| RURAL KZN TO BENEFIT FROM R100 MILLION BROADBAND DRIVE |
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In a major boost for digital access in KZN’s underserved regions, Vodacom has announced a R100 million investment to construct 106 new base station sites across deep rural areas of the province. This initiative, part of Vodacom’s Rural Coverage Acceleration Programme, will connect residents in outlying areas of the Umgungundlovu, Harry Gwala, Ugu and Amajuba district municipalities.
Research by GSMA underscores the urgency for broadband access to boost economic opportunities and access to essential services. Globally, nearly 4 billion people remain offline, most in rural zones, it said. The World Bank notes that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can boost GDP growth by over 1% in developing countries.
Vodacom is seeking fast-tracked site approvals to complete deployment within the current financial year in a bid to accelerate socio-economic upliftment. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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| ECO ARTISTS TO STRUTT THEIR STUFF IN R30 000 MIDLANDS MALL EXHIBITION |
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Primary school learners are invited to participate in an art exhibition at Liberty Midlands Mall in July.
Liberty Midlands Mall has unveiled the ARTopia School Arts Project 2025, an initiative designed to foster artistic expression among primary school learners while promoting environmental awareness. Under the theme "Sustainable Strokes," learners from Grades 1 to 7 are creating artworks using recycled and eco-friendly materials, exploring issues like climate change, conservation, and renewable energy.
The project includes a public exhibition from 1 - 14 July of shortlisted entries to be voted on. Winning entries will be featured on custom tote bags and artists will share in a R30 000 prize pool. The deadline for submissions is 27 June. ARTopia empowers children to use art as a tool for change, nurturing both creativity and environmental responsibility, said Marketing Manager Ronael Seyambu. Contact Seyambu at Ronael.Seyambu@epsgroup.co.za for more information and view the website here.
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| 'WOEFUL' APARTHEID-ERA LAWS FAIL TO PROTECT ANIMALS FROM ABUSE |
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| South Africa’s animal protection laws, rooted in outdated apartheid-era policy, are woefully unfit for a modern society. The key legislation - unchanged since 1962 - ignores current science, African ethical frameworks, and technological realities. Despite promises of reform since 2014, no tangible progress has been made to the legislation that relies heavily on ineffective criminal sanctions. |
1904: The first Chinese labourers arrived in South Africa to work on gold mines and alleviate a labour shortage.
Elsewhere, in 1953, husband and wife Julius and Ethel Rosenberg became the first US civilians to be executed for espionage.
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STEADY INFLATION AT 2.8% BODES WELL FOR LOWER TARGET
South Africa’s annual inflation rate held steady at 2.8% in May, below the Reserve Bank’s 3%–6% target range for the second consecutive month. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, was unchanged at 3.0%. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB), which has cut interest rates in four of its last five meetings, supports lowering the inflation target to boost economic competitiveness. Discussions on adjusting the target are advanced but require Finance Ministry approval.
Analysts believe the current low inflation environment presents a strategic opportunity to shift the target, potentially enabling structurally lower inflation and interest rates to support long-term economic growth. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
PRESSURE MOUNTS TO RESOLVE US TRADE TENSIONS BEFORE 9 JULY
South Africa will resume trade talks with the Trump administration at the US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda from June 22–25, hoping to avoid steep US tariffs set to triple on 9 July. Pretoria’s proposed framework includes duty-free US quotas for vehicles, steel, and aluminium; a joint critical minerals fund; and increased LNG imports from the US worth up to $12 billion (about R216 billion) over a decade. While time is tight, South Africa is pushing to delay the tariff hike. Facing growing trade tensions, the country is also accelerating efforts to diversify exports across 22 key markets to reduce reliance on US trade. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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INCOMING TYRE BODY CHIEF STARES DOWN IMPORT CHALLENGES
Bridgestone Southern Africa MD Jacques Rikhotso has been appointed chair of the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC), taking the helm amid rising pressure from low-cost imports, especially from China. His key priorities include promoting locally made tyres, tightening compliance with safety regulations, and ensuring fair competition. SATMC has successfully advocated for anti-dumping duties on Chinese tyres - ranging from 7.18% to 43.6% - to defend domestic producers. Rikhotso also aims to strengthen consumer awareness and expand the #DrivingLocal campaign, positioning South African tyres as quality, compliant alternatives that drive job creation and economic resilience. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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PARTIAL LIFTING OF BRAZILIAN BAN TO EASE POULTRY SUPPLY
