| MSUNDUZI MUNICIPALITY DROWNING IN WASTE WATER SWAMP |
Not exactly happy Easter egg-hunting reading, but it’s time call out the stink about out-of-control sewage pollution in the Msunduzi Municipality. The Department of Water and Sanitation’s newly-published Green Drop report highlights a jaw-dropping collapse of the city’s waste water treatment performance - from 78% in 2021 to 30.2% in 2024.
Scary science underpins the report - the median E. coli level rocketed from 1 400 counts (CFU) per 100 mL in 2001 to 47 475 in 2025, a 34-fold increase, way above an acceptable level of 1 000 CFU/100 mL with 100 CFU/100 mL the optimum.
The reason is broken pipes and overflowing sewers fouling Pietermaritzburg's river system, as evidenced by the alarming rise in fecal pollution from at least 20 million litres of sewage not reaching the Darvill Waste Works.
It would appear the municipality is incapable of tackling the crisis. The scale of the calamity demands an aggressive intervention, not officials back-slapping each other over an also-ran plaudit at the KZN Municipal Excellence Awards. If only a third-place certificate behind glass could get us out of this excretable hole...
But it’s Easter eve and to inject some chocolaty cheer, the chutzpah of Nestle after a Kit Kat heist of epic proportions makes for entertaining reading. Happy Easter, and take it easy on the road. Derek Alberts (Editor) |
| ... AS MIDMAR PUMP FAILURES WORSEN WATER WOES |
Water supply remains critically limited in Msunduzi, affecting Blackridge, Boughton, Hilton, Montrose, Vulindlela, and Sweetwaters due to issues at the Midmar Pump Station. Howick West reservoirs are currently at 8% and 30%, with only one pump operational, supplying 12 million liters daily - far below demand. A second pump trips when running, delaying full restoration. Technicians are prioritising Howick West to feed Groenkloof Reservoir; mechanical repairs continue. Officials, including DA representatives, are conducting oversight visits and coordinating water tankers for empty JoJo tanks. Full water restoration is uncertain, with expectations possibly stretching to tomorrow or Saturday.
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| TALBOT LAUNCHES WATER SECURITY HUB AT DUBE |
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Talbot CEO Carl Haycock (2nd left) cutting the ribbon to the Industrail Water Security Hub. Picture courtesy of KZNB&INews
Talbot has opened its Industrial Water Security Hub at Dube TradePort, strengthening support for sustainable industrial water use. The 3 500m² facility integrates advanced laboratory testing, analytics, engineering and a Smart Water Control Centre to help businesses manage water risk. The expansion marks a further milestone in a track record spanning more than 35 years of delivering more than 300 projects in 20 countries after being founded as a small family-run business in 1989 in Pietermaritzburg.
CEO Carl Haycock said the hub reinforces long-term commitment to water security amid growing scarcity. With ISO-accredited testing and expanded capabilities, including emerging contaminant analysis, the hub positions Talbot among Africa’s leading water laboratories while improving turnaround times through proximity to King Shaka International Airport. (SOURCE: KZNI&BNews) |
| THE DEATH OF APRIL FOOL PRANKS AS HARM TOPS CHARM |
1879: The battle of Gingindlovu was fought in the Anglo-Zulu War.
Elsewhere, in 1982, the Falklands War broke out between Argentina and Britain.
Get out Pinocchio, on International Children’s Book Day. |
WATCHDOG FLAGS STUBBORN EGG AND POULTRY PRICES
The Competition Commission has raised concerns over persistently high egg and poultry prices despite declining producer input costs. The commission argues that savings from lower feed and fuel expenses are not being passed on to consumers, placing continued pressure on household budgets. While producers cite recovery from avian influenza losses and ongoing operational risks, the watchdog is calling for greater transparency across the value chain.
It warns that limited competition and market concentration may be slowing price adjustments. Regulators are being urged to investigate pricing practices and ensure fair outcomes, as food affordability remains a critical issue for consumers already grappling with broader cost-of-living increases nationwide. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS PIC MOVES TO SELL CRISIS‑HIT DAYBREAK FOODS
The Public Investment Corporation is seeking a buyer for its embattled poultry business, Daybreak Foods, after years of financial distress and governance challenges. The state‑owned company, placed into business rescue amid scandals and operational strain, still supplies a small share of South Africa’s chicken market but has consumed significant investment with limited returns. PIC chairman David Masondo said the plan is to sell more than 60% of the business to bring in an operational partner and stem losses. The move aims to protect pension fund value and stabilise the troubled asset after prolonged uncertainty. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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ABSA PMI RISE MASKS TOUGH TIMES AHEAD
The Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) edged higher in March, suggesting limited stabilisation in manufacturing. However, weak new sales orders indicate demand remains subdued. Rising input costs, driven by steep fuel price increases, are expected to squeeze margins further. Ongoing logistics constraints and infrastructure challenges continue to weigh on output. Added to this, global geopolitical instability—particularly tensions in the Middle East—has heightened uncertainty, disrupting supply chains and dampening investor confidence. While the PMI improvement signals resilience, economists warn the sector faces sustained pressure, with recovery prospects constrained by both domestic weaknesses and an unpredictable global environment. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS JSE'S RECORD MARCH ROUT DEEPENS MARKET ANXIETY
The JSE has shed an estimated R3 trillion in value, over the course of March 2026, making it the worst monthly rout on the JSE since the 2008 financial crisis. marking its worst monthly performance since the 2008 global financial crisis. The sharp decline reflects mounting pressure from rising global bond yields and a slump in resource stocks, both of which have dampened investor confidence. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, have intensified inflation fears and triggered capital flight from emerging markets like South Africa. Banking and mining shares have been hardest hit, amplifying losses across the bourse. Analysts warn that volatility may persist as investors reassess risk, with external shocks continuing to overshadow domestic economic fundamentals and recovery prospects. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... AND POOR HOUSEHOLDS DEALT PARAFFIN BLOW
