| JUNE FUEL PRICES: PETROL UP, DIESEL DOWN AT MIDNIGHT |
Motorists face a mixed fuel-price adjustment this month, with petrol increasing by R1.43 a litre at midnight, while diesel users enjoy substantial relief of up to R3.24 a litre. The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources attributed the petrol hike to higher global oil prices, with Brent crude averaging $104.59 a barrel amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. By contrast, diesel and paraffin - down R7.95/l - fell sharply due to weaker seasonal demand in the northern hemisphere. A marginally stronger Rand helped soften fuel costs. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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| RECORD SALES AFFIRM ART IN THE COUNTRY PREMIER STATUS |
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Visitors reveled in the unique ambience of Art in the Country with sustenance by the Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine proving popular. Also pictured are convenor Kathy Jacob and Vinnie Jones.
The fifth edition of Art in the Country has recorded a new sales milestone, with art sales up R143 000 on last year’s figures, pushing the total well over R2 million for the 2026 edition. Final income figures will be determined once gate receipts, food and beverage sales are fully tallied, said convenor Kathy Jacob.
“We’re over the moon, especially as our visitor numbers are substantially higher as well, in a tribute to all our sponsors and supporters,” she said. A highlight was the Harcourts Hilton raffle that raised R17 500 of which R12 500 is destined to the Mindful Art Society to support its outreach initiatives and community-based art development work. The winner of the art work by Marion Lowe will be announced later as will the winner of the R16 000 getaway prize sponsored by Brokoop Insurance Brokers.
Support from artists and visitors reinforced the event’s position as KZN’s premier art exhibition that this year is expanding to Ballito as Art in the Country Coastal in October to differentiate it from the established Midlands edition at Harrington House in Hilton.
In a further endorsement of the event’s stature, two of the Top 10 artists - Jane Woolf (5th placed) and Richard Rijo (9) - were first-time exhibitors at Art in the Country. Rounding out the Top 10 were Hayley Lombard, Bob McKenzie, Neil Moss, Eugene van Vrede, Wolff, Veronica Herbert, David Johnson, Simon Addy, Rijo and Jude Martin. |
| COMRADES MARATHON WARNING ON AMBUSH MARKETING, DRONES |
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has issued a stern warning against ambush marketing and unauthorised drone activity during race week, from June 11 to 14. No company, organisation or individual may display branding, advertise products or conduct promotional activities at the Expo, race start, route or finish venues without written approval. Offenders could face legal action. The CMA also confirmed strict no-fly drone zones around all official race venues and along the route. Drones may only be operated with approval from the South African Civil Aviation Authority and relevant authorities. Unauthorised drone operators risk confiscation of equipment and possible enforcement action. The measures are aimed at ensuring runner safety and protecting official event sponsorship rights.
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2005: Schabir Shaik was convicted on two corruption charges. He was later freed under a controversial medical pardon.
1953: Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in London's Westminster Abbey, the first televised major international event in history.
An ode to an icon, International Volkswagen Bus Day. |
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RAND RIDES THE ROLLER COASTER ON FLUCTUATING PEACE HOPES
The Rand is riding the waves of uncertainty in the wake of conflicting messages about the prognosis of emerging markets with the currency fluctating wildly in trade yesterday and this morning. Trading around R16.19 to the Dollar yesterday morning, the Rand slid to R16.38/$ on worsening global risk sentiment as faltering US-Iran peace hopes reignited geopolitical uncertainty. It staged a recovery this morning and is currently trading around thr R16.20/$ mark to reflect the uncertainty of traders hedging improved sentiment towards emerging market currencies and specualtion about peace talks to resolve the US-Iran conflict.
