| WHEN ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN LOFTY RHETORIC |
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Members of the electricity department team who worked tirelessly in the December heat to connect the AquaPark project to the city's power grid.
With respect to all concerned, Msunduzi Municipality’s latest pronouncements on service delivery sound familiar, but add little that is new. Fresh from a three-day bosberaad, the city's political leadership has again spoken of plans, strategies, reviews and intentions — all dressed up in lofty terms around infrastructure, capacity and improved implementation. Yet details remain thin, timelines absent and accountability vague. Residents have heard these refrains before. Until rhetoric is matched by visible, sustained action on the ground, such announcements risk reinforcing public fatigue rather than confidence in meaningful change.
Speaking of actions that count for more than words, a team of municipal workers under the city’s electricity department was handed a bouquet of plaudits for their work to bring power to the multi-million Rand AquaPark project late last year. Wendy Freese, Director of Development and Sustainability at St Charles College paid tribute to the team under the guidance of Deputy Municipal Manager Simphiwe Mchunu, Senior Manager Madlala and Chief Engineer Lungisani Ntuli that had toiled under difficult conditions to connect the facility to the city’s power grid.
“It’s their resilience, professionalism, and the pride they take in serving our community which have created the many legends of whom our city can be proud. Their work is deeply personal to every school in the city because it impacts so many children who are our future,” she wrote. Now, that’s more like it. Derek Alberts (Editor).
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| MNGENI CRACKS WHIP ON FOOT-AND-MOUTH OUTBREAK |
uMngeni Municipality has issued a warning to livestock owners following an ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in KZN. All unauthorised or undocumented movement of livestock, including cattle, goats, sheep and pigs, is strictly prohibited. Owners must comply with legislation such as the Animal Identification Act, Animal Diseases Act, Stock Theft Act and the KZN Pound Act. Communal grazing areas will be closely monitored due to their high risk. The municipality, working with SAPS and the Department of Agriculture, will enforce regulations, with non-compliance risking impoundment, fines or prosecution to protect animal health, livelihoods and food security, the municipality warned.
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| GODONGWANA CALLS FOR PUBLIC INPUT AHEAD OF BUDGET |
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has called on citizens, businesses, and stakeholders to submit suggestions for the 2026 Budget, to be presented in Parliament on 25 February. As always, the Budget aims to balance economic growth with support for vulnerable communities while managing limited resources. Inputs on spending priorities, debt, SOE finances, energy, water, tax policy, and municipal funding are welcome. Submissions must be under 300 words and submitted here.
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1960: The Coalbrook mining disaster near Sasolburg claimed the lives of 435 workers.
Elsewhere, in 1976, Concorde took off on its first scheduled flights with two of the supersonic aircraft taking off from Paris and London simultaneously.
It’s a day for children on International Playdate Day. It’s also International Sweatpants Day. |
KGANYAGO HINTS AT POSSIBLE RATE CUT NEXT WEEK
Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago has strengthened expectations of an interest-rate cut when the Monetary Pollcy Committee meets next week, saying inflation is likely to meet the Bank’s revised target during 2026. Headline inflation averaged about 5.3% in 2025 but has eased into the 4% range, moving closer to the SARB’s preferred 3% midpoint under its new 3%–5% target band. The repo rate currently stands at 8.25% after aggressive tightening over the past two years.
Kganyago said moderating food and fuel prices, improved supply conditions and anchored inflation expectations were supporting the outlook. However, he cautioned that risks from global energy markets, exchange-rate volatility and geopolitical tensions persist, meaning any rate cuts would be gradual and firmly data-dependent. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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MEDICAL PROFESSION, MINISTER TO REOPEN TALKS ON NHI
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and representatives of South Africa’s medical profession have agreed to renewed engagement over the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI), following mounting concern from doctors about funding, governance and the role of private healthcare. The talks aim to rebuild trust and clarify unresolved issues, including reimbursement models, accreditation of service providers and the capacity of the public health system. Medical bodies have welcomed the commitment to dialogue but stressed that meaningful consultation is essential to avoid unintended consequences for patient care. Government maintains NHI remains central to achieving universal healthcare access. (SOURCE: News24)
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NZIMANDE PUSHES EARLY CHILDHOOD STEM FOCUS
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande has called for stronger integration of maths and science into early childhood development as South Africa sharpens its focus on foundational learning. Speaking at an education lekgotla in Boksburg, Nzimande said his department could provide research support to introduce STEM concepts at an early age. The call follows concern over weak uptake of Mathematics, with only 34% of 2025 matric candidates writing the subject. Nzimande warned maths was a critical gateway subject and said future-proof education must prioritise STEM, digital skills, teacher development and partnerships to reduce inequality and support long-term economic growth. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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JSE SLASHES LISTING RULES TO BOOST APPEAL
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange has halved listing requirements, simplifying disclosures and removing pro forma financials for cash share issues. Property companies now supply valuations only in limited cases. Since 2024, 31 main board companies migrated to the general segment. The 2025 listings pipeline strengthened with new entrants including ASP Isotopes, Cell C Holdings, and Optasia. Total listings on the JSE are now 342, up from 312 in 2024, reflecting renewed confidence. A potential secondary listing by Coca-Cola HBC, covering 43 countries, is set to further boost the bourse, underscoring the impact of regulatory reforms on South Africa’s capital markets. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS ONE-OF-A-KIND HEPS FINDS OVERWHELMING FAVOUR
South Africa’s distinctive earnings reporting measure, headline earnings per share (HEPS), remains firmly in place, despite ongoing debate about its relevance. Unlike basic earnings, HEPS strips out non-recurring items such as asset sales, impairments and restructuring costs, giving investors a clearer view of a company’s underlying operational performance. Regulators and market participants argue that HEPS enhances comparability across reporting periods and reduces volatility caused by once-off events. While critics say it adds complexity and duplicates other metrics, supporters maintain it is a valuable local innovation that complements international standards, helping shareholders better assess sustainable profitability in an often unpredictable operating environment. (SOURCE: News24)
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METAIR PUTS FAITH IN AFTER-MARKET STRATEGY
JSE-listed Metair has launched a dedicated after-market parts and retail division, led by former ZF Group MD Gerhard Braun, reporting to CEO Paul O’Flaherty. The division encompasses five verticals: AutoZone, MOVE, ATE, First Battery, and QSV, supported by Metair Group Shared Services. Braun will drive operational excellence while preserving each brand’s distinct value proposition. The move forms part of Metair’s strategic reset to enhance clarity, efficiency, and transparency, ensuring sustainable growth. First Battery’s manufacturing will operate within the Automotive Component Manufacturing division, including Hesto, Automould, Lumotech, Unitrade, Supreme Spring, and Smiths Manufacturing. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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HIGH-FLYING COO TOPS PAY-PACKET STAKES AT PEPKOR.
