| DOUBLE WHAMMY FOR CONSUMERS PAYING FOR OFFICIAL INEPTITUDE |
Consumers are increasingly bearing the cost of official missteps, paying more for essentials as a result of regulatory and management failures. This morning’s lead story about energy regulator NERSA’s recalculation pushing up tariffs up to 8.76% (see below) adds to the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) saga that are resulting in higher grocery prices.
The FMD outbreak and failure to rein in the disease is starting to write its own narrative, especially since the country’s premier agricultural event, the annual NAMPO Show, has banned all cloven-hoof livestock (see below). It’s a move the Royal Show from 29 May to 3 June is likely to follow and exclude cattle, sheep, goats and pigs from its 175th event at its new premises at Tweedie Hall.
Readers may recall a FMD outbreak in 2000 that sparked the mass culling of thousands of animals in the Camperdown area. Current measures are a far cry from that traumatising period in September and October with claims of poor controls and a lack of political will to tackle the crisis. Brightening the mood somewhat is news that South Africa is rolling out its first FMD vaccine in 20 years. Here's to dose of of good news making its mark. Derek Alberts (editor)
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| GETING AHEAD OF THE AI CURVE IN THE WORKPLACE |
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Attendees at the first Tech Talk forum, lead by Noel Thompson (7th left) of Altostratus Tech, discussed elements to maximise the impact of AI in the worplace. Pic by Lethiwe Zondi.
The first Tech Talk forum of the year at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, hosted by Altostratus Tech, highlighting the growing adoption of artificial intelligence in the local business community. Presenter Noel Thompson outlined four key technology pillars: practical AI tools to improve productivity, optimising communication via VoIP, WhatsApp, Teams, and Email, cybersecurity fundamentals for MS 365 and networks, and automation using Power Automate and chatbots.
The forum showcased how AI is moving from hype to practical application, enabling businesses to streamline operations, secure data, and enhance customer engagement. Attendees gained actionable strategies to embed AI across their workflows, setting a forward-looking tone for the year. Click here for the full programme of events, networks and forums in 2026.
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| PMCB TO WEIGH STRATEGY AGAINST BUSINESS DISRUPTIONS |
Members of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business have been called to a meeting tomorrow, 10 February, to discuss a co-ordinated strategy to address recent disruptions by groupings, including the Labour & Civic Organization (LACO). The PMCB has emphasised the importance of a united approach to safeguard business continuity and community stability. The session will provide a platform for businesses to share insights, align responses, and develop practical measures to minimise future operational impacts. Tomorrow’s meeting from 11 am to 12 noon is at the PMCB offices. RSVP to Thabisile on (033) 3452747 or at info@pmcb.org.za.
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1955: Sophiatown residents were forcefully moved to Soweto as part of the former government's grand apartheid plan.
Elsewhere, in 1950, US senator Joseph McCarthy launched his anti-communist campaign and accused the American State Department of being infiltrated by communists.
It’s International Epilepsy Day. |
ELECTRICITY TARIFFS TO RISE 8.76% IN NERSA TARIFF SHOCK
South African electricity consumers will face an 8.76% average tariff increase this year, significantly higher than the 5.36% announced more than a year ago, after energy regulator Nersa corrected earlier regulatory mistakes. The revised increase takes effect from 1 April for Eskom direct customers and 1 July for municipal users.
The adjustment follows a redetermination of Eskom’s allowable revenue, adding R54 billion that will be phased in over several years. As a result, next year’s hike is now projected at 8.83% instead of 6.19%, with a further R19.7 billion deferred to future tariffs. On a cents-per-kilowatt-hour basis, electricity prices will rise by about 7.5c to 240.28c/kWh, complicating government promises of slower increases. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
AMSA HOLDS OUT HOPE FOR NEWCASTLE STEEL-MILL REVIVAL
ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) is considering partnerships and asset repurposing at its Newcastle Works, part of a broader pan-African and global strategic rethink. The Newcastle facility, placed into care and maintenance in November 2025, could see its upstream operations and rolling mills reconfigured to produce alternative steel products in collaboration with partners. CEO Kobus Verster says monetising assets under care - valued at over R5 billion - will help reduce AMSA’s R6.8 billion net debt. Similar opportunities exist at Saldanha Steel and Vereeniging. Verster is cautiously optimistic that upcoming government trade and industrial policies, including localisation and fair-trade measures, will further support domestic steel production and enhance prospects for Newcastle’s restart later in 2026. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS GROWTHPOINT NURTURES KZN GREEN SHOOTS
South Africa’s largest listed property owner, Growthpoint Properties, says it remains confident in KZN despite the lasting damage caused by the 2021 unrest. The company believes early “green shoots” are emerging in the province’s property market, supported by improving business confidence, stabilising retail activity and renewed investment interest. While acknowledging that some areas are still scarred by the riots, Growthpoint says demand for well-located industrial, logistics and retail assets is gradually returning. The group views KZN as strategically important, given its ports and manufacturing base, and says long-term fundamentals continue to justify ongoing investment despite short-term risks. (SOURCE: News24)
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KGANYAGO WARNS STABLECOINS MAY UNDERMINE STABILITY
South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago has warned that the growing popularity of stablecoins poses risks to financial stability, cautioning that the assets could “break apart”. Speaking at the 2026 Warwick Economics Summit, he said central banks must protect the “oneness of money” and ensure it remains affordable to the public. Stablecoins, typically backed by assets such as US Treasuries, have gained traction in South Africa as a less volatile form of cryptocurrency. The SARB has previously warned that gaps in regulation could expose the financial system to new risks, especially amid heightened global uncertainty. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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SA, CHINA DEAL TO UNLOCK R600 BILLION TRADE FLOWS
