| BRACE FOR WATER CUTS AS CURTAILMENT LOOMS IN SEPTEMBER |
From September 1, water curtailments will affect residents in Pietermaritzburg, Durban, and the KZN Midlands. uMngeni-uThukela Water will reduce supply to eThekwini, Msunduzi, and uMgungundlovu municipalities to comply with Department of Water and Sanitation abstraction limits. These measures aim to protect dam levels and ensure long-term water sustainability amid unpredictable rainfall. Although recent rains delayed restrictions, water supply has exceeded contracted amounts, prompting the reinstatement of cutbacks. Users in these areas should prepare for a possible percentage reduction in water availability, emphasizing the need for careful water use to mitigate drought risk. (SOURCE: uMngeni-uThukela Water) |
| FUNCTIONAL ART IS ALIVE AND WELL AT MIDLANDS MALL |
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Liberty Midlands Mall Centre Manager Ronael Seyambo with Athlone Primary Grade 7 learner Natara Govender whose winning art work features on limited-edition tote bags.
Shoppers at Liberty Midlands Mall are shaping meaningful art into everyday life through the 2025 ARTopia School Arts Project. After a vibrant exhibition of over 300 learner artworks on sustainability, the mall announced its winners: Deccan Road Primary (Anamika Maikoo, Grade 1), Toybox School (Anesu Ngcobo, Grade 3), and Athlone Primary (Natara Govender, Grade 7). Their imaginative creations on recycling, green spaces, and clean energy will now be printed onto limited-edition eco-friendly tote bags. From 16–31 August, shoppers spending R350 or more can collect one of these bags, turning student vision into functional art. With schools winning R10 000 each, the initiative champions youth creativity, rewards community support, and inspires sustainable choices through art that lives beyond the gallery. |
| HULAMIN MOOTS SALE OF EXTRUSION BUSINESS |
| JSE-listed Hulamin has entered negotiations to potentially sell its extrusions division. The possible disposal by the Pietermaritzburg-based mid-stream company converting primary aluminium into semi-fabricated rolled and extruded products signals a strategic move by the company. Details and timelines are not clear. The announcement on the news service of the JSE was a cautionary notice to shareholders, highlighting ongoing discussions without confirming any final agreement at this stage. (SOURCE: SENS) |
1944: The SA 6th Division entered Florence during the Italian campaign in World War II.
Elsewhere, in 2020, Apple became the first US company to reach the $2 trillion valuation mark.
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Today is good to parade your favourite snaps, on World Photo Day, also known as Photo Day or World Photography Day. It’s also World Humanitarian Day.
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PAYDAY MAYHEM BLAMED FOR KZN ROAD-DEATH SPIKE
KZN’s worst road death crisis in five years is being blamed on reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, and distracted behaviour that appear to co-incide with payday, according to MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma. With 997 fatal crashes and 1 140 deaths recorded in the first seven months of 2025, the authorities are responding with a crackdown on offenders. Over the weekend, 77 drivers were arrested for drunk driving, 251 vehicles stopped, 11 motorists found unlicensed, and two unroadworthy vehicles removed. With police support, arrests included 29 in Durban, 17 in Pietermaritzburg, and others in Kokstad, Empangeni, and Ladysmith.
Duma vowed the crackdown will continue until all intoxicated drivers are off roads. Alcohol causes 27.1% of fatal crashes nationwide, highlighting the urgent need for these stricter enforcement measures. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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TREASURY TO TIGHTEN TAX LAWS, UPGRADE VAT SYSTEM
National Treasury has published proposed amendments to tighten tax laws, including tougher understatement penalty rules limiting reliance on “bona fide inadvertent error.” The Taxation Laws Amendment Bill introduces real-time VAT reporting, expands voluntary disclosure for Customs defaults, and removes tax-free limits on imported goods. Senior SARS officials may conduct unannounced business inspections during tax registration. These changes aim to prevent tax evasion, improve compliance, and modernise tax administration. Public comments on the proposals close by September 12, 2025, signaling a tougher stance on taxpayers and a move toward greater transparency in the tax system. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
FOREIGN BUYERS SNAP UP SA BONDS WORTH R2.6 TRILLION
South African government bonds have attracted R139 billion (about R2.5 trillion) in foreign inflows over 18 months, driven by economic reforms and fiscal improvements under the new coalition government. Despite past downgrades, bonds returned 29% in Dollar terms, outperforming many emerging markets. Stable inflation, a stronger Rand, and improved power supply bolster investor confidence. Real yields remain among the highest in emerging markets, making South African debt appealing. Ongoing reforms and more stable governance support continued inflows, with analysts viewing the country as a safer, liquid option for emerging-market investment amid global uncertainty. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
SARS SEIZE R13.5 MILLION FAGS IN BID CLAW BACK R27 BILLION TAX LOSS
South African Revenue Service (SARS) faces a major challenge as up to 70% of cigarettes sold are illicit, causing over R27 billion in lost tax revenue annually. In the past six months, SARS confiscated illicit tobacco worth R13.5 million in cigarettes and R1.3 million in tobacco. Efforts include reviewing licenses, financial probes, and joint law enforcement operations. Despite successes like convictions and seizures, challenges such as legal battles over surveillance cameras at tobacco factories persist. SARS continues strengthening its investigative capabilities to combat illicit trade damaging the economy and tax base. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO US SURGE 26% IN TARIFF WINDOW
