted access to Mokhotlong ahead of dam impoundment. Meanwhile, a second tunnel boring machine is steadily advancing through the 38.5 km Polihali–Katse transfer tunnel in the Maluti mountains, with excavation now underway from both ends. The system will carry water by gravity from the Polihali reservoir to Katse, boosting regional supply security.. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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US EXTENDS TRUCE, BLOCKADES HORMUZ AS IRAN TENSIONS MOUNT
The United States has extended a ceasefire with Iran while maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports and the key global oil route of the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump said the truce will continue until Tehran submits a “unified proposal” and agrees to talks, despite Iran refusing to send negotiators to Pakistan while restrictions remain. Trump insisted the waterway is “totally controlled” and closed to Iranian shipping, escalating tensions even as diplomatic efforts continue. The standoff keeps global energy markets on edge, with potential disruption to oil flows and renewed fears of wider regional escalation. (SOURCE: The Independent)
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To travel is to take a journey into yourself.
Danny Kaye |
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