| ELECTRICITY CREDITS, BUSINESS AWARDS Q&A, POST-STRIKE WEARINESS |
Qualifying Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business members can claim electricity credits for the 2024/25 year, potentially around 15% of total electricity costs. It’s easier said than done though: be prepared to present 12 statements, tariffs, calculations, tables and lots of number-crunching. You also need to be a PMCB member in good standing and a member in 2024. Claims require detailed documentation, while the PMCB will prepare the legal letter for a R1 000 + VAT fee. If in doubt, contact Heidi on (033) 345 2747 or at info@pmcb.org.za
Businesses considering entering the PMCB Business Awards 2026 are invited to attend an online Q&A session covering the awards entry process at 2 pm on Monday, 31 August. The session will provide an opportunity to ask questions, clarify entry requirements and receive guidance on preparing an award submission. To find out how your business can stand out, save this link, the meeting ID: 339 312 905 164 924 and passcode: 5UZ2uW9w for the Teams platform session. Contact Heidi on (033) 345 2747 for more information.
After weeks of disruption, frustration and mounting pressure, weary Pietermaritzburg residents and businesses can finally breathe a sigh of relief now that the Msunduzi Municipality strike is over. Next up are more discussions about remuneration between the municipality and workers’ union Samwu and clearing backlogs, restoring services and running the city as it's supposed to.
See below: Union sees red over Eskom's municipal electricity takeover |
| ZIMBABWE TRIES UNDER SCRUTINY AT TRADE SUMMIT |
Sekai Kuvarika (CEO of Confederation of Zimbabwe Enterprises) and PMCB CEO Melanie Veness at the South Africa-Zimbabwe Business Forum.
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business strengthened its regional engagement through its participation in the South Africa-Zimbabwe Business Forum at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand earlier this month.
Hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the forum brought together government and business leaders to explore opportunities for greater trade, investment and economic cooperation. Held under the theme Catalysing Economic Resilience: Strategic Trade and Investment Partnerships for the Future, the event formed part of the Fourth Session of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission. Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed delegates to highlight the importance of stronger bilateral economic ties and regional integration.
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| COMRADES ENTHUSIASM BLOWS AWAY ASA DISPUTE DISTRACTION |
The Comrades Marathon Association may be embroiled in a dispute with Athletics South Africa, but that appears to have done little to dampen enthusiasm for the 100th running of the iconic race. The first 2027 entry window, reserved for Green and Yellow Number holders, opened on Tuesday and sold out in just seven hours. Charity enthusiasm is equally strong, with donations reaching R8.66 million yesterday, already surpassing the previous record of R8.01 million set in 2025. More than 800 of 1 000 Amabeadibeadi Charity Entries were sold within 24 hours. The centenary race takes place on June 13, 2027, with two entry windows remaining.
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1975: The Inkatha National Cultural Liberation Movement (later known as Inkatha Freedom Party) was founded by Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Elsewhere, in 1939: German Ernst Heinrich Heinkel unveiled the He 178, a turbojet-powered aircraft.
Take your chances, on International Lotteries Day or World Rock Paper Scissors Day. It’s also World Lake Day and International Bat Night!
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OIL-FUELLED INFLATION STRIPS 2.1% FROM PAY PACKETS
South African workers are losing purchasing power as rising living costs outpace salary growth, with oil-driven inflation posing a fresh threat to household finances. Real net salaries have fallen 2.1% so far this year, eroding consumers’ ability to afford essentials.