South Africa and China have signed the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (CAEPA), a framework deal expected to support trade flows worth hundreds of billions of Rand annually. China is South Africa’s largest trading partner, with two-way trade estimated at more than R600 billion a year. The agreement aims to expand duty-free access for South African exports, including minerals, agricultural products such as citrus and rooibos tea, renewable-energy inputs and manufactured goods, while encouraging greater Chinese investment. An Early Harvest Agreement, due by end-March 2026, is expected to unlock near-term gains. China will also send a buying mission to South Africa and host local firms at major trade expos later this year. (SOURCE: Reuters/Engineering News)
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... AS UNION FRETS OVER CHINESE AUTOMOTIVE TARIFFS
Trade union MISA has warned that steep import tariffs on Chinese and Indian vehicles could harm South Africa’s motor retail industry and threaten jobs. While some vehicle manufacturers and government officials have called for antidumping duties to protect local production, MISA argues such measures would damage dealerships and workers’ livelihoods. Automotive manufacturing contributes 2.4% to GDP, while retail adds 1.9% and employs about 311 000 people. MISA says rising imports have revived sales, with Chinese and Indian brands now accounting for one in four vehicles sold. The union urges alternative measures that support local investment without hurting retail. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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R5-MILLION TASK TEAM TO PROBE ROGUE POLICE
A special R5 million task team has been established to investigate alleged corruption and misconduct by police officers implicated in the Madlanga commission of inquiry. National Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola said the team, composed of detectives, forensic experts, and state advocates, has a strict three-month deadline to finalise disciplinary and criminal probes. Fourteen individuals, including senior SAPS and metro police officers, face allegations of bribery, links to criminal activity, and involvement in a murder cover-up. The National Prosecuting Authority will provide prosecutors, with support from the Asset Forfeiture Unit if needed, to ensure swift investigations and potential prosecutions. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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NAMPO AGRI EXPO BANS LIVESTOCK OVER FMD
South Africa’s leading agricultural expo has unanimously banned all cloven-hoofed livestock from this year’s event amid renewed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) concerns. Organisers said the precautionary decision follows veterinary advice and aims to protect the national herd and trading status. Cattle, sheep, goats and pigs will be excluded, while the rest of the expo will proceed as planned. Industry bodies supported the move, saying biosecurity must outweigh exhibition traditions. FMD outbreaks can halt animal movement, disrupt auctions and trigger export bans, with severe economic consequences. Organisers said protocols will be reviewed ahead of future events. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS FIRST FMD VACCINE IN 20 YEARS ROLLS OUT
South Africa has announced its first locally produced foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine in 20 years to combat the country’s worst outbreak in recent memory. Developed by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), the vaccine aims to cover 80% of the national herd of 12 million cattle, including 7.2 million commercial animals. Initial production will provide 20 000 doses per week from March 2026, scaling to 200 000 weekly by 2027. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said the initiative will secure vaccine sovereignty, reducing reliance on imports. Farmers, however, have criticised the government’s slow response, warning of heavy livestock losses. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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SHIPPING GIANTS BRACE FOR FALLING RATES AS RED SEA BECKONS
Global container shipping companies are preparing for weaker earnings in 2026 as softening demand collides with a surge in vessel capacity and the possible reopening of the Red Sea route. Major liners including Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and Asian peers are expected to face falling freight rates after a difficult 2025 marked by tariff disruptions. Analysts warn that a return to Red Sea traffic would worsen structural oversupply, with global container capacity set to rise 36% between 2023 and 2027, while demand is forecast to shrink 1.1% in 2026. Freight rates are already on a downward trend. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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MIFFED MUSK TAKES AIM AT SPAIN OVER PLATFORM CURBS
Elon Musk has labelled Spain’s prime minister a “tyrant” after the Madrid government proposed tighter regulation of social media platforms. The comments followed plans to strengthen oversight of online content, including penalties for platforms that fail to act against disinformation and harmful material. Musk, whose X platform has opposed stricter regulation globally, criticised the proposal as an attack on free speech. Spanish authorities argue the measures are needed to protect democracy and users from abuse and manipulation. The exchange highlights growing tensions between governments and tech leaders over content moderation and digital regulation. (SOURCE: Aljazera)
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CRYPTO BONANZA COMES TO NAUGHT IN R770 BILLION BLUNDER.
South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb accidentally transferred more than $40 billion (about R770 billion) worth of 620 000 bitcoins to users during a promotional event, the firm said. Originally intended to credit small rewards of about 2 000 Korean Won (about R23) to winners, a technical error instead allocated at least 2,000 BTC per recipient, affecting 695 accounts. Bithumb restricted trading and withdrawals within 35 minutes and has recovered about 99.7 % of the mistakenly distributed bitcoins, the exchange added. Bitcoin prices briefly slumped on the platform before recovering. Bithumb apologised and said the incident was due to internal error, not hacking. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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The only limits to the possibilities in your life tomorrow are the 'buts' you use today.
Les Brown |
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| Dollar | R15.99 | + 0.35% | | Pound | R21.76 | + 0.36% | | Euro | R18.95 | + 0.01% | | Yen | 0.102292 |
| | Yuan | R2.31 | + 0.25% | | Bitcoin | $ 70 644.34
| + 0.58% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 095.40 | - 0.29% | | Gold | $ 5 014.54
| + 1.02% | | Oil | $ 67.24 | - 0.86% | | All Share | 120 690.61
| + 0.53% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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