| LIMITED SEATING FOR HOWICK LABOUR BRIEFING ON 20 MARCH |
The Department of Employment and Labour is hosting a briefing session for employers in Howick and the Midlands on Friday, 20 March on labour legislation, UIF, Workmans’ Compensation and recruitment and selection. The briefing at the Howick Council Chambers, on the corner of Dick and Somme Street, offers limited seating and interested parties are urged to RSVP soonest by email to creason.kisten@labour.gov.za or at (033) 341 5308. |
| KPCA SWIMMERS LAUDED FOR FUND-RAISING HEROICS |
Top fundraiser Mark Lerdele of Bluff Meat Supply Victoria Road with KPCA Executive Director Lara Edmonds.
KPCA Group ELLIE Swimmers raised an impressive R57 740 for KPCA Group during the Aquelle Midmar Mile. Congratulations to Mark Lederle of Bluff Meat Supply Victoria Road and Carlos Baeta (Scrap & Steel) who raised R14 080 and R11 500 respectively with Skyla Pitout of TWC in third place with R4 000.
However, KPCA Group’s herd was the ultimate winner setting a new ‘fun-raising record’ from the R38 000 the herd raised in 2025. It was a joy for KPCA Group Executive director, Lara Edmonds, to hand out the new Ellie Awards to the top three fundraisers. Edmonds paid lavish tribute to all the Ellie swimmers, sponsors, donors and support crew for the success. "These funds go a long way to support our vision to get Pietermaritzburg clean, neat and green," she said. Click here for more information.
|
| OLYMPIC STAR MAKES GOLD-MEDAL SPLASH IN PIETERMARITZBURG |
1961: South Africa formally withdrew from the Commonwealth of Nations following a referendum where white voters chose to become a republic.
Elsewhere, in 1968, about 500 unarmed Vietnamese civilians were killed by US soldiers during the My Lai Massacre.
Have a tasty treat, on International Waffle Day.
|
44% PROFESSIONALS NEED URGENT STRESS SUPPORT
Stress among South African professionals has become a persistent, multi-layered reality, according to the 2025 Stress Index by Profmed. The survey of 4 000 members found 44% feel overwhelmed despite using coping strategies, while prolonged pressure is increasingly affecting long-term physical and mental health. About 33% reported disrupted sleep, 32% exercise less, and nearly 30% have unhealthy eating patterns due to rising stress levels.
Healthcare professionals recorded the highest stress levels, followed by finance, legal, built environment and education sectors. Financial strain, demanding workplace cultures and lifestyle pressures are the main drivers, the report says. Despite growing concern, many professionals delay seeking help. Nearly 29% cite the high cost of therapy, while others blame time constraints, stigma or unsupportive work environments for avoiding counselling or mental health support. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
BANKS JOIN GROWING FURY OVER R1.5 TRILLION GAMBLING CURSE
South Africa’s major banks are joining the growing outcry over the country’s booming gambling culture, warning it is worsening household debt and raising credit risks. The National Gambling Board estimates South Africans spent about R1.5 trillion on gambling in the 2024/25 financial year, while research shows 40% of working adults gamble regularly, often trying to plug monthly budget gaps. Banks say the trend is now shaping lending decisions with data shows a strong link between rising debt and escalating gambling as desperate borrowers fall deeper into financial trouble. With sports betting transactions growing at more than 50% annually, banks warn unchecked gambling could intensify South Africa’s already severe household debt crisis. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... AS TREASURY MULLS 'EMERGENCY' ACCESS TO RETIREMENT SAVINGS
National Treasury is considering proposals to allow limited “emergency” access to money locked in retirement funds during severe financial hardship. The idea is being explored as part of ongoing reviews of the country’s two-pot retirement system, introduced to balance preservation with limited early withdrawals.