Investors moved back into safe-haven assets, weighing on risk-sensitive currencies like the Rand. Analysts said the currency remains range-bound but vulnerable to external shocks. Local fundamentals offered limited support amid cautious positioning and thin liquidity. Market participants will monitor further developments in Middle East diplomacy and US interest rate expectations for direction in the coming sessions ahead. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
... AS MANUFACTURING SENTIMENT SLIPS ON GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY
South Africa’s manufacturing sentiment eased in May as the Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index slipped to 50.8 from 52.6 in April, still above the 50-point expansion threshold for a second month. Demand weakened and supply disruptions linked to the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz energy flows weighed on output and sentiment. Absa noted the sub-index for business activity fell to 43.5 from 52.8, while new sales dropped to 44.6 from 52.9. Producer inflation hit a record in April as fertiliser and energy costs surged due to global tensions. Expected conditions improved to 52.9 signalling cautious optimism for year-end outlook ahead. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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LABOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT TARGETS HOSPITALITY, CONSTRUCTION
The Department of Employment and Labour is intensifying enforcement against non-compliant employers, particularly in construction and hospitality, where illegal labour practices are reportedly widespread. Minister Nomakhosazana Meth and deputy Jomo Sibiya said firms that budget for fines instead of complying with labour laws will face tougher penalties, including criminal charges. The department is increasing inspector capacity, with thousands of new recruits being trained as “boots on the ground”. Authorities are also targeting the use of undocumented foreign workers and underpayment below minimum wage. A mix of enforcement and engagement with industry bodies will be used to improve compliance outcomes. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS MINISTER PUTS FAITH IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT, REFORMS
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth says government is intensifying efforts to address South Africa’s unemployment crisis through skills development, labour reforms and expanded employment programmes. Speaking at a GCIS briefing, she described a “missing jobs crisis” despite signs of economic stabilisation and improving investor confidence. While electricity supply and growth conditions have improved, she said labour absorption remains weak, with many young entrants failing to secure stable work. Meth highlighted that unemployment fell to 31.4% in late 2025 but remains structurally high. A R4.5-billion budget supports a new activation programme aimed at 200 000 opportunities across training and placements. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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AUTO MASTERPLAN TO BREAK COVER IN SEPTEMBER
Government says its long-awaited review of the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) will be completed by September, ending years of uncertainty for South Africa’s vehicle manufacturing sector. Industry players have expressed frustration over delays in updating the incentive framework, arguing that policy uncertainty risks undermining investment and competitiveness. The review is seen as critical for positioning South Africa to compete in a rapidly changing global automotive market, particularly as rivals in the BRICS bloc accelerate support for electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing. Stakeholders warn that delays in policy reform could leave South Africa lagging behind key international competitors. The revised plan is expected to provide greater clarity on incentives, localisation targets and future industry support. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS BORDER CONTROLS TIGHTENED ON FOREIGN-REGISTERED VEHICLES
The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has introduced new customs requirements for foreign-registered vehicles entering or leaving the country, effective from 1 June 2026. Under the new rules, motorists must declare their vehicles through the Traveller Management System before crossing the border. Sars says the measure aligns South Africa with international customs standards and will strengthen border security, improve compliance and streamline traveller processing. Temporary import permits for foreign vehicles remain valid for six months and can be used for multiple crossings. Travellers are encouraged to complete declarations online before arrival to avoid delays. Sars has warned that failure to comply, or submitting false information, could result in enforcement action and lengthy delays at border posts. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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STEENHUISEN MOOTS INSURANCE FOR FLOOD-STRICKEN FARMERS
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has proposed a new insurance scheme aimed at helping small-scale farmers recover from flood-related losses in South Africa. The initiative seeks to improve climate resilience in the agricultural sector by providing affordable risk cover for vulnerable producers exposed to extreme weather events. It is intended to stabilise food production, protect livelihoods, and encourage continued investment in farming communities facing increasing climate uncertainty. Stakeholders say the plan could reduce reliance on ad hoc disaster relief and strengthen long-term agricultural sustainability across regions. (SOURCE: News24)