Pepkor’s chief operating officer, Sean Cardinaal, out-earned CEO Pieter Erasmus in 2025 with a reported R47 million payday, compared with the chief executive’s approximately R30 million remuneration. Cardinaal, who commutes from London, drew attention for the unusually high compensation, highlighting disparities in executive pay within the JSE-listed retail giant. Pepkor, owner of brands such as PEP and Ackermans, said the package reflects contractual terms and retention considerations in a competitive leadership market. The pay gap has sparked discussion on remuneration practices and alignment with performance among South Africa’s top corporate executives. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS MOTUS SENIOR MANAGEMENT TAKES 30% SALARY CUTS
Motus, South Africa’s largest vehicle retailer, says senior management has taken 30% pay cuts to rein in costs and avoid widespread retrenchments in its 300-dealer network, employing about 4,000 people. Of 259 redundant administrative roles, 192 staff were redeployed, with only 67 retrenched. Adjustments to incentives and company car benefits affect roughly 570 employees by less than 20%. Basic salaries remain untouched, with workers earning under R15,000 monthly protected. The R23 billion JSE-listed group represents Hyundai, Renault, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Tata locally and across Africa, also maintaining selective operations in the UK, Australia, Asia, and Southern and East Africa. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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VALENCIA ORANGE SURGE STRAINS EXPORT LOGISTICS
Southern Africa’s 2025 Valencia orange crop exceeded expectations, producing around 61.8 million cartons, up from the initial 52 million estimate. Favourable growing conditions, early colour development, and strong packing decisions boosted yields across Limpopo, Letsitele, and the Western and Eastern Cape. While exports to Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and Asia soared, the record volumes put pressure on markets and logistics systems. CGA CEO Boitshoko Ntshabele highlighted that PP-grade fruit accounted for 12% of output. Despite challenges, the season confirmed the region’s Valencia oranges remain vital for exports, underpinning the citrus industry’s strength and international trade footprint. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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OIL HOLDS FIRM AS GREENLAND TENSIONS CLOUD OUTLOOK
Oil prices swung in narrow ranges as traders weighed rising geopolitical tensions against a bearish supply outlook. Brent traded near $64 a barrel after gaining 0.8%, while WTI climbed to about $60. Markets reacted cautiously to President Donald Trump’s renewed push for Greenland and the risk of US-EU tariff escalation, which has rattled equities and boosted safe-haven assets. Analysts warned that trade tensions could dampen global growth, limiting oil demand. At the same time, the International Energy Agency forecasts a supply surplus of more than 3.8 million barrels a day in 2026, keeping downward pressure on prices despite recent supply disruptions in Kazakhstan. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS GOLD, SILVER HIT ALL-TIME HIGHS ON TRADE WAR FEARS
Gold surged past $4,700 an ounce to a record, with silver also touching an all-time high, as President Donald Trump’s bid to seize Greenland intensified fears of a US–Europe trade war. The threat of tariffs on eight European countries has rattled markets, driving investors into safe havens and reviving the “Sell America” trade. Analysts say rising geopolitical tension, resource nationalism and renewed attacks on the US Federal Reserve have added momentum to an already powerful rally. Gold climbed about 1% in Asian trading, while silver hovered near $94 an ounce, with platinum and palladium also advancing. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.
Winston Churchill |
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| Dollar | R16.39 | + 0.11% | | Pound | R22.03 | + 0.13% | | Euro | R19.21 | + 0.15% | | Yen | 0.103618 |
| | Yuan | R2.35 | + 0.25% | | Bitcoin | $ 89 490.34
| + 0.12% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 452.30
| - 0.41% | | Gold | $ 4 875.55
| + 2.35% | | Oil | $ 64.18
| + 0.49% | | All Share | 120 534.81
| + 0.35% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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