The Department of Agriculture has partially lifted the ban on poultry imports from Brazil, effective June 19, allowing imports from all states except Rio Grande do Sul, which remains affected by avian influenza. The move is expected to ease pressure on South African retailers and consumers, particularly in the supply of affordable processed poultry products like viennas and bangers. Industry bodies welcomed the decision, saying it helps stabilise the protein market. Calls have been made for government to finalise a regional health agreement with Brazil and reopen other key poultry import markets still under restriction. |
TAXMAN ZEROES IN R3.6 BILLION PARAFFIN-ADULTERATED DIESEL
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is intensifying its crackdown on the illicit fuel trade, which costs the country an estimated R3.6 billion annually. Working with law enforcement through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, SARS has identified 23 suspects across Gauteng, KZN and Mpumalanga. Recent operations uncovered nearly one million litres of contaminated diesel, illegal fuel depots, and fraudulent imports involving under-declaration of fuel volumes. SARS also seized assets worth over R367 million and discovered mobile fuel “washrooms” used to disguise illegal mixing. Commissioner Edward Kieswetter warned that criminal syndicates will face relentless action to protect the economy and national integrity. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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DINOSAURS STAR IN NEW GOLDEN GATE PALAEOTOURISM CENTRE
South Africa’s newest palaeotourism attraction, the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, will officially launch on June 22 in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State. Supported by R120 million in EU funding via National Treasury, the centre blends palaeontology, geology, and cultural heritage into an immersive visitor experience. It showcases rare fossil finds, including one of the world’s oldest known dinosaur embryos, first discovered by local BaSotho communities. The centre is set to boost heritage tourism, support local guides, and create jobs - especially for youth and women - while anchoring longer visitor stays and enriching the province’s cultural tourism profile. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
TOTALENERGIES READY TO FIRE UP R360 BILLION MOZAMBIQUE PROJECT
TotalEnergies plans to restart its $20 billion (about R360 billion) Mozambique liquefied natural gas (LNG) project this summer, CEO Patrick Pouyanne confirmed at the Japan Energy Summit in Tokyo. Development has been stalled since 2021 due to insurgent violence, which triggered a force majeure declaration. The project involves the Golfinho and Atum gas fields and a two-train liquefaction plant with a 13.12 million metric tons annual capacity. TotalEnergies holds a 26.5% stake, with Mitsui at 20%, Mozambique’s ENH at 15%, and other stakes held by Indian state firms and Thailand’s PTTEP. The project is key to Mozambique’s ambitions as a global LNG exporter. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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IRAN OIL EXPORTS SURGE 44% PER DAY IN WAKE OF ISRAELI STRIKES
Iran’s oil exports surged 44% to 2.33 million barrels per day following Israel’s June 13 attack, according to TankerTrackers.com. Most exports originated from Kharg Island, a key oil hub. Despite market fears of disruption, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains steady, with no evidence of Israeli strikes on oil infrastructure. Iran appears to be accelerating exports while maintaining safety, dispersing tankers to reduce risk. This mirrors tactics used after a similar Israeli attack in October. Satellite tracking helps monitor these movements, as many vessels disable identification signals. So far, regional oil flows remain largely unaffected despite rising geopolitical tensions. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
US RATES STEADY AS UNCERTAINTY MOUNTS OVER GROWTH OUTLOOK
The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 4.25%–4.5%, maintaining its stance since early 2025, while signaling continued uncertainty over future cuts. Despite projecting two rate cuts in 2025, Fed officials are increasingly divided: seven foresee no cuts this year, while 10 expect at least two by next year. New economic forecasts reflect expectations of weaker growth, higher inflation, and rising unemployment, partly due to Trump’s new tariffs. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized a cautious approach, saying the central bank is “well positioned” to wait for more clarity before adjusting policy. Policymakers remain wary of inflationary pressures ahead. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Change your thoughts and you change your world.
Norman Vincent Peale |
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| Dollar | R18.10 | - 0.52% | | Pound | R24.27 | - 0.45% | | Euro | R20.76 | - 0.41% | | Yen | 0.124657 | | | Repo | 7.25 |
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 309.80
| - 0.59% | | Gold | $ 3 354.38
| - 0.43% | | Oil | $ 77.03
| + 1.32% | | All Share | 94 993.61
| + 0.35% | | Prime | 10.75 | |
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