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TIGER BRANDS NOT FOR SALE DESPITE 24% SHARE-PRICE SLUMP
Tiger Brands chief executive has dismissed speculation that the group could become a takeover target, despite a 24% slump in its share price. The CEO said the company remains fundamentally strong, with resilient brands and a stable market position in South Africa’s competitive consumer goods sector. He added that recent share price weakness reflects broader market pressures rather than structural decline within the business. Management continues to focus on cost control, operational efficiency and portfolio optimisation to restore investor confidence. Analysts have flagged the stock’s valuation as attractive, fuelling takeover rumours, which the company now firmly rejects as unfounded speculation. (SOURCE: News24)
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ADCOCK IN COMPCOM CROSSHAIRS OVER COVID PROFITEERING
The competition watchdog has accused Adcock Ingram of allegedly profiteering during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to people familiar with the matter. The Competition Commission claims the company retained pricing benefits and discounts provided by Baxter International on dialysis machines and related medicines. Regulators say the conduct may warrant penalties of up to 10% of annual revenue. The case will be referred to the Competition Tribunal. Adcock, jointly owned by Bidvest Group and Natco Pharma, has referred questions to Bidvest, which declined comment. The company faced penalties for price-fixing and merger breaches and now trades off the JSE following delisting. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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MOROCCO STEALS SOUTH AFRICA'S INDUSTRIAL BRAGGING RIGHTS
Morocco has overtaken South Africa as Africa’s most industrialised economy according to the African Development Bank’s 2025 industrialisation index. The report credits Morocco’s diversification of exports, improved industrial policy and investment drive for its rise. South Africa’s competitiveness has declined amid power shortages, corruption and weak investment conditions. GDP growth has averaged below 1% over the past decade. Ramaphosa has cited infrastructure needs of R1.6 trillion public and R3.2 trillion private sector funding. Gross fixed capital formation contracted in most quarters last year, though recent gains suggest early recovery in business investment. Industrial output concentrated in north south regions. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS AFRICAN NATIONS EYE INVESTMENT UPGRADE POTENTIAL
More African countries are expected to regain or achieve investment-grade credit ratings by next year as reforms and stronger economic growth begin to deliver results, African Development Bank President Sidi Ould Tah said. Several sovereigns have already seen upgrades, including Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Ivory Coast and Kenya. The AfDB noted improving fiscal positions and reform momentum across the continent, even as Middle East tensions pose risks to growth and energy import costs. Better ratings could lower borrowing costs and support development spending, while African debt risk premiums have eased as investor sentiment improves across markets steadily. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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TRAINING - MS EXCEL INTERMEDIATE - LEVEL 2
To ensure success, students should have completed Microsoft® Office Excel® 2021-2024: Level 1 or have the equivalent knowledge and experience.
TRAINER: Nomcebo Shabalala – IT Certification Academy
OVERVIEW
This course builds upon the foundational knowledge presented in the Microsoft® Office Excel® 2021-2024: Level 1 course and will help start you down the road to creating advanced workbooks and worksheets that can help deepen your understanding of organizational intelligence. The ability to analyze massive amounts of data, extract actionable information from it, and present that information to decision makers is at the foundation of a successful organization that is able to compete at a high level.
Module 1: Working with Functions • Work with ranges • Use specialized functions • Work with logical functions • Work with date and time functions • Work with text functions
Module 2: Working with Lists • Sort data • Filter data • Query data with database functions • Outline and subtotal data
Module 3: Analyzing Data • Create and modify tables • Apply intermediate conditional formatting • Apply advanced conditional formatting
Module 4: Visualizing Data with Charts • Create charts • Modify and format charts • Use advanced chart features
Module 5: Using PivotTables and PivotCharts • Create a PivotTable • Analyze PivotTable data • Present data with PivotCharts • Filter data by using Timelines and Slicers
AT COURSE COMPLETION
• Work with functions. • Work with lists. • Analyze data. • Visualize data with charts. • Use PivotTables and PivotCharts.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This course is designed for students who already have foundational knowledge and skills in Excel 2021 and who wish to begin taking advantage of some of the higher-level functionality in Excel to analyze and present data.
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 9 June 2026
Time: 08:30 – 16:30 Venue: PMCB Office, 1 Parkhaven, 55 MacLeroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (excludes vat ) includes lunch PMCB Members: R1 430 p/p, R1 390 p/p for 3/more, R1 320 p/p for 5/more Non-members: R1 695 p/p, R1 640 p/p for 3/more, R1 590 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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Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.
John Dewey |
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