| HOME-GROWN EXCELLENCE BUILT ON CHAMBER COLLABORATION |
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Sarah Giles of TLC in training mode at LC Packaging.
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) continues to demonstrate how collaboration, innovation, and skills development drive business growth. A recent success story highlights how PMCB’s networking platforms connect expertise and unlock value across industries.
Through the Chamber’s Industry Networking and Lean Forum, Training Leadership Consulting (TLC) was introduced to LC Packaging, a local manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions. Recognising the need to build people capability, TLC designed a dynamic Time and Stress Management training programme that helped employees prioritise effectively, manage workplace pressure, and enhance overall productivity. The energy and results from this initiative, coupled with a PMCB-facilitated factory tour, sparked further collaboration with PMCB member Leapfrog - a technology consulting company that assisted LC Packaging in implementing digital process innovations.
The Chamber strongly supports innovative training and development initiatives that build stronger, smarter workplaces and welcomes creative proposals from members seeking to upskill teams or enhance business performance. This partnership embodies PMCB’s core purpose: connecting businesses, enabling collaboration, and driving sustainable growth through shared learning and innovation - proving that when local enterprises work together, extraordinary results follow.
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| PLAN FOR WEEKEND OF SLOW TRAFFIC AND DELAYS ON N3, IN CASE … |
Contradictory information is casting uncertainty about road closures on the N3 between the Market Road and Ashburton interchanges this weekend. Last week, Sanral warned that the N3 will be fully closed in both directions from 6 pm tomorrow, 18 October until 4 am on Monday, 20 October. However, a subsequent notice detailed a series of closures on both carraigeways from Tuesday next week that we will detail on Monday. Either way, construction on the N3 is likely to cause delays.
Disruptions however, are likely due to temporary road closures at the Shongweni Interchange from tomorrow to Monday as part of the Kassier Road upgrade project linked to the Westown development. The southbound carriageway will be closed from 8 pm on Sunday to 5 am on Monday, and the northbound carriageway will be closed from 8 pm on Saturday to 5 am on Sunday. Traffic will be diverted onto alternative routes.
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| GLOBAL CELEBRATIONS RING HOLLOW AS UNDER-5 CHILDREN GO HUNGRY |
1973: OPEC declared an oil embargo on any country that supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War. The embargo included South Africa and was lifted in March 1974.
Elsewhere, in 2009, Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed held the first underwater cabinet meeting to raise awareness about rising sea levels due to climate change.
On this day, vats of beer at the Meux and Company Brewery burst, flooding London city streets with 610 000 litres of beer. The almost five-metre wave of porter killed eight people, some of whom were gathered for a funeral.
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DESPERATION FUELS RECORD R75 BILLION GAMBLING SPLURGE
A toxic mix of wishful thinking and economic desperation is driving South Africa’s gambling industry to new extremes. The sector generated a record R75 billion in gross revenue during 2024/25, according to the National Gambling Board (NGB), despite unemployment exceeding 32% and more than 18 million South Africans depending on social grants.
The NGB warned that illegal online betting - estimated at R10 billion to R15 billion - remains outside official figures, further inflating the country’s appetite for risk. Lottery spending also rose to R1.96 billion, up from R1.83 billion the previous year. Officials have voiced concern over the growing number of poor households turning to gambling for relief, while lawmakers push for stricter regulation and enforcement. The surge reflects a nation caught between fading economic opportunity and the dangerous illusion that fortune can substitute for financial stability. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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HIV FIGHT GETS R1.9 BILLION PEPFAR LIFELINE
South Africa’s HIV/Aids response has received a $115 million lifeline through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) Bridge Plan, announced by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. The six-month funding, from October 2025 to March 2026, will ensure uninterrupted HIV service delivery and support life-saving programmes. The approval follows earlier concerns after the US froze global aid funding. Ntshavheni said the partnership will sustain progress toward reducing new HIV infections to below 0.1% by 2032. She also confirmed the rollout of the breakthrough prevention drug Lenacapavir in 2026, offering six-month protection across high-incidence districts nationwide. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
THUMBS-UP FOR R2.23-TRILLION ENERGY MASTER PLAN
The government has approved the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, a R2.23-trillion framework to reshape South Africa’s power future. The plan prioritises investment in renewable energy, grid expansion, and cleaner technologies to balance supply and demand while reducing carbon emissions. It also aims to lower electricity costs and enhance energy security. The IRP sets long-term targets to diversify the energy mix, attract private investment, and accelerate a just transition from coal dependency, marking a pivotal step toward sustainable and affordable power for all South Africans. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS RAMOKGOPA PAVES WAY FOR TRANSMISSION-LINE EXPROPRIATION
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says expropriation for public purposes may be used to fast-track the government’s R440 billion transmission expansion project. The multiyear plan includes 14 000km of new power lines and over 170 substations to strengthen the national grid. Addressing the National Council of Provinces, Ramokgopa said acquiring land rights remains a major obstacle, with routes crossing private farmland and remote regions. A pilot phase will secure about 1 000 km of lines across the Northern Cape, North West, and Gauteng. The minister said the expansion is vital to unlock renewable energy capacity and ensure reliable electricity supply. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AND NUCLEAR PROGRAMME TO BE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says South Africa’s updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) will reignite the country’s nuclear energy programme as part of efforts to ensure long-term energy security. Speaking after the plan’s approval, Ramokgopa said nuclear power remains vital for balancing renewable generation and stabilising the national grid. The IRP envisions adding new nuclear capacity beyond Koeberg, alongside major investments in transmission infrastructure and cleaner energy sources. Government aims to attract international partnerships and private sector investment to accelerate development. Ramokgopa emphasised that nuclear energy will form part of a diversified, low-carbon energy mix supporting sustainable growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND 14-YEAR BAN ON SHALE GAS EXPLORATION TO BE LIFTED
South Africa will lift its 14-year moratorium on shale gas exploration once new regulations are published this month, Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe confirmed. The ban, imposed in 2011 after environmental protests, halted all fracking activity in the sensitive Karoo Basin. The updated framework will address water use, safety, and environmental concerns. Mantashe said shale gas could help trigger economic growth and reduce reliance on coal and Mozambican gas imports. The Petroleum Agency estimates the Karoo holds up to 209 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas, though academic studies suggest significantly lower reserves.
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... AS AFRIFORUM BLOCKS ESKOM’S R54 BILLION SETTLEMENT
The High Court has delayed confirming Eskom’s R54 billion settlement with energy regulator Nersa after granting AfriForum permission to intervene. The watchdog argued that Nersa’s closed-door deal, which bypassed public participation, lacked transparency and accountability. The settlement followed Nersa’s admission of calculation errors in Eskom’s tariff determinations for 2026–2028, potentially adding about 3% to approved hikes. Eskom and Nersa are preparing answering affidavits, with submissions due by October 23. The ruling postpones what was initially set to be an unopposed court confirmation on October 7, extending uncertainty over future electricity tariffs and public affordability concerns. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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RFG SHARES JUMP 37% ON PREMIER TAKEOVER DEAL
Shares in food producer RFG Holdings surged 37% after Premier announced plans to acquire the company through a share swap. The deal will see RFG shareholders receive one Premier share for every seven held, giving them a 22.5% stake in the merged group. The offer represents a 35.6% premium to RFG’s previous closing price. Investors welcomed the move, which unites two firms with shared customers and distribution channels but no operational overlap. The rally lifted RFG stock to a three-month high, reversing earlier losses and signalling market confidence in the combined group’s growth potential. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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LABAT AFRICA STOCKS SURGE 133% ON TRADING UPDATE
Shares in cannabis company Labat Africa skyrocketed by as much as 133% after the release of its long-awaited trading statement. The update projected a sharp rise in earnings, signalling renewed investor confidence in the company’s turnaround strategy. This marks Labat’s first financial update since December’s annual report, offering fresh insight into its recovery trajectory. Investors responded enthusiastically to indications of stronger performance across its cannabis and wellness divisions. Analysts say the surge reflects optimism around growth prospects in South Africa’s emerging cannabis sector and Labat’s potential to capitalise on rising demand. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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VUKILE RAISES R2.65 BILLION ON OVERSUBSCRIBED DEMAND
Vukile Property Fund has successfully raised R2.65 billion through the issue of new shares, exceeding its initial R2 billion target after strong institutional demand. The company said the oversubscribed equity raise reflected investor confidence in its growth strategy and robust portfolio performance. Funds from the offering will be used to strengthen the balance sheet, support debt reduction, and pursue new property investment opportunities. Vukile’s latest capital raise follows consistent earnings growth and expanding retail holdings in South Africa and Spain, positioning the group to capitalise on continued demand for high-quality retail assets.
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ILLEGAL MINERS SHUT MOZAMBIQUE GEMFIELDS MINE
Gemfields Group reported that about 40 illegal miners attacked its Montepuez ruby mine in northern Mozambique, killing two police officers guarding the site - one a commander in the Natural Resources Protection Force. No employees or contractors were injured, and operations have since stabilised. The attack followed earlier clashes between immigration officials and illegal miners in a nearby village. Gemfields said ongoing incursions have damaged infrastructure and forced the delay of its new processing plant and the annual ruby auction to early 2026. Authorities continue battling rampant illegal mining and gemstone smuggling in the troubled Cabo Delgado region. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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GLOBAL RENEWABLES' RECORD 582GW SHORT OF UN GOAL
A record 582GW of renewable energy capacity was added worldwide in 2024, marking 15.1% growth but still falling short of the UN goal to triple capacity by 2030, according to a report by Irena, the Global Renewables Alliance, and the COP30 Brazilian Presidency. Total installed capacity reachApproximately 15 million South Africans suffer from food insecurity (not having enough nutritious food), with around 6.8 million experiencing severe food insecurity. This includes a significant number of children, as almost 27.5% of children under five are affected by food insecurity.ed 4,443GW against the 11,174GW target. Irena’s director-general Francesco La Camera said achieving the goal remains possible with stronger policy support, faster grid expansion, and workforce reskilling. Despite political and investment challenges, global renewable growth outpaced coal for the first time in 2025, signalling that the clean energy transition is firmly underway. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
BITCOIN’S 6% CRASH SHATTERS SAFE-HAVEN HOPES
Bitcoin fell sharply this week, losing over 6% to trade near $109 000 (about R1.89 million) after hitting a record $126 251 on 6 October. The decline wiped hundreds of billions in digital-asset value amid escalating US-China trade tensions and global equity selloffs. Analysts say the drop undermines Bitcoin’s “digital gold” reputation as investors flock to traditional havens like gold and silver. Despite efforts by major players such as Kraken and Ripple to expand into regulated finance, sentiment remains weak. Experts warn that a break below $107 000 could trigger deeper losses as crypto markets mirror rising global credit concerns. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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TECH TALKS FORUM
This forum is designed to keep you up to-date with latest technology trends and offers a deeper understanding of the tools you already use. Expert speakers address key technologies.
1st Speaker: An Introduction to Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery (BCDR)
From IT failures to unforeseen incidents, operational disruptions are a constant risk. This talk will clarify what BCDR is and outline a practical approach for creating a robust plan. Learn how to ensure your business can maintain critical functions and recover efficiently, minimising downtime and financial loss.
2nd Speaker: Threat Modelling for SMEs
It's difficult to protect your business if you don't know where you are most vulnerable. This session introduces Threat Modelling - a strategic process for identifying and prioritising potential threats to your organisation. Focused on strategy over technical detail, it will provide SME leaders with a clear framework to strengthen their cybersecurity posture effectively.
This combined session is essential for any business owner aiming to enhance their organisational resilience.
Presenter: Noel Thompson - Altostratus Tech
Expect insightful discussions, live Q&A.
Date: 24 October 2025
Time: 10:00
Venue: PMCB Offices - 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
Cost: Free - PMCB members, R50 (incl. vat) non PMCB members |
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Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there.
Bo Jackson |
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| Dollar | R17.35 | - 0.17% | | Pound | R23.36 | - 0.46% | | Euro | R20.34 | - 0.47% | | Yen | R0.116732 |
| | Yuan | R2.44 | - 0.14% | | Bitcoin | $ 107 969.50
| - 0.45% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 704.50
| - 1.06% | | Gold | $ 4 360.96
| + 0.76% | | Oil | $ 60.79
| - 0.25% | | All Share | 113 024.71
| + 1.24% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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