| PIETERMARITZBURG SPARED AS COSATU TARGETS KZN HOTSPOTS |
Pietermaritzburg appears to have been spared direct disruption from today's nationwide COSATU protest action. No confirmed march or assembly point has been listed for the city as the KZN hotspots include Durban and Richards Bay that may experience disruptions and traffic delays. Businesses in Pietermaritzburg are nevertheless advised to be on alert and be prepared for unplanned stoppages. |
| TECH TALK PUTS AI BOTS INTO BUSINESS FOCUS |
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(ltr) Andrew Sebastian (Altostratus Tech), Byron Quack (Mospare SA), Tricia Padayachee (PLP SA), Kyle van Duffelen (PLP SA), presenter Noel Thompson (Altostratus Tech) and Deon Stirling (Just Pies) at the forum.
The latest Tech Talk forum at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business gave local businesses a practical look at how technology is reshaping everyday operations, moving beyond hype to useful applications. Led by Noel Thompson of Altostratus Tech, the session focused on mastering Microsoft Teams, strengthening email security and understanding the rapid evolution of AI bots and their capabilities. Expert insights showed how intelligent assistants and automated workflows can handle customer queries, schedule routine tasks and save valuable staff time. The forum also helped attendees better understand technologies already embedded in their businesses, while identifying opportunities to work smarter and more securely. The key takeaway was clear: practical use of emerging technology can improve productivity, streamline processes and strengthen competitiveness.
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| ROYAL SHOW OPENS NEW TWEEDIE HOME WITH FREE NIGHT |
| The Royal Agricultural Show will open its new Tweedie Showgrounds today, marking a significant new chapter for the 175-year-old Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) after its move from Pietermaritzburg. The RAS is inviting the public to opening night, with free entry from 5-8 pm. Visitors can explore the new venue, enjoy local food and exhibitors, listen to live music, and warm up at a bonfire. At 7 pm, a World War 2 searchlight will illuminate the sky to herald the Show’s new era and a full programme of events. |
1931: Archbishop Mpilo Desmond Tutu was born in Klerksdorp, North West Province.
Elsewhere, in 2023, Hamas militants attacked southern Israel in a widespread assault, leaving about 2 000 people dead.
There’s a connection between World Habitat Day and World Architecture Day that are both observed today. |
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NEW GUIDELINES OPEN AFTER-MARKET REPAIRS TO MORE COMPETITION
The Competition Commission has released guidelines aimed at promoting consumer choice, fair competition and more affordable repair, service and maintenance options. They cover products including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, televisions, household appliances, medical equipment and backup water and electricity systems.
The guidelines address practices that can restrict independent repairers, including blocking access to spare parts, repair information and diagnostic tools, or discouraging consumers from using independent providers.
Greater competition could lower repair costs, extend product lifespans and support small repair businesses and refurbished-product markets. The guidelines also provide manufacturers and repair businesses with clarity on potentially harmful practices. Motor vehicles are excluded, as they are covered by separate automotive after-market guidelines, available on its website. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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BUSINESS FEEDBACK TO HELP DETERMINE INTEREST RATE POLICY
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is increasingly using direct business feedback to assess economic activity and guide monetary policy. Following pilot interviews in August 2025, the programme now covers most major sectors and is conducted between rate-setting meetings, providing more timely intelligence than traditional surveys. Businesses report weakening momentum since the Iran war erupted in February, with higher oil prices driving fuel costs and inflation. The SARB is particularly watching how long companies can absorb rising costs before passing them on to consumers. Its engagements cover investment, demand, business costs, wage pressures and pricing behaviour, providing policymakers with a broader picture than inflation-expectations surveys. The bank raised its policy rate to 7.25% in September, with markets expecting further increases. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS RESERVE BANK DEFENDS RATE HIKES TO CONTAIN INFLATION
The South African Reserve Bank has defended “firefighting” interest-rate increases when necessary to prevent inflation becoming entrenched and damaging consumers and businesses. The Bank’s policy rate currently stands at 7.25%, with the prime lending rate at 10.75%. Inflation was 4.4% in August, remaining within the SARB’s target range, but policymakers remain alert to renewed price pressures and external shocks. The SARB argues that failing to act decisively could allow inflation to become self-reinforcing, ultimately requiring more severe measures. Higher rates can weaken economic activity and raise borrowing costs, but the Bank says protecting price stability is essential to maintaining confidence and preventing runaway inflation from engulfing households and businesses. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND SOUTH AFRICA SLIPS TO 87TH IN GLOBAL ECONOMIC FREEDOM
South Africa has slipped to 87th out of 165 countries in the 2026 Economic Freedom of the World Index, signalling continued erosion of economic liberty. Published by the Free Market Foundation and Canada’s Fraser Institute, the report gives South Africa an overall score of 6.63 out of 10. The country has steadily declined from its peak ranking around 2000, with weaknesses identified in government size, property rights, regulation and international trade. Government spending exceeds one-third of GDP and remains above tax revenue, while labour-market regulation remains a concern. Only sound money has avoided falling below its level 25 years ago, although inflation and currency depreciation continue to pose challenges. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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7% BEATING IN 2026 BELIES JSE'S UNDERLYING VALUE