Officials say the measure could help workers facing crises such as job loss, medical emergencies or sudden income shocks. Currently, most retirement savings remain preserved until retirement, with only the designated savings pot available for withdrawals under strict rules. Treasury warns that any additional flexibility must avoid weakening long-term retirement security. Consultations with pension funds, labour groups and the financial sector are expected before any policy changes are introduced. (SOURCE: News24)
|
JSE TAKES A BEATING ON GLUM MIDEAST WAR TIDINGS
The JSE All Share Index closed at 114 924 on Friday points amid escalating Middle East conflict and Brent crude prices above $100 a barrel. Resource stocks were hardest hit: Impala Platinum fell 10%, Northam Platinum 8%, and Sibanye-Stillwater 7%, while oil-linked Sasol surged 10%. Naspers and Thungela gained 4% and 3%, respectively. The Rand weakened to R16.92/USD midweek before modest recovery, reflecting global uncertainty and higher fuel costs. Analysts warn petrol could spike R5/litre, diesel R7/litre, pressuring inflation and trade. Supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, handling one-fifth of global oil, have intensified fears of prolonged energy market volatility. Investors are closely monitoring developments over the coming weeks. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
.. AS MINING EXPLORATION PLUNGES TO 7-YEAR LOW
South Africa’s mineral exploration investment fell for a seventh consecutive year, dropping 5.3% to R738 million in 2025, according to Statistics South Africa. Despite being Africa’s largest mineral exporter, the country is losing ground to nations like Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which attract more exploration capital. Minerals Council South Africa said investment in prospecting has slumped over 85% in 30 years, weakening the junior mining pipeline. Total mineral sales rose 7.3% to R861 billion, highlighting production strength despite exploration shortfalls. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
TREASURY WARN METROS OVER 66% WATER UNDERSPEND
National Treasury has warned major municipalities after they spent barely a third of their water infrastructure budgets halfway through the 2025/26 financial year, raising alarm over delays to critical projects. Treasury data shows South Africa’s eight metros collectively spent just 31.5% of their R5.8bn allocation for pipelines, treatment works, reservoirs and bulk supply upgrades by December 2025 - well below the expected midyear level of more than 50%. Spending varied widely. Buffalo City led at 56.9%, while Nelson Mandela Bay managed only 3.4%. Johannesburg spent 15.8%, Cape Town 27.6%, Mangaung 37.6%, Ekurhuleni 40.8% and eThekwini 41.8%. Tshwane reported 102.6%, partly due to reporting adjustments.Officials warn persistent non-compliance could trigger constitutional powers allowing Treasury to withhold funding until municipalities demonstrate corrective action. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
SA LENDS CHINA-LINKED LENDER AND HELPING TAX
South Africa has granted sweeping tax exemptions and legal immunities to the Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), shielding its assets, property and income from taxation, search or seizure. The development bank, capitalised at $100 billion (about R1.7 trillion) and now counting 111 member countries, is helping finance major infrastructure programmes in South Africa. The move allows the lender to operate locally without paying taxes or customs duties, in line with its founding agreement. The AIIB is co-funding the government’s $3 billion metro trading services programme, alongside the World Bank, aimed at strengthening electricity, water, sanitation and waste services in cities. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
CLICKS RECALLS CORN PUFFS OVER LISTERIA FEARS
Clicks Group has recalled Made 4 Tots Corn Puffs Chicken after routine tests detected non-pathogenic Listeria. Around 1 152 units were affected, with 348 already sold and 804 removed from shelves. The affected batch (396194, lot 6:003) was manufactured on 3 March with a best-before date of 02.03.2027. Although the strain is not known to cause illness, the recall is a precautionary measure to protect young children, the product’s main consumers. Customers are urged to return the product to any Clicks store for a full refund or replacement, even without a receipt. (SOURCE: News24) |
'ILLEGAL' CHINESE VESSELS SEZED IN SOUTH AFRICAN WATERS
Four Chinese-flagged vessels - Zhong Yang 231, 232, 233, 239 - were intercepted in South Africa’s Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial waters for entering without proper authorisation. The ships repeatedly violated navigational regulations. Masters were charged and a R400 000 fine was imposed and paid. DFFE emphasised that South Africa will not tolerate illegal maritime activity, safeguarding marine resources and ensuring ports are not seen as convenience hubs. The vessels were released after compliance, highlighting ongoing vigilance against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
|
MAERSK IMPOSES GLOBAL EMERGENCY BUNKER SURCHARGE
Danish shipping line Maersk is redistributing fuel supplies globally after bunker shortages in the Middle East and Asia, caused by refinery shutdowns and export limits. The shipping giant cited Strait of Hormuz disruptions, which handle 20% of global fuel, as a key factor. To maintain cargo operations, Maersk introduced a temporary Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS), covering fuel availability, cost, and mix outside standard fees. Fuel prices have nearly doubled as the surcharge is applied worldwide, with updates every 14 days, subject to regulatory approval. (SOURCE: Freight News)
|
ADOBE USERS WAIT-AND SEE ON R2.53 BILLION SETTLEMENT
Adobe has agreed to $150 million (about R2.53 billion) settlement over claims it hid steep cancellation fees and made subscriptions hard to quit. The deal includes a $75 million civil penalty and $75 million in free customer services, pending final court approval. Though the settlement is US-focused, non-US subscribers could be affected. Users worldwide may benefit from simpler cancellation processes, clearer disclosure of fees, and improved customer support. Adobe might standardise subscription terms globally, implement compliance audits, and reduce hidden charges. While legal obligations are US-based, international customers may see more transparency, easier cancellations, and improved account management, reflecting Adobe’s effort to rebuild trust. (SOURCE: Daily Maverick) |
|
|
Everything that begins also ends. Make peace with that and all will be well.
The Buddha |
|
|
|
| Dollar | R16.81
| + 0.78% | | Pound | R22.28
| + 0.57% | | Euro | R19.22
| + 0.98% | | Yen | 0.105774 |
| | Yuan | R2.44
| + 0.77% | | Bitcoin | $ 73 882.20 | + 3.87% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 569.21
| + 0.53% | | Gold | $ 5 011.19 | - 0.22% | | Oil | $ 105.11
| + 1.20% | | All Share | 115 704.91
| + 0.68% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
|
|
|
|
|
