| LEARN ABOUT LEAN PRINCIPLES TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS STICK |
Lean is about making everyday processes work better — then making those improvements stick. The KZN Lean Conference at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business from 16-18 September is designed to ensure delegates leave with more than ideas. They will return to their workplaces able to identify waste and bottlenecks, use data intelligently, engage teams in solving problems and change leadership behaviours that get in the way of improvement.
Headlining a gallery of expert speakers is internationally-acclaimed Lean leadership consultant Mark Graban, alongside insights into Coricraft’s achievements in import replacement and building local capability. The programme also includes practical sessions, a gala dinner offering valuable networking and a factory tour bringing Lean thinking into a real operating environment. The payoff is tangible: delegates can take lessons back to work, apply them to a real challenge, measure the result and build improvements into everyday practice. For more information, contact Heidi on (033) 3452747 or at pmcb@pmcb.org.za |
| CELEBRATING 66 YEARS OF COMMUNITY CHEST IMPACT |
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(ltr) Top Donors in the Workplace Giving recipients (ltr) Racquel Gounder (Makhaotse Narasimulu and Associates), Isma Naidoo (Eddels Shoes), Andiswa Ngcobo (Somta Tools), Mzamo Hlela (uMngeni-uThukela Water), Chair Primi Chetty, Judy Lazarus (Dick Whittington Shoes), Ntobeko Mkhize (Msunduzi Municipality), Agnivesh Sewbra (ProSysCom), Jabu Msomi (Pressure Die Castings) and Sma Sokhela (Community Chest).
The Pietermaritzburg and District Community Chest marked its 66th anniversary at its AGM at the Golden Horse Casino on 3 September, recognising donors and supporters who have helped sustain its work across the region. The AGM brought together community leaders, donors and stakeholders to review the Chest’s performance and future priorities. The highlight was the presentation of the 2025/26 John Hall Extra Mile Award to Dr Sanjay Maharaj for his exceptional contribution to the organisation and its activities. Reports by chair Primi Chetty, Treasurer Johan Riekert and Executive Director Richard Rangiah highlighted a strong foundation for continued collaboration, sustainable development and community-driven initiatives. |
| HOW TO TURN EVERY CALL INTO BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE |
| Telephone skills can shape how customers experience your business. This half-day practical training on Tuesday, 15 September will help participants improve clarity, listening, assertiveness and confidence, while learning to handle difficult calls, complaints, transfers, screening and messages professionally. Participants will leave better equipped to resolve issues, manage visitors and calls effectively, and represent their organisations with confidence. Contact Thabisile on (033) 345 2747 or at info@pmcb.org.za. |
| CALLING TOURISM ENTITIES TO PUT MIDLANDS ON THE MAP |
FlySafair’s Travel Booster is a massive opportunity, and the clock is ticking fast for Pietermaritzburg and Midlands tourism entities to claim their spotlight. Four winners will land a game-changing package valued at over R350 000, featuring 10 return domestic Business Class flights, First Car Rental coupons, and exposure to 1.5 million followers. Whether you run a hidden gem accommodation or a thrilling KZN experience, do not miss out on expanding your reach. Entries close 13 September 2026. Click here to apply and put the Midlands on the map.
See below: KZN tourism arrivals surge 29% on influencer boost |
1980: The death sentence pronounced on James Mange in the Pietermaritzburg High Court was commuted to 20 years' imprisonment in the Bloemfontein Appeal Court.
2001: The infamous 9-11 attacks when co-ordinated suicide attacks by Al Qaeda saw two planes crashing into the twin towers of the World Trade Center.
Look up, it's International Cloud Appreciation Day!
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KZN TOURISM ARRIVALS SURGE 29% ON INFLUENCER BOOST
KZN recorded a 29% increase in tourist arrivals through its ports of entry in July, significantly outperforming national growth of 12.3%, according to Statistics SA. About 33 500 tourists entered the province, up from nearly 26 000 a year earlier, with arrivals through Golela rising 33% and Kosi Bay increasing 42%.
Tourism authorities now want to convert the surge into longer stays and greater spending by encouraging visitors to explore destinations beyond the coast, including the Midlands, Drakensberg and battlefields.
Digital marketing and influencers are increasingly central to this strategy, with authorities citing their authenticity and lower cost than traditional marketing. Industry leaders, however, warn that stronger arrivals have yet to translate into accommodation occupancy gains. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS 5.6 MILLION PASSENGERS PASS THROUGH KSI
King Shaka International Airport has staged a strong operational recovery, handling 5.6 million passengers during the 2025/26 financial year - equivalent to 92% of pre-pandemic levels. South Africa’s third-largest airport hub contributed 13.7% of Airports Company South Africa’s passenger traffic. Revenue in ACSA’s Cluster Three, which includes King Shaka, rose almost 12% to R1.05 billion, supported by stronger aeronautical and commercial income. The airport also gained international recognition, ranking seventh among Skytrax’s top 10 global airports for 2025. ACSA’s R21.7 billion growth programme promises further infrastructure investment, strengthening Durban’s connectivity and regional economic role. (SOURCE: BDLive)
See below: ... and ACSA reaches for the sky on R1.2 billion profit |
GRIM OUTLOOK AS OCTOBER FUEL PRICES MAY RISE R2 A LITRE
South African motorists face a potentially record-breaking fuel price shock in October, with petrol increases of almost R2 a litre projected as global oil prices surge. Central Energy Fund data points to a R1.93-R2.05 increase for 95 unleaded, taking inland prices to about R28.92 a litre, above June’s record R28.06. The 93 grade could rise by up to R1.88, while diesel may jump by more than R2. The increases are being driven by Brent crude approaching $100 a barrel as the Middle East war threatens oil supplies and the Strait of Hormuz. Official prices take effect on 7 October. (SOURCE: News24)
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CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT HITS SEVEN-YEAR HIGH
South Africa’s current account swung sharply into deficit in Q2 2026, reaching 2.6% of GDP, or R205.5 billion, according to the South African Reserve Bank. It was the widest deficit since Q3 2019 and significantly exceeded economists’ 1.3% median forecast. The deterioration followed a dramatic narrowing in the trade surplus to R146.4 billion from R428.8 billion in Q1 2026. Imports surged by R376.6 billion, compared with a R92.3 billion increase in exports. Higher global fuel prices linked to the Iran war were a major factor, with crude oil import values jumping 82%. The terms of trade also deteriