| AI COMPANIONS ARE NO MATCH FOR GENUINE HUMAN RELATIONS |
Artificial intelligence companions may help ease loneliness and provide support, but they cannot replicate the empathy, understanding and moral responsibility found in genuine human relationships. Researchers warn that while AI can be a useful tool, replacing real friendships and social bonds with machine interactions could undermine personal well-being, community ties and the deeper connections essential for lasting happiness and human flourishing
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| WINTER CHILL, KILTS, BAGPIPES AND MIDLANDS FOOD WE LOVE |
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The prospect of more snow blanketing the high ground and Drakensberg mountains has retreated, but the chill is set to endure throughout the KZN Midlands, according to the weather service. Visitors to tomorrow’s annual Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering - back after a break necessitated by foot-and-mouth concerns - need to dress for the cold. Inspired by Scotland's famous Braemar Gathering, the festival features traditional Highland Games including caber tossing, hammer throw, tug-of-war and the kilted mile.
Pipe bands from the Pietermaritzburg and Durban Caledonian Societies, Celtic dancing, medieval sword fighting, K9 demonstrations and children's activities add to the entertainment, while visitors can also indulge in whisky tastings, craft beers, and artisanal food.
The KZN list includes an encouraging number of Midlands establishments, reflecting the region's growing culinary reputation. Pietermaritzburg, however, is represented by a single outlet in what’s an unfair reflection of some pretty good eateries flying below the radar. See which establishments made the provincial list.
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| STRONGER BUSINESS THROUGH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE |
The Small Business Network on Tuesday, 5 August, on The Human Advantage: How Emotional Intelligence Becomes Your Greatest Business Asset, will be presented by Jitesh Roy of Secure Strap. Discover practical strategies to build trust, strengthen customer relationships, improve leadership and grow your business. The gathering from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands of Chamber of Business is free for Chamber members and R60 for non-members. Contact Thabsile on (033) 345 2747 or info@pmcb.org.za.
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1879: The first cable connection between South Africa, via Aden, and Europe was launched.
Elsewhere, in 1998, the British government banned anti-personnel landmines following pressure from civil society.
Here’s to the brave souls who protect wildlife on World Ranger Day. |
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CABINET APPROVES 10-YEAR DRIVING LICENCES, BUT NOT JUST YET
Cabinet has approved a major overhaul of South Africa’s driving licence system, extending the validity period of most driving licences from five years to 10 years. The change applies to the majority of licence codes and forms part of broader reforms aimed at reducing administrative burdens, easing pressure on licensing centres and cutting renewal costs for motorists. Cabinet also approved an accreditation framework linked to the new system.
The change will not take effect immediately. Cabinet approval is only the policy decision, and the 10-year validity period will come into force only once amendments to the National Road Traffic Regulations are gazetted and an implementation date is proclaimed by the Minister of Transport. No commencement date has been announced, but the the extended validity period has been widely welcomed by motorists and business groups who have long argued that South Africa’s five-year renewal cycle is unnecessarily frequent compared with many other countries. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS ELECTRICITY PRICING POLICY REFORMS GET THE NOD
Cabinet has approved the publication of a Revised Electricity Pricing Policy and a Draft Electricity Sector Market Transformation Position Paper for public comment. The revised policy updates the 2008 framework to reflect Eskom’s unbundling and the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, 2024. It proposes greater tariff transparency by separating charges for generation, transmission, distribution and retail, while supporting cost-reflective pricing with protection for vulnerable consumers and key industries. The market transformation paper outlines South Africa’s shift towards a more competitive electricity market, aiming to attract investment, improve energy security, encourage private-sector participation, create jobs and reduce electricity costs over the long term. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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WILL R16 BILLION SETTLEMENT PROPOSAL CLEAR RAF CLAIMS?
The Association for the Protection of Road Accident Victims (Aprav) has proposed a national Settlement Hub to clear the Road Accident Fund’s backlog of about 100 000 claims. The plan calls for R16 billion from National Treasury to pay claims already ready for settlement, without waiting for broader RAF reforms. Aprav says fewer than 5% of claims are genuinely disputed and less than 1% proceed to trial, yet about 90% end up in court, contributing to annual legal costs of R6 billion. The proposed hub would fast-track uncontested claims while leaving disputed matters for the courts, helping victims receive long-overdue compensation sooner. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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ENERGY COSTS WEIGH AS JUNE FACTORY GATE INFLATION EASES TO 7.5%
South Africa’s producer inflation slowed to 7.5% in June, offering some relief after recent sharp increases, although factory gate prices remain under significant pressure. Statistics show annual producer inflation for the sector is still elevated at 22%, reflecting sustained cost increases across manufacturing. The main drivers were higher prices for coke, petroleum products and chemicals, which continued to push up production costs despite the monthly easing. Producer inflation is closely watched as it often feeds through to consumer prices. While the latest figures suggest inflationary pressures may be moderating, manufacturers and consumers remain vulnerable to rising input and energy costs. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS BELT-TIGHTENING EATS INTO FOOD AND BEVERAGE SALES
South Africa’s food and beverage industry recorded a 0.3% decline in total income during May, according to the latest Statistics South Africa figures, signalling continued pressure on consumer spending. Restaurants and coffee shops accounted for the biggest drop as cash-strapped households reduced discretionary spending on dining out. The data suggests higher living costs, elevated borrowing costs and weak consumer confidence continue to weigh on the hospitality sector despite signs of easing inflation elsewhere in the economy. The decline follows months of subdued household spending and reflects ongoing strain on disposable incomes. Economists say the sector remains vulnerable to rising operating costs, including food, electricity and labour, while businesses hope lower inflation and stable interest rates will gradually support a recovery in consumer demand. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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POPULATION GROWTH SLOWING AS 63.52 MILLION RECORDED
South Africa’s population has reached an estimated 63.52 million, growing by 1.2% in the year to June 2026, according to the latest mid-year estimates from Statistics South Africa. While the national growth rate remains modest, Gauteng continues to record the strongest population growth, driven largely by internal migration from other provinces. Demographic shifts are reshaping provincial populations, with urban centres attracting job seekers despite sluggish economic conditions. The updated figures are expected to influence government planning for housing, healthcare, education and infrastructure, while highlighting ongoing migration trends and increasing pressure on public services in the country’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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DOMESTIC DRUGMAKING TROIKA SETS SIGHTS ON HIV INJECTION
Three South African pharmaceutical manufacturers have been shortlisted to produce Gilead Sciences' breakthrough HIV prevention injection, lenacapavir, in a move that could expand access across Africa. Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla said Aspen Pharmacare, Adcock Ingram and Biovac are competing to manufacture the long-acting injection locally. Lenacapavir, administered just twice a year, has been hailed as a major advance in HIV prevention but Gilead has faced criticism over its limited rollout in low- and middle-income countries. Local production could improve supply, reduce costs and strengthen South Africa's role as a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.(SOURCE: BDLive)
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REINET'S 1 BILLION SHARE BUYBACK TO BOOST INVESTOR PORTFOLIOS
Johann Rupert-backed investment company Reinet Investments has spent more than R1 billion buying back its own shares as part of a programme aimed at returning value to shareholders. The latest repurchases form part of an ongoing buyback scheme that will continue until the company's 2027 annual general meeting, subject to market conditions. Share buybacks reduce the number of shares in circulation, potentially boosting earnings per share and shareholder value. Reinet, whose largest investment is luxury goods group Richemont, has increasingly used buybacks to narrow the discount between its share price and underlying net asset value. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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FOOD SALES PROPEL WOOLIES TO 4.3% GROWTH
Woolworths grew total group sales by 4.3% in the 52 weeks to June 2026, led by Woolies Food, where sales rose 5.7%, and homeware, up 11.7%. Headline earnings per share are expected to increase by 2.5% to 7.5%, despite higher fuel costs and interest rate pressures affecting consumers. In Australia, Country Road returned to full-year profitability after reducing discounting and strengthening full-price sales. (SOURCE: SENS)
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DYING CIGARETTE HABITS FORCE BAT'S VAPE PIVOT
British American Tobacco (BAT) is increasingly pinning its future on vaping products and nicotine pouches as global cigarette sales continue to decline with falling smoking rates. The group reported 1.4% revenue growth at constant exchange rates and 3.6% growth in adjusted operating profit for the first half of 2026, supported by strong demand for Velo nicotine pouches. BAT also expects the US Food and Drug Administration's decision to allow sales of some previously unlicensed vaping products to boost growth. The company aims to generate 50% of its revenue from smokeless products by 2035, reducing its dependence on traditional cigarettes. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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.. AS SLOWING BEER CONSUMPTION PROMPTS PREMIUM-BRAND DRIVE
AB InBev, the world's largest brewer, increased profits by selling more premium and higher-value brands despite weaker beer volumes in key markets, including South Africa. The company reported continued earnings growth even as consumers in parts of Africa and Asia bought less beer amid economic pressure. In South Africa, constrained household budgets and changing drinking habits weighed on sales, while the country's R25 billion illicit alcohol market continues to challenge legitimate brewers. AB InBev said its premiumisation strategy, focusing on higher-margin products rather than volumes, helped offset declining consumption and supported global profitability despite difficult trading conditions. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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CHINA COAL POWER SHARE DIPS BELOW 50% FOR FIRST TIME
China generated less than 50% of its electricity from coal during the first half of 2026 for the first time, marking a milestone in its clean energy transition. Coal accounted for 49.7% of power generation, while renewable energy reached a record 41.2%, with wind and solar contributing 24.6%. Natural gas and nuclear supplied the balance. Despite coal’s declining share, analysts expect overall coal consumption could still rise as electricity demand grows, driven by electric vehicles, AI data centres and exports. China aims for wind and solar to provide 30% of electricity by 2030, although some analysts believe that target could be achieved by 2028. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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...AS ELECTRIC VEHICLE SALES REBOUND ON OIL TROUBLES
Global electric vehicle (EV) sales rebounded strongly in Q2 2026 as conflict in the Middle East highlighted fuel price volatility and strengthened interest in alternative transport. More than five million EVs were sold during the quarter, lifting first-half sales above nine million. Although global EV sales were 1% lower than a year earlier due to a nearly 20% decline in China, they outperformed the broader vehicle market, where total car sales fell 5%. South Africa recorded fivefold growth in EV sales, while the International Energy Agency expects EVs to account for 29% of global vehicle sales by the end of 2026. (SOURCE:Engineering News)
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SMALL BUSINESS NETWORK
This is a network and forum for people who are serious about developing their small business. It provides an opportunity to learn from each other, source new clients, and enjoy the company of others who are involved in a similar pursuit of development and prosperity.
THE HUMAN ADVANTAGE
How Emotional Intelligence Becomes Your Greatest Business Asset
Presented by: Jitesh Roy - Secure Strap
OVERVIEW
In today's competitive business environment, products can be copied, prices can be matched, and technology is available to everyone. The one advantage that cannot easily be replicated is the quality of human relationships.
This presentation explores how emotional intelligence has become one of the most valuable skills for entrepreneurs and business owners. By developing greater self-awareness, understanding customer behaviour, building trust, managing conflict, and leading with empathy, small businesses can create loyal customers, motivated teams, stronger partnerships, and sustainable growth.
Rather than focusing solely on traditional business strategies, this session challenges entrepreneurs to rethink success through the lens of human connection. Participants will discover practical ways to improve communication, make better decisions under pressure, negotiate more effectively, and build businesses that people genuinely want to support.
Attendees will leave with a fresh perspective on leadership and a clear understanding that while businesses sell products and services, people ultimately buy trust, confidence, and relationships.
This presentation is designed to provide practical insights, inspiring stories, and actionable strategies that can immediately be applied to strengthen businesses, communities, and long-term success.
Date: 5 August 2026
Time: 15:00 - 17:00
Venue: PMCB Offices - 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
Cost: Free - PMCB members, R60 (incl. vat) non PMCB members |
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It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.
Theodore Roosevelt |
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