Households are increasingly turning to credit to bridge the gap as food, fuel and other costs squeeze disposable incomes. The pressure comes despite inflation remaining relatively contained, highlighting the uneven impact of rising prices across income groups. Lower-income households are particularly vulnerable, with minimum wages covering less than half of a basic food basket. A sustained oil-price shock could further weaken real incomes and household spending. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
UNION SEES RED OVER ESKOM’S MUNICIPAL ELECTRICITY TAKEOVER
The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) has rejected Eskom’s Distribution Agency Agreements (DAAs), warning they could weaken municipalities, threaten jobs and deepen local government’s financial crisis. The union wants existing agreements reviewed and government to stop using equitable-share allocations, grants or debt relief to pressure municipalities into signing new deals. Four municipalities currently have DAAs with Eskom: Maluti-a-Phofung, Emfuleni, Merafong and Ditsobotla, while 14 others face a September 1 deadline. Municipalities collectively owe Eskom R119 billion. Samwu argues that taking control of electricity revenue could strip municipalities of a crucial income source while hollowing out their technical capacity. It also opposes employee transfers, secondments or changes to working conditions without consultation and collective bargaining. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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R264 BILLION INFRASTRUCTURE PIPELINE READY TO FLOW
President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa’s infrastructure pipeline is finally moving towards a major construction boom, with more than R264 billion in projects expected to enter procurement within 12 to 18 months. The Strategic Integrated Projects portfolio has expanded nearly five-fold since 2020, reaching R1.67 trillion from R340 billion. Projects cover water, sanitation, transport, logistics, energy and municipal infrastructure. Government will publish quarterly performance reports to improve transparency and track delivery. The latest construction book lists more than 170 projects, including 55 worth R407 billion already under construction. Ramaphosa has allocated R1.07 trillion for infrastructure over three years. (SOURCE: Leads2Business)
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REGIONAL TRAVELERS DRIVE 17% TOURISM SURGE IN JULY
South Africa’s tourism industry enjoyed a strong July, with foreign arrivals jumping 17% to 1.27 million, driven overwhelmingly by visitors from neighbouring African countries. Tourists from SADC countries accounted for 79.2% of arrivals, with Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Lesotho the leading source markets. A further 1.2% came from other African countries, including Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria. Overseas visitors made up 19.5%, with the US, UK and Netherlands the biggest long-haul markets. Tourism remains a significant contributor to the economy, supporting 954,000 direct jobs in 2024 and generating 4.9% of GDP. The latest figures underline the importance of regional tourism while highlighting opportunities to attract more international visitors and increase tourism’s economic contribution. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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FREE DATA ROLLOUT FACES JANUARY 2027 DEADLINE PRESSURE
South Africa’s planned free mobile data for public benefit sites is facing delays, raising concerns about whether the January 2027 deadline can be met. Communications minister Solly Malatsi has called on the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) and mobile operators to accelerate implementation. The initiative aims to improve digital access at sites providing essential public services, particularly for communities that remain digitally excluded. Although mobile data prices have fallen by almost 50% over the past six years, affordability remains a challenge for many consumers. The rollout is intended to help bridge the digital divide by providing greater access to online services, information and opportunities. Failure to meet the deadline could delay these benefits further. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SUGAR INDUSTRY URGES PROTECTION ON 213 322 TONNES IMPORTS
Illovo Sugar is urging government to urgently implement the revised Dollar-Based Reference Price (DBRP) for imported sugar, warning that delays are worsening pressure on local producers. The International Trade Administration Commission has completed its review, following a 2024 application by the South African Sugar Association to increase the DBRP from $680/t to $905/t. Meanwhile, 213 322 tonnes of sugar from outside SACU entered South Africa during 2024/25, costing growers about R1 billion and millers R500-million in lost revenue. The industry supports 65 000 direct and 270 000 indirect jobs. Illovo says swift action is essential to protect producers, rural economies and livelihoods. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS OXTAIL PRICES DOUBLE ON ARGENTINE IMPORT CURBS
South African oxtail prices have roughly doubled as restrictions on Argentine imports squeeze local supplies, according to the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE). Retail prices have risen from about R79-R99/kg between January and May to R169-R199/kg. South Africa cannot produce enough oxtail domestically and relies heavily on imports, with Argentina supplying about 70% of imported volumes. AMIE is seeking clarity from the Department of Agriculture over additional animal-health requirements introduced after Argentina’s scrapie detection in sheep. The industry body says the restrictions have prevented approved Argentine suppliers from exporting certain bone-in beef products, including oxtail, and is calling for transparent, science-based measures that protect biosecurity without unnecessarily driving up prices for consumers. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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ABSA SHUTTERS 79 BRANCHES, 120 ATMS ON DIGITAL WAVE
Absa closed 79 branches and 120 ATMs across South Africa over the past year, reflecting customers’ accelerating shift towards digital banking. The reductions form part of the bank’s strategy to reshape its physical network as more transactions move online and onto mobile platforms. While branch closures reduce operating costs, they also raise concerns about access to banking services, particularly for customers who rely on cash or face digital barriers. The changes highlight a broader industry trend, with major banks increasingly investing in digital channels while rationalising traditional infrastructure. Absa’s latest network reductions underline how technology and changing customer behaviour are steadily transforming South Africa’s banking landscape. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS NEDBANK SHRINKS HEADCOUNT BY 20.6%