The JSE All Share Index fell nearly 7% in the first nine months of 2026, reversing a strong start and a 39% gain in 2025. The decline accelerated after the US and Israel attacked Iran in February, with precious-metal miners, Naspers and Prosus among major drags. Consumer-facing shares also suffered as household hardship mounted. Woolworths fell 27% during Q3 2026, while Truworths, Astral Foods and Italtile each lost 23%. Overall, 166 of 271 shares either declined or were unchanged, while only 68 gained more than 5%. Despite the weakness, fund managers continue to describe the JSE as offering significant value, with selected shares trading well below perceived fair value. (SOURCE: Moneyweb
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RAF EYES R3/LITRE LEVY AS SUSPENDED STAFF COST R29 MIILION
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is considering increasing its fuel levy by R3 a litre as financial pressures intensify, raising concerns about the cost to motorists and taxpayers. The proposed increase comes as the fund grapples with mounting liabilities and operational challenges. Meanwhile, 23 RAF employees remain suspended, collectively costing taxpayers about R26 million a year while disciplinary matters continue. The developments add to scrutiny of the fund’s financial sustainability and management. Any fuel-levy increase would place additional pressure on motorists already facing elevated fuel and household costs. The RAF’s funding model and governance remain under growing pressure as demands on the fund continue to rise. (SOURCE: News24)
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FESTIVE SEASON SPLURGE TO COST R300 BILLION
South Africans are expected to spend about R300 billion during the festive season, underscoring the scale of the country’s annual year-end consumer splurge. Spending covers parties, travel, entertainment, eating out, gifts and other celebrations as households loosen their purse strings. The figure highlights the importance of the “silly season” for retailers, hospitality businesses, restaurants and tourism operators, which depend heavily on increased festive demand. However, the spending surge comes against persistent household financial pressures, with consumers balancing celebrations against rising living costs and debt. The seasonal boost provides businesses with an important opportunity, but consumers face the familiar challenge of enjoying December without starting the new year financially overstretched. (SOURCE: News24)
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FNB LAUNCHES CRYPTO TRADING FROM JUST R10
FNB has entered South Africa’s retail crypto market, partnering with VALR to let its nearly nine million customers trade digital assets through the FNB app. Customers can invest from R10, around the clock, in bitcoin, ethereum, ripple, solana and USDT. The service is available through FNB’s existing share-trading products, including Share Saver, Share Builder, Share Investor and Share Zero. FNB says growing customer interest and improving crypto regulation prompted the move. Transactions are ringfenced within the FNB ecosystem, meaning crypto assets cannot be transferred in or out. The bank says educational content will help customers understand crypto’s potential benefits, volatility and risks as it expands its offering. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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8-YEAR LOW WHEAT HARVEST LAYS TABLE FOR IMPORTS
South Africa's 2026-27 winter wheat harvest is projected at 1.81 million tons, down 5% year on year and the lowest in eight years. Smaller plantings and dry conditions in the Western Cape are to blame, even as the overall winter crop rose 2% to 2.67 million tons. Imports are expected to climb to about 2.0 million tons in the marketing year starting October, from 1.9 million. Global supply looks comfortable, with the International Grains Council forecasting 820 million tons, though Ukraine shipping disruptions are keeping prices elevated. Agricultural Business Chamber chief economist Wandile Sihlobo says imports should not pose a problem. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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AU RIGHTS BODY REJECTS XENOPHOBIA LABEL FOR SOUTH AFRICA
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has rejected characterising South Africa as “inherently xenophobic”, while urging African countries to share responsibility for managing migration. The commission called for an explicit human-rights pillar in South Africa’s migration policy, amid continuing tensions over undocumented migrants and anti-immigrant sentiment. Its intervention comes as the African Union seeks a more coordinated continental approach to migration and the protection of migrants’ rights. The commission stressed that migration policies should uphold human dignity and avoid practices that restrict rights. The debate remains politically sensitive in South Africa, where pressure over jobs, public services and border control has intensified scrutiny of government’s migration policies. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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S&P 500 HITS ALL-TIME RECORD ON RED HOT AI BETS
Wall Street pushed the S&P 500 to an all-time high as falling oil prices eased inflation concerns and renewed enthusiasm for artificial intelligence lifted technology shares. The index gained 0.7%, extending its advance to a fourth consecutive session, while the Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also rose 0.7%. Nvidia’s market value approached $6 trillion (about R595 trilion), while strong chip-demand expectations reinforced the AI investment story. Brent crude fell to about $98 a barrel, offering relief to bond markets. Spot gold rose 0.4% to $4 154.71 an ounce. Investors remain focused on interest rates, geopolitical risks and corporate earnings, with analysts saying resilient economic growth and strong profits could support further equity gains into 2027. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.
William Arthur Ward |
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| Dollar | R16.59
| - 0.44% | | Pound | R21.97
| - 0.36% | | Euro | R18.62
| - 0.19% | | Yen | 0.104839 |
| | Yuan | R2.47
| - 0.38% | | Bitcoin | $ 84157.30
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 685.21 | - 1.69% | | Gold | $ 4 131.74
| - 0.76% | | Oil | $ 101.49
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| + 0.51% | | Repo | 7.25 | | | Prime | 10.75 | |
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