| STEADY FOOD PRICES BRINGS SOME RELIEF TO CITY CONSUMERS |
Food prices in Pietermaritzburg held relatively steady in September 2025, with a marginal month-on-month decrease of R2.82 (-0.1%), settling at R5 159.93. Despite this negligible dip, food prices increased year-on-year by R144.70 (2.9%). The household food basket tracks prices of 44 basic foods across supermarkets and butcheries, reflecting the cost of essential nutritional items for a family. The Pietermaritzburg basket remains below the average of R5 379.42 and is also the lowest of the other six centres monitored by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group’s latest Household Affordability Index.
The monthly decline suggests some short-term relief for consumers, but the annual rise highlights ongoing inflationary pressures affecting local households. This trend indicates cautious optimism but underscores the continuing challenge of food affordability for many Pietermaritzburg residents.
To see how Pietermaritzburg food prices compare with centres elsewhere, click here. |
| COFFEE CONVERSATIONS SPARK WOMEN WORKPLACE DISCUSSIONS |
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HR and the role of business leaders were discussed at the Coffee Conversations forum.
The Coffee Conversations forum, hosted by Shannon Lawrence and Aneleh De Villiers of Redfern Incorporated Attorneys, created an engaging space for discussing women’s workplace challenges and opportunities at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business last week. The session covered key themes like sharing experiences, workplace equity, career growth, leadership, and balancing work-life demands including mental health. Attendees contributed practical insights and strategies for businesses to adopt. Emphasizing the role of HR and business leaders, the discussion highlighted how inclusive workplaces enable talent to thrive regardless of gender. Legal perspectives provided actionable guidance. More than networking, Coffee Conversations proved a catalyst for change, equipping leaders to foster fairness, growth, and well-being in modern workplaces. |
| 2026 TRANSNET BURSARIES APPLICATION HEADING FOR OCTOBER CLOSE |
Last call: Apply by 6 October for Transnet’s 2026 bursary. Open to South African citizens under 25, it funds engineering, science, and commerce studies, covering tuition, books, accommodation, meals, and training. Renewable annually, bursars gain work experience and commit to post-graduation service. Scroll down to the NEWS YOU CAN USE section.
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1969: A devastating earthquake laid half of Tulbagh in ruins.
Elsewhere, in 1994, MS Estonia, a passenger and car ferry, sank in the Baltic Sea killing more than 800 passengers in the worst maritime peace-time disaster of the 20th century.
Give the ticker a thought, on World Heart Day.
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STATE SCRAMBLES TO COVER R69 BILLION HEALTH-FUNDING FREEZE
South Africa’s National Treasury will table a special appropriation bill in parliament to cover a funding shortfall in the health sector following the US freeze on aid. The Trump administration blocked more than $4 billion (about R69 billion)in foreign assistance earlier this year, a move upheld by the US Supreme Court.
Treasury sources warn the cut could affect key HIV and TB programmes. The bill aims to redirect resources to ensure service continuity and safeguard access to critical medicines. Health experts stress that while the intervention is necessary, long-term resilience requires domestic solutions less dependent on volatile international funding streams. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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… AS STATE PENS BLUEPRINT TO DEAL WITH ELEPHANT NUMBERS
The South African government is preparing a comprehensive blueprint to address the country’s growing elephant overpopulation, which is straining ecosystems and drawing sharp criticism from animal rights groups. Officials warn that unchecked elephant numbers can devastate tree cover, alter landscapes, and trigger cascading effects on species diversity, from insects to birds. Conservationists remain divided over solutions, with culling, relocation, and expanded sanctuaries under consideration. Animal rights organisations accuse the government of failing to act sooner, but policymakers argue that sustainable management is essential. The forthcoming plan seeks to balance ecological preservation with ethical wildlife practices in protected areas. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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INDEPENDENT RETAILERS DRIVE SOUTH AFRICA’S FMCG GROWTH
South Africa’s independent wholesale and retail sector has emerged as a R268 billion powerhouse within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market, according to Trade Intelligence. Comprising wholesalers, hybrids, hypermarkets, and supermarkets outside JSE-listed corporate chains, the segment now represents nearly one-third of the national FMCG market. Independents play a crucial role in supporting informal trade while offering households diverse purchasing options. Their growth underscores the resilience and adaptability of non-corporate retailers in a competitive landscape. Analysts note that this sector not only fuels economic activity but also strengthens supply chain diversity, providing consumers with access to a wider range of products across urban and rural areas. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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… AS TRADITIONAL INSURERS FACE HEADWINDS IN LOW-INCOME MARKET
Life insurer Clientèle has cautioned that banks, telecom companies and major retailers are increasingly leveraging their extensive consumer data to capture low-income insurance markets, intensifying competition for traditional insurers. Chair Gavin Quentin Routledge told shareholders the R6.3bn group faces pressure not only from rival insurers but also from companies outside the sector identifying this segment as a growth area. These new entrants, with vast customer bases and advanced digital platforms, can cross-sell insurance products more effectively. Clientèle warned that unless traditional players adapt quickly, they risk losing market share in South Africa’s expanding low-income insurance sector. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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… AND FNB EXPANDS BANKING SERVICES TO SPAZA SHOPS
FNB has enhanced its presence in townships through AgencyPlus, a platform connecting underbanked communities with banking services. The initiative allows small businesses, including spaza shops, to become bank agents offering ATM services such as cash withdrawals and deposits. This partnership enables customers to access convenient ATM transactions at local SME outlets, boosting financial inclusion. CEO Harry Kellan highlighted the growing traction of AgencyPlus across Africa. By integrating banking functions into everyday retail spaces, FNB aims to bridge service gaps for underbanked populations while supporting small enterprises in township economies. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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VODACOM LAUNCHES VIRTUAL WHEELING PLATFORM
Vodacom has unveiled a virtual wheeling platform in partnership with Eskom, enabling its 15 000 distributed sites to access renewable energy from the Sola Group’s Northern Cape solar farm. The system reconciles electricity usage across multiple municipalities, issuing credits and refunds while maintaining cost efficiency. Semi-automated smart metering ensures accurate accounting, supporting Vodacom’s 2035 net-zero carbon goals. The platform reduces greenhouse gas emissions, strengthens grid stability, and lowers operational costs, setting a precedent for other companies with distributed operations. Vodacom CEO Sitho Mdlalose hailed the innovation as a game-changer for South Africa’s energy transition and corporate sustainability efforts. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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FRENCH MULTICHOICE OWNER SETS SIGHTS ON GLOBAL GROWTH
French media giant Canal+, now the full owner of MultiChoice after completing a R55 billion takeover, has unveiled ambitious growth plans to transform the African pay-TV operator into a global contender. CEO David Mignot said the group aims to expand its subscriber base to between 50-million and 100-million, focusing on Africa, Europe, and Asia. Canal+ intends to leverage MultiChoice’s established African footprint while boosting content production and distribution capacity. The strategy positions the group to compete with dominant US streaming giants, strengthening its presence in both emerging and developed markets as it seeks half of Africa’s pay-TV households. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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NEW JSE ENTRANT CILO CYBIN EYES EUROPEAN EXPANSION
Cilo Cybin, listing on the JSE main board this Monday, aims to expand into the European market by applying for EU GMP accreditation. CEO Gabriel Theron explained the shift offshore is due to South Africa’s unclear cannabis regulations. The company, specializing in cannabis cultivation and supply, currently serves clients in Australia and is now pursuing German customers. This strategic move seeks to leverage access to larger, regulated markets amid evolving global cannabis trade dynamics. The listing and offshore focus mark a significant growth phase for Cilo Cybin as it broadens its international footprint. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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US TONES DOWN ‘WHITE GENOCIDE' RHETORIC
The US State Department has softened its rhetoric on South Africa, omitting President Donald Trump’s earlier “white genocide” claims in its 2025 Investment Climate Statement. While recognising SA’s strong judiciary, rule of law, and advanced financial sector, the report warns that land expropriation laws, competition regulation, corruption, crime, infrastructure decay, and skills shortages pose risks to investors. US companies also flagged delays in merger reviews and barriers linked to race-based legislation. Alternative equity equivalent investment programmes were noted as a preferred route for compliance, with several successful technology-sector deals. Despite challenges, South Africa’s investment landscape remains strategically significant. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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RAMPANT GOLD FLIRTS WITH RECORD HIGHS IN $3 900 PUSH
Gold is pushing towards a new record high after surpassing $3 800 per ounce for the first time last week. The metal is currently trading at $3 815.99, reflecting strong investor demand amid expectations of further US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and a weakening US Dollar. The precious metal has already gained about 44% year-to-date, supported by central bank purchases and ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Gold remains a favored safe-haven asset as markets anticipate more monetary easing later this year. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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UPDATED DICTIONARY MAINSTREAMS 5 000 NEW WORDS
Merriam-Webster is releasing the 12th edition of its Collegiate Dictionary on November 18, the first hard-copy update in 22 years. More than 5 000 new words are included, spanning Gen Z slang like “side-eye,” “hard pass,” and “dad bod,” as well as technical and scientific terms such as “petrichor” and “teraflop.” The edition also features 1 000 new phrases and idioms and 20 000 additional usage examples. To accommodate the updates, obsolete words and sections on biographical and geographical definitions were removed. Merriam-Webster’s president said the revision aims to balance research utility with the joy of browsing. (SOURCE: AP)
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NEWS YOU CAN USE
TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO APPLY FOR TRANSNET 2026 BURSARIES
Last call to apply for Transnet’s 2026 bursary programme. Applications close on 6 October 2025. Open to South African citizens under 25, the bursary supports full-time undergraduate studies in engineering (electronics, electrical, industrial, mechanical, metallurgy) as well as accounting, data sciences, computer science, information systems, and environmental fields. Benefits include tuition, textbooks, accommodation, meals, and experiential training. The award is renewable each year with satisfactory results. Bursars may complete vacation work at Transnet and, after graduation, serve the company for the same duration as the bursary. High-achieving Matriculants and undergraduates are encouraged to apply now here
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Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past and present are certain to miss the future.
John F. Kennedy |
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| Dollar | R17.28 | + 0.33% | | Pound | R23.22
| + 0.04% | | Euro | R20.25
| + 0.16% | | Yen | 0.116067 |
| | Yuan | R2.43
| + 0.13% | | Bitcoin | $ 111 718.40
| + 2.11% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 620.61 | + 2.00% | | Gold | $ 3 816.54
| + 1.66% | | Oil | $ 69.88
| + 0.30% | | All Share | 106 700.25 | + 0.85% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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