| GERMAN BUSINESS EXPERTISE TO TACKLE OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES |
Members of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business are offered access to the German-funded Senior Expert Service (SES) that makes availabe experienced professionals to help businesses address operational challenges while building long-term skills within their organisations.
The programme covers a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, engineering, quality management, food processing, marketing, exports, renewable energy, agriculture, hospitality, financial management and staff development. Interested members are required to complete an application outlining their business, current challenges and the expertise required. SES then identifies a suitably qualified German expert whose professional background matches those needs. Once approved, the assignment and travel arrangements are coordinated, with the expert typically working on-site for three to four weeks.
While SES covers the expert's consulting fees, return flights, visas, medical insurance and programme administration, participating businesses provide accommodation, meals and local transport. The opportunity is limited to eligible PMCB members.
For more about the programme, view a short video here. Interested businesses should liaise with SES representative Yvonne Iyer on 084 887 0027 or at yvonne@ses.africa. |
| WINNING ARTISTS WORK TO FEATURE AS ARTOPIA MECHANDISE |
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(ltr) Scottsville Primary School Principal Nhlanhla Mkhize, learner Ayanelisa Gwala, Ronael Seyambu and Adelene Naidoo, both from Liberty Midlands Mall.
Liberty Midlands Mall has announced the winners of its record-breaking ARTopia 2026 Ocean Odyssey competition after attracting 23 schools and 652 artworks from learners across Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands.
Each winning school received R15 000 from the R45 000 prize pool. Category winners were Springhaven Primary School, represented by Tumoho Mbatha; Allandale Primary School, represented by Azrah Dawood; and Scottsville Primary School, represented by Ayanelisa Gwala.
The winning artworks will be transformed into ARTopia merchandise later this year. Liberty Midlands Mall thanked participating schools, teachers, parents and shoppers, and acknowledged sponsors Exclusive Books, Execuspecs, Vodacom, McDonald's, SD Pather and Wicked Karting for donating prizes for winners and runners-up.
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| EARLY NOTICE: FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS |
Women entrepreneurs are invited to a free Fund Her Future workshop on Monday, 17 August, from 9 am to 11 am at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business Trade Hub. Learn how to identify funding opportunities, build a strong Finfind profile, improve funding readiness and access expert support. Presented under the IYBA SEED Hub programme, the workshop aims to help women secure finance and grow sustainable businesses. Registration is essential. Contact the PMCB on 033 345 2747.
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1962: Nelson Mandela was arrested, near the Capture Site, outside Howick. Released from prison in 1990, Mandela was elected the country’s first democratic president in 1994.
Elsewhere, in 1962, film actress Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her bed with an empty bottle of sleeping tablets by her side.
It’s International Traffic Light Day. |
WILL R9 BILLION MEGA-PROJECT VEHICLE ATTRACT INVESTMENT?
South Africa plans to list a $500 million (about R9 billion) mega-project investment vehicle to attract capital for large infrastructure and industrial developments. The initiative is aimed at mobilising domestic and international investors to finance projects in sectors including energy, transport, logistics and water. By creating a listed investment platform, government hopes to unlock private-sector funding, reduce pressure on public finances and accelerate economic growth.
The vehicle is expected to support strategic projects that improve infrastructure, create jobs and strengthen South Africa's competitiveness. Officials say the fund forms part of broader efforts to boost long-term investment and development. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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NEVER-ENDING MUNICIPAL FAILURES UNDERMINE FISCAL RECOVERY
National Treasury director-general Duncan Pieterse has warned that weak municipal governance poses one of the biggest threats to South Africa's improving fiscal position and economic growth. Speaking after recent sovereign credit-rating upgrades, Pieterse said stronger public finances alone would not attract the investment needed to lift growth unless municipalities delivered reliable services and infrastructure. He stressed that local government failures undermine business confidence and discourage private-sector investment. Treasur has already withheld R7.1 billion from non-compliant municipalities in a bid to improve accountability. South Africa's recent fiscal gains have helped secure improved credit-rating outlooks, but Pieterse cautioned that sustained reform at municipal level remains essential to unlock investment, create jobs and support long-term economic growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS SALGA URGES 6-MONTH REPRIEVE FOR DELINQUENT MUNICIPALITIES
The South African Local Government Association (Salga) has asked National Treasury to grant a six-month extension to 14 defaulting municipalities facing a 1 September deadline to sign Distribution Agency Agreements (DAAs) allowing Eskom to manage their electricity networks. Municipal debt to Eskom has climbed to R119 billion, prompting Treasury to expand the DAA programme from three to 30 municipalities. Salga argues the agreements cannot lawfully proceed without the consultation and procurement processes required by the Municipal Systems Act. Municipalities missing the deadline risk losing debt relief, grant funding, smart-meter support and could face Eskom credit control measures, including bank account attachments and higher interest charges. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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TRANSMISSION COMPANY WANTS R134 BILLION TO EXPAND GRID
The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) is seeking R134 billion to accelerate expansion of the country's electricity transmission network, a key step in connecting new renewable energy projects to the grid. Chief executive Monde Bala said the utility cannot deliver the programme alone and is engaging financiers, equipment suppliers and international partners to secure funding and expertise. The expansion follows Nersa's approval of NTCSA's transmission licence after Eskom's restructuring. A stronger grid is critical to unlocking billions of rand in private-sector energy investment, improving electricity security and supporting South Africa's transition to a cleaner, more reliable power system. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND ADVISERS PRIMED TO DRIVE ESKOM UNBUNDLING
National Treasury will appoint specialist financial advisers to negotiate with creditors as part of Eskom's ongoing unbundling into separate generation, transmission and distribution businesses. The advisers will help restructure debt agreements, secure lender approval and ensure the transition does not compromise the utility's financial stability. Resolving creditor arrangements is regarded as a critical milestone in establishing independent entities capable of attracting investment and improving operational efficiency. The unbundling programme is central to electricity sector reform, with the National Transmission Company South Africa already licensed to operate independently. Government says the restructuring will strengthen energy security, competition and long-term sustainability. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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RAND BEARS HEAD FOR COVER AS R16/$ LEVEL BECKONS
Investors are becoming less pessimistic about the rand, with the cost of hedging against currency weakness over the next 12 months falling to its lowest level this year. One-year risk reversals narrowed to 1.8 percentage points on yesterday, the lowest since December, signalling improved confidence. The Rand had slumped to a three-month low near R17/$ after the Reserve Bank unexpectedly kept interest rates unchanged on 23 July, but has since recovered to about R16.50/$. Bloomberg analysts expect the currency to strengthen to around R16/$ over the next year, supported by improving fiscal prospects, economic resilience and the SARB's inflation-focused stance. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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SUSPENDED PIC CEO BACK AT WORK AFTER COURT RULING
The Gauteng High Court has overturned the suspension of Public Investment Corporation (PIC) chief executive Patrick Dlamini, ruling that the board acted unlawfully by suspending him without the required approval from the finance minister. The judgment found the board breached provisions of the PIC Act, dealing a setback to the former board and restoring Dlamini to his position. The ruling adds to ongoing efforts to stabilise governance at South Africa's state-owned asset manager, which oversees more than R3 trillion in investments. The decision could influence future board actions and reinforce statutory governance requirements. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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OUTA DROPS URGENT AARTO COURT BID CHALLENGE
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has withdrawn its urgent court bid to halt Phase 2 of the Aarto rollout after learning the Aarto Appeal Tribunal had, in fact, been appointed on 15 September 2025. Outa said government only disclosed the tribunal's existence after legal action was launched, raising concerns about transparency. The organisation is still considering a review of the regulations, arguing there was inadequate public participation. Since 1 July, when Aarto expanded to 62 municipalities, authorities have issued 68 753 infringement notices. Motorists must pay a R200 fee to lodge an appeal with the tribunal. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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JSE UNVEILS 2031 PAN-AFRICAN DIGITAL VISION
The JSE has unveiled an ambitious strategy to become a premier pan-African digital financial marketplace by 2031 under new chief executive Valdene Reddy. The Forge 2031 plan aims to expand cross-border investment opportunities, modernise trading infrastructure and strengthen the exchange's role across the continent. Reddy takes charge as the bourse confronts sluggish trading activity and a sharp decline in listings, with the number of listed companies falling from more than 600 in 2000 to just 287 in 2023. The strategy seeks to attract new issuers, boost liquidity, harness digital innovation and position the JSE as Africa's leading capital markets platform. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS NIGERIAN REFINERY EYES AFRICA'S BIGGEST LISTING
Nigeria's Dangote Refinery is preparing what could become Africa's biggest-ever stock market listing, with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) among the exchanges involved in preliminary discussions. The planned listing is expected to give investors access to the 650 000-barrel-a-day refinery, the largest single-train refinery in Africa. A cross-listing on the JSE would broaden the investor base and strengthen regional capital markets. The refinery has begun supplying petrol and other refined fuels across Africa, reducing reliance on imports. Analysts say the proposed listing could rank among the continent's largest corporate fundraising transactions and boost African investment opportunities. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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SOUTH AFRICA AMONG TOP 10 BRAZILIAN POULTRY DESTINATIONS
South Africa has become one of the top 10 export destinations for Brazilian chicken, highlighting the country's growing reliance on imported poultry amid local production challenges. Brazil exported chicken to 153 markets during 2025, reinforcing its position as the world's leading poultry exporter. The increased imports come as South Africa continues battling avian influenza, with about 60 cases detected and millions of chickens culled to contain outbreaks. Industry stakeholders say Brazilian imports are helping to stabilise local supplies and ease price pressures. However, producers continue to monitor disease risks and biosecurity measures to protect the domestic poultry sector and food security. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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RENEWABLE ENERGY IN AFRICA TO DOUBLE BY 2030
Renewable energy capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to more than double by 2030, driven largely by South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, according to a BloombergNEF report. Rising electricity tariffs, unreliable grids and growing demand for cleaner power are accelerating investment in solar, wind and battery storage. South Africa continues to lead the transition, with the number of households installing rooftop solar panels increasing 86% over the past three years to 675 000 in 2025. However, the report warns that inadequate high-voltage transmission infrastructure remains a major constraint, preventing many renewable projects in remote areas from connecting to national electricity grids and supplying consumers. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.
Ida B. Wells-Barnett |
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