Paraffin prices have surged past petrol, delivering a severe blow to South Africa’s poorest households. In Gauteng, paraffin now costs about R24.21 per litre, exceeding the R23.36 price of 95 unleaded petrol. The shift follows government efforts to cushion motorists through fuel levy relief, inadvertently leaving paraffin users more exposed. Millions rely on paraffin for cooking, heating and lighting, particularly during load-shedding. Analysts warn the price inversion will deepen energy poverty and inequality, forcing vulnerable households to cut back on essentials. The development highlights the unintended consequences of fuel policy decisions amid rising global oil prices and currency weakness. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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UMKHOMAZI WATER PROJECT MARKS HALFWAY MILESTONE
The R11 billion Lower Umkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Project has reached 50% completion, promising improved water security for southern Durban communities. Led by uMngeni-uThukela Water and supported by eThekwini Municipality, the project will deliver 100 megalitres daily, benefiting areas from Isipingo to Umkhomazi. Mayor Cyril Xaba said the scheme will balance supply across the city and support investment. Despite early legal delays, construction is progressing steadily toward a 2029 completion. Alongside the larger Upper Umkhomazi project, it forms part of a long-term strategy to secure reliable water infrastructure and sustain economic growth. (SOURCE: KZNI&BNews)
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KIESWETTER ENDS TENURE WITH RECORD TAX HAUL
Outgoing SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter has capped his tenure with a record R2 trillion tax collection, signalling sustained institutional recovery and improved compliance. Finance minister Enoch Godongwana praised his leadership, crediting a “tremendous” turnaround after years of weakened capacity. The milestone reflects stronger enforcement, better systems and a broader tax base, despite persistent economic headwinds. Kieswetter’s final haul exceeds expectations and reinforces confidence in revenue stability. As a successor steps in, attention shifts to maintaining momentum, deepening efficiency and navigating fiscal pressures. The performance offers government crucial breathing room as it balances spending demands with efforts to stabilise public finances. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SASOL R12.7 BILLION CAPITAL RAISE 3.7 TIMES OVERSUBSCRIBED
Sasol has successfully priced a $750 million (about R12.66 billion) US Dollar-denominated note offering, attracting robust investor interest. The final order book reached about $2.8 billion reflecting oversubscription of more than 3.7 times. The strong demand signals continued market confidence in the group despite global volatility. Proceeds are expected to support refinancing and general corporate purposes. The issuance comes amid elevated oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions, which have buoyed energy stocks.7 Sasol’s ability to secure funding at scale underscores its improved balance sheet and investor appetitbillion e f or yield in uncertain global markets. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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MOZAMBIQUE CLEARS R12 BILLION IMF DEBT AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
Mozambique has shocked markets by repaying its US $700 million debt (about R12 billion) to the International Monetary Fund in full and ahead of schedule, wiping its credit balance with the Fund to zero as of 31 March 2026. The surprise move raises questions about policy motives and ongoing financing talks, coming amid warnings that Mozambique’s broader debt burden remains under stress and negotiations for future IMF support continue. Analysts suggest the early repayment does little to ease liquidity pressure and could reflect shifting dynamics with the Fund, rather than a strong rebound in economic fundamentals. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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BRICS BANK PUSHES YUAN BONDS TO FUND GLOBAL SOUTH
The New Development Bank, under the ausices of the BRICS group, is promoting Yuan-denominated bonds as a cost-effective funding source for the Global South, including India, Brazil, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Director-general Zhongxia Jin highlighted that Chinese onshore bonds offer lower borrowing costs, currency stability, and natural hedges for local-currency projects. Last year, the bank issued five Panda bonds totaling 25 billion Yuan (about R61 billion), its largest annual issuance since 2016, with maturities extended to 10 years. The move aligns with Beijing’s strategy to elevate the Yuan in global finance and supports development initiatives, including green transition projects, positioning China’s bond market as a growing pillar of international financial architecture. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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MUSK READIES R30 TRILLION STARLINK IPO
Elon Musk is moving to take Starlink’s parent company public in what could become a record-setting IPO. The listing, valued around $1.75 trillion (about R30 trillion), aims to raise around $75 billion from investors and unlock significant capital for global expansion, fund next-generation satellite launches, and accelerate broadband access worldwide. Musk’s announcement has sparked investor excitement, with analysts highlighting Starlink’s growing subscriber base and unique positioning in space-based internet. Regulatory approvals and market conditions will determine the final valuation, but expectations point to a historic debut. The IPO represents a strategic step in Musk’s broader vision to scale satellite connectivity and integrate Starlink into his expanding technological ecosystem. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
... AS TYPEWRITERS PUSH AI TO THE BACK OF THE CLASS
At Cornell University, German instructor Grit Matthias Phelps is sending students back to the 1950s - armed with clunky typewriters and zero WiFi. The goal? Outsmart AI by forcing actual thinking (how dare she). With no spellcheck, delete key or Google lifeline, students must rely on brainpower - and surprisingly, conversation. The result: slower typing, stronger pinkies, and essays with charming “X-marked” mistakes. While some students were baffled (“What’s this ding sound?”), others found the unplugged experience refreshing. Turns out, when AI clocks out, humans awkwardly - but effectively - clock back in. (SOURCE: AP)
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The ability to focus is a defining characteristic of successful individuals.
Brian Tracy |
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