Nedbank has reduced its permanent workforce by 6 670 people, or 20.6%, since its 2016 peak, as customers increasingly shift from branches to digital banking. Employee numbers fell from 32 401 to 25 731 by June 2026, while the bank’s outlets declined 22% to 539. The reduction has been particularly pronounced in retail and business banking, where staffing has fallen about 30%. Teller activity has also plunged, dropping from 13 million transactions in 2020 to 1.96 million in the first six months of 2026. Nedbank expects another R1.5 billion in productivity enhancements over the medium term, with CEO Jason Quinn indicating significant further opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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TARIFF PRESSURES PUSH SA, BRAZIL TOWARD CLOSER TRADE TIES
South Africa and Brazil are strengthening economic ties as both countries confront growing US tariff pressures and seek to diversify beyond traditional raw-material exports. The two Brics members are exploring closer co-operation to expand trade, investment and industrial development, while reducing vulnerability to external trade shocks. The partnership comes as South Africa faces its own challenges in boosting investment, manufacturing and economic growth. Closer alignment with Brazil could open opportunities for greater value-added production and expanded markets across the Global South. The developing alliance highlights how tariff tensions are encouraging emerging economies to build stronger commercial relationships and pursue greater economic resilience. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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US BACKS PORTUGUESE BID FOR 30-YEAR DRC RAIL DEAL
Portuguese construction company Mota-Engil is reportedly set to secure a 30-year concession to rehabilitate and operate the Democratic Republic of Congo’s section of the Lobito Corridor railway, potentially backed by up to $1 billion (about R16 billion) in US financing. The 1 000 km line links major copper and cobalt mining hubs, including Kolwezi, Tenke and Lubumbashi, to export routes through Angola. The project is intended to boost critical-mineral exports to Western markets while reducing dependence on China. Mota-Engil already operates the connecting Angolan railway with Trafigura. The US has intensified its interest in Congo’s mineral wealth, particularly copper and cobalt, amid efforts to diversify supply chains. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS COPPER PRICES SURGE TOWARD RECORD ON TIGHTENING SUPPLIES
Copper is closing in on record territory as tight supplies and rising demand drive prices higher. Benchmark three-month copper gained 0.4% to $14 410.50 a ton on the London Metal Exchange, approaching January’s intraday record of $14 527.50. The metal has surged about 16% this year, partly as traders move large volumes to the US ahead of possible import tariffs, draining inventories elsewhere. Supply concerns have intensified following mining disruptions in Indonesia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile, which contributed to a 338,000-ton market shortfall during the first half. Longer-term demand from artificial intelligence, renewable energy and electricity grids is adding further upward pressure, supporting copper’s bullish outlook. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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CANADA READIES 50% TARIFFS ON US GOODS
Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on about $20 billion (about R) worth of US goods, including steel, cheese and seafood, escalating tensions with its biggest trading partner. The measures take effect on September 8, following Washington’s decision to impose similar tariffs on Canadian imports after trade talks broke down. More than $2 billion in goods cross the US-Canada border daily, raising concerns about higher costs and disrupted supply chains. Canada’s smaller economy is expected to feel greater pressure, prompting measures including interest-free loans to support affected industries. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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PIONEERING WILDLIFE CROSSING MARKS ZERO ROADKILL MILESTONE
A wildlife crossing in Washington State is proving that roads and nature can successfully share the same space. The I-90 Snoqualmie Pass overpass has recorded its 10 000th successful wildlife crossing, with almost 40 000 crossings logged across the overpass and 11 underpasses since 2014. Even better, roadkill in the section has fallen to nearly zero. The project reconnects habitats, protects animals and reduces dangerous vehicle collisions, while also saving motorists and taxpayers costly crash-related expenses. The success is prompting further investment, with 15 additional undercrossings and another overpass planned by 2031. It is a heartening example of conservation and infrastructure working together. (SOURCE: AP)
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TRAINING - STRONGER FINANCES, STRONGER TEAMS
Financial stress is one of the biggest drains on employee focus, productivity, and mental health - yet it's often overlooked in the workplace.
TRAINER: Nikki Sinclair – So Much More
OVERVIEW
This workshop is designed to help people take control of their money, reduce financial anxiety, and build long-term confidence. It benefits both individuals and the organisation. Companies that invest in financial wellbeing see improved morale, reduced absenteeism and stronger performance.
What Your Team Will Gain
• Improved financial confidence: Equip employees with simple, actionable strategies for budgeting, saving, and planning for the future.
• Reduced financial stress: Help staff manage debt and uncertainty - improving focus, energy, and overall wellbeing.
• Higher engagement and productivity: Financially confident employees bring greater stability, loyalty, and performance to the workplace.
• Enhanced employer trust: Demonstrate genuine care for your people with a wellbeing initiative that delivers measurable impact.
• Practical tools and takeaways: Each participant leaves with personalised strategies and easy-to-use templates to apply right away.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• Managers, business owners and HR professionals seeking to support staff retention, engagement, and mental wellbeing through practical financial education.
• Teams and employees looking to improve financial competence as part of a company's wellness program.
• Individuals who want to take control of their finances, reduce financial stress, and make informed money decisions.
• Anyone ready to make money work for them - not against them.
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 3 September 2026
Time: 08:00 – 13:00
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (excludes vat) PMCB Members: R680 p/p, R645 p/p for 3/more, R595 p/p for 5/more Non-members: R900 p/p, R885 p/p for 3/more, R850 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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People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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