South Africa’s agricultural exports to the US rose 26% to $161 million in Q2 2025, driven by a strong harvest and higher global commodity prices. Key exports included citrus, wine, fruit juices, and nuts. Overall agricultural exports grew 10% to $3.71 billion. However, a 30% US tariff imposed in August threatens future exports. Experts urge South Africa to diversify markets, focusing on BRICS countries like China and India, while improving logistics infrastructure to boost competitiveness. Strategic efforts are needed to sustain growth amid trade barriers and protect this vital export-driven sector. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
… AS CITRUS DEMAND SOARS 10% GLOBALLY
South Africa’s citrus export forecast for 2025 has increased by 10% to 188.2 million cartons, driven by strong international demand, favourable growing conditions, and better value chain efficiency. Significant rises were noted in Navel oranges, mandarins, and lemons, while grapefruit exports slightly declined. The Citrus Growers’ Association emphasises market expansion to meet job creation goals, aiming for 260 million cartons by 2032. Despite improved port operations, ongoing trade challenges include US tariffs and EU barriers. Accelerated shipments before tariffs mitigated current impacts, but future exports could be affected without favorable trade agreements, posing risks to rural economies. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
ISUZU TARGETS 44% LOCALISATION, EYES AFRICAN HUB
Isuzu Motors South Africa (Imsa) plans to become Africa’s truck manufacturing and export hub by boosting local production and sourcing. CEO Billy Tom is negotiating with Japan to relocate more commercial truck production to South Africa, targeting 45% production localisation, up from 22–23%. Isuzu already exports pickups to over 30 African countries. This move comes amid challenges in South Africa’s automotive sector, including rising imports, declining domestic sales, company closures, and a 30% US tariff causing a sharp drop in vehicle exports. The strategy aims to strengthen local industry and expand export markets. (SOURCE: FreightNews) |
80 AFRICAN WATER PROJECTS DRAW R177 BILLION PLEDGES
More than $10 billion (about R177 billion) was pledged for 80 priority water projects across 38 countries during the inaugural African Union-Africa Water Investment Summit in Cape Town, Hosted under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the summit aimed to close Africa’s $30-billion annual water investment gap, crucial for climate resilience and sustainable development. With 1,690 delegates, including heads of state and investors, the event promoted accelerating investments, improving governance, and reducing bureaucratic obstacles. The summit also prepared member states for the 2026 UN Water Conference, emphasizing building trust and long-term partnerships to secure water and sanitation for the continent’s growing needs. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
NIGERIA ON TRACK WITH 4 000-KM HIGH-SPEED RAIL NETWORK
Nigeria will proceed with building a 4 000 km high-speed rail network connecting major economic corridors to enhance trade and national unity. A $60 billion (about R1 trillion) proof-of-funds presentation by De-Sadel Nigeria Limited and China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings was formalized in Abuja. The project, aligned with government goals for efficient, affordable transport, will be powered by Nigeria’s vast gas reserves. Execution will be phased, starting with a 1 700km route linking Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt. Regulatory bodies will verify the project's financial and technical viability, aiming for sections to open before the 36-month completion deadline. (SOURCE: FreightNews) |
CRYPTO MARKET RETREATS AFTER RECORD RUN
Major cryptocurrencies retreated after recent record highs, pulling the market value below $4 trillion (about R71 billion). Bitcoin dropped 2.5% to around $115,000, and Ether fell over 5%, dipping below $4,300. These losses followed Bitcoin’s peak at $125,514 on August 14 and Ether’s near-record highs. Institutional investment from crypto treasury companies, like Michael Saylor’s Strategy accumulating $51.4 billion in Bitcoin, fueled the surge. However, profit-taking has since increased, slowing momentum. Some holders like Metaplanet have seen significant losses, while BitMine Immersion Technologies’ holdings surged, with its shares up over 600% this year. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
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TRAINING - MANAGEMENT OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IN THE WORKPLACE
TRAINER: Thembekile Msane – SANCA Pietermaritzburg
OVERVIEW
Substance Use Disorder is a global concern and a costly phenomenon. It has been linked to negative occurrences in the workplace such as stress, monotonous work, shift work, work requiring relocation and the frequent changes in co-workers and supervisors. Although it is viewed to be an individual's problem, it can also affect the employee's performance at work resulting in absenteeism, accidents, illness and mortality-all of which could add to the employer's costs. The aim of this training is to impart knowledge and skills on the measures employers and employee representatives could implement in order to mitigate substance use disorder problem in the workplace.
The training will cover 6 modules which are as:
· Legislative Framework and Directives
· Workplace SUD Policy Development
· Drug Testing in the Workplace
· Understanding Addiction from a Workplace Perspective
· Assisting staff members with SUDs
· Positive Psychology in the Workplace
· Conclusion
· Questions and Comments
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Employers, Managers. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 26 August 2025
Time: 08:30 – 12:30
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (Excludes vat) PMCB Members: R682.60 p/p, R643.48 p/p for 3/more, R595.65 p/p for 5/more Non-members: R900 p/p, R882.60 p/p for 3/more, R852.17 p/p for 5/more
Please note: The company will be liable for payment unless CANCELLATION is received in writing 24 hours prior to the event. |
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Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears.
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| Dollar | R17.66 | - 0.05% | | Pound | R23.84 | - 0.18% | | Euro | R20.59 | - 0.21% | | Yen | 0.119461 |
| | Yuan | R2.46 | - 0.06% | | Bitcoin | % 114 994.70 | - 1.46% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 322.50 | - 0.23% | | Gold | $ 3 336.94 | + 0.13% | | Oil | $ 66.23 | - 0.27% | | All Share | 101 143.60 | + 0.79% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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