| RIDING HIGH ON PIETERMARITZBURG'S ENTREPRENEURIAL CULTURE |
 |
A youthful Brandon Fisher (left) with the bike that started Errand Runners in 1995, and pictured with fellow-founder Ollie Webber (right) in 2019.
Errand Runners is the latest local success story to emerge from the city’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Founded in 1995 on a bold vision and a single motorbike, the company has grown into a valued logistics partner for businesses and medical institutions across KZN.
What began as a nimble solution for last-mile delivery by founders Brandon Fisher and Ollie Webber, has evolved into a multi-vehicle operation servicing both Pietermaritzburg and Durban. With a reputation for responsiveness and reliability, Errand Runners has become synonymous with efficiency and trust to build on Pietermaritzburg’s launchpad for entrepreneurial ventures growing into South African business icons. They include Debonairs Pizza that revolutionised food delivery with over 700 stores and Truda Foods, a maize-based snack food producer with an expanding national presence.
Similarly, the Global Export Accelerator Programme (GEAP), spearheaded by the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, has assisted several black-owned SMMEs to become export-ready.
The Pietermaritzburg business is currently run by Carol Fisher, while Webber operates the KZN coastal business from Ballito to Margate to allow Brandon Fisher focusses on strategic growth. “Errand Runners is more than a courier service, it’s a symbol of what’s possible when entrepreneurial spirit meets community support," said Fisher. Contact Errand Runners on 082 554 6181 or at info@errandrunners.co.za. View the website here.
|
| HOUSE OF TRAFFIC HORRORS DEEPENS MSUNDUZI SWAMP |
| A recent internal audit report found that the city’s traffic department was flouting a plethora of laws, including the National Road Traffic Act. The findings, as reported by The Witness, are not surprising given the municipal legacy of incompetence, poor management and ineffectual leadership. Nor is the empty rhetoric about “a comprehensive action plan” and “corrective actions” … When will these mandarins stop treating the public like mushrooms? |
| BACK-TO-THE-WALL WINE MAKERS PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS |
1993: Full South Africa-India diplomatic relations were re-established.
Elsewhere, in 1894, the world's first competitive motor race, a competition for horseless carriages, was run from Paris to Rouen.
Pie anyone? Any guesses why today is observed as Pi Approximation Day? Here’s a clue: Pi (π) can be expressed as the fraction 22/7.
|
ESTIMATED ASSESSMENTS PUT ONUS ON TAXPAYERS TO PROVE INNOCENCE
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is increasingly relying on estimated assessments - raising alarm over potential abuse of power. Under Section 95 of the Tax Administration Act, SARS may issue estimates when returns are missing, inadequate, or deemed incorrect. However, critics argue this opens the door to subjectivity.
Tax experts warn that estimates, often based on comparing bank deposits to declared turnover, can unfairly inflate tax bills. If SARS misunderstands data, the burden shifts to taxpayers to prove their innocence - transaction by transaction. While intended as a last resort, experts fear SARS is normalising these estimates for convenience, not necessity - turning them into what Theron calls a “cash-cow-grabbing norm.” Vigilance and accurate submissions remain essential. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
|
POOR MONITORING, MAINTENANCE COSTS SOLAR INVESTORS R10 MILLION
Solar investors are estimated to have lost R10 million in eight months in preventative production failures, according to an audit by SolrBoost. It said while households adopted solar rapidly between 2020 and 2023, poor monitoring and maintenance are key reasons for the underperformance of these systems. It said that 80% of systems are monitored reactively that leads to inefficiencies, higher utility bills, and voided warranties. It also uncovered 1 300 grid-export errors and that more than 1 000 systems are operating with batteries outside warranty-safe temperatures. It implores investors to investigate real-time analytics and digital twinning to detect faults early, improve lifespan, and optimise tariff savings. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
DRIVING LICENCE VALIDITY EXTENSION STUCK IN NEUTRAL
The proposed move to extend driving licence validity from five to eight years remains undecided. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy supports the idea, aligning with global norms, but has requested a financial impact study before committing. Pros include fewer renewals, reduced costs, and less strain on systems -potentially cutting admin and production expenses by 35%. However, it may lower government revenue. Meanwhile, controversy surrounds a R898 million card-printing tender declared irregular by the Auditor-General, stalling new smart card rollout. With 600,000 licence backlogs and only one ageing machine in use, a backup plan with Government Printing Works is underway. Motorists must wait for clarity as court decisions and policy reviews unfold. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
CALL ON PRIVATE SECTOR TO HELP PAY FOR FMD VACCINES
The private sector is being urged to help fund vaccine procurement to tackle outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other biosecurity threats crippling the livestock industry. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen warned that state facilities like Onderstepoort Biological Products have failed to ensure vaccine availability, forcing emergency imports from Botswana. With 270 FMD outbreaks across five provinces, export bans have hit hard. Steenhuisen proposed a nationally managed, jointly funded vaccine bank to boost preparedness and trade resilience. He also announced steps to implement a regional disease control framework to avoid nationwide trade bans. Public-private partnerships are now essential to protect agriculture. (SOURCE: Daily Maverick) |
BLUEPRINT ON CLIMATE EMISSIONS OUT IN AUGUST
Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Dr Dion George has approved the draft National Greenhouse Gas Carbon Budget and Mitigation Plan Regulations for public comment. Set for publication in early August, the regulations align with the 2024 Climate Change Act and South Africa’s Paris Agreement commitments. They aim to help limit emissions to between 350 and 420 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030. Developed through broad consultation, the regulations include a list of greenhouse gases, related activities, and technical guidelines. George urged public engagement to ensure the rules balance climate goals with economic growth and social equity. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
MISSION TO CHINA TO BOOST TRADE, CUT R172 BILLION DEFICIT
Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Trade Minister Parks Tau were sent to Beijing to deepen ties and narrow a widening trade gap with partner China. At the South Africa‑China Investment Forum alongside the China International Supply Chain Expo, Mashatile urged investment and better market access, noting the bilateral deficit ballooned to $9.7 billion (about R172 billion) in 2023. Pretoria pitched diversified exports - pharmaceuticals, autos, green‑energy tech and high‑value agriculture - to reduce reliance on raw commodities and hedge against US policy shocks. Analysts welcome China as a hedge but warn over‑dependence could chill US investment vital to sectors like automotive. (SOURCE: FreightNews) |
WORLD BANK BACKS R86 BILLION MOZAMBIQUE HYDRO PROJECT
Mozambique has won World Bank backing for the $5 billion (about R86 billion) Mphanda Nkuwa hydropower plant - the region’s biggest in 50 years - plus a $1.4 billion power transmission project. Expected to generate 1 500 MW by 2031, the dam forms part of Mission 300, aimed at connecting 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa to electricity by 2030. The World Bank and partners will provide debt, equity, and risk guarantees. Built by a global consortium, the project will boost exports, local industrialisation, and energy access. A smaller reservoir design minimises environmental impact. With 64% of Mozambicans now connected to electricity, the initiative supports national stability and long-term economic transformation. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
BRICS PUTS DE-DOLARISATION PLANS ON BACKBURNER
The BRICS bloc has paused plans to launch a shared currency, focusing instead on expanding cross-border trade in national currencies. At the 2025 summit in Rio, leaders acknowledged the massive technical and political hurdles still facing such a move. While Russia once pushed for de-dollarisation, even President Putin now emphasizes reducing reliance on the US dollar rather than replacing it. The group reaffirmed efforts to grow platforms like BRICS Pay and deepen financial independence through local currency settlement. Analysts say the bloc is shifting from ideology to infrastructure, laying the groundwork for long-term autonomy without destabilizing global markets. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
WEF FOUNDER CRIES FOUL OVER MISCONDUCT CLAIMS
World Economic Forum (WEF) founder Klaus Schwab has denied allegations of misconduct amid an investigation reportedly confirming claims he manipulated economic reports and submitted excessive expenses. Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung cited findings by law firm Homburger that Schwab influenced WEF rankings for political purposes and misused forum resources. Schwab expressed feeling “deceived,” accusing the WEF board of breaching a media agreement and vowed to defend himself legally. The probe also scrutinises CHF 900 000 (about R20 million) in questionable expenses. Schwab resigned in April following the allegations, and the WEF has declined to comment until the investigation concludes, expected by the end of August 2025. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
CHEFS TURN 67 MINUTES INTO 67 000 LITRES OF SOUP FOR NEEDY
South Africa’s culinary community swapped fine dining for food relief, creating 67 000 liters of nourishing soup to feed the hungry on Mandela Day. In Johannesburg, chefs, students, and caterers embraced their “67 minutes” by prepping and simmering soups from rescued surplus food. Led by Chefs with Compassion, the effort aimed to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy with dignity and flavour. “We cook as if serving hotel guests - because the vulnerable deserve quality too,” said chef James Khoza. With food insecurity affecting over 20 million South Africans, the initiative highlights that compassion in the kitchen can go far beyond a single day. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
 |
TRAINING - GENERAL INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS - ALSO DEALING WITH DISPUTE PREVENTION & DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS
TRAINER: Raj Seeparsad – HR & Labour Consultant
OVERVIEW
This workshop is designed to equip participants with practical skills and in-depth knowledge essential for effective workplace discipline management, adherence to disciplinary procedures, and understanding of dispute resolution mechanisms. Through case studies and practical exercises, participants will gain insight into substantive and procedural fairness, based on principles from the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).
The workshop covers:
• Understanding and Applying Company Policies: Participants will discuss company rules, codes of conduct, and relevant policies to address internal disputes effectively.
• Roles of Shop Stewards, Supervisors, and Team Leaders: Emphasis on their critical function in communication and conflict resolution within the workforce.
• Reporting and Documentation Skills: Guidance on accurate recording practices, essential for managing workplace issues. • Dispute Resolution Techniques: Focused on constructive negotiation and correction of unacceptable behaviours to maintain workplace stability.
• Disciplinary Processes and Hearings: Procedures on conducting investigations, gathering evidence, issuing warnings, and managing disciplinary hearings.
• Compliance with CCMA and other Dispute bodies Rules: Practical tips on navigating the CCMA processes, including understanding arbitration, compensation, and handling default awards.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
HR/IR Managers, HR executives, HR business partners, management and business decision makers.
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 29 July 2025
Time: 08:30 – 16:30
Venue: PMCB Office, 1 Parkhaven, 55 MacLeroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (excludes vat ) includes lunch
PMCB Members: R1 360.87 p/p, R1 326.09 p/p for 3/more, R1256.53 p/p for 5/more
Non-members: R1 613.04 p/p, R1 560.87 p/p for 3/more, R1 513.05 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. |
|
|
Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.
Francis Bacon |
|
|
|
| Dollar | R17.60 | + 0.13% | | Pound | R23.72 | + 0.11% | | Euro | R20.58 | - 0.01% | | Yen | 0.119504 |
| | Yuan | R2.45 | + 0.05% | | Bitcoin | $117 502.40
| + 0.20% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 453.90
| - 1.42%% | | Gold | $ 3 386.79
| + 0.30% | | Oil | $ 68.76
| - 0.39% | | All Share | 99 654.59
| + 0.98% | | Repo | 7.25 | | | Prime | 10.75 | |
|
|
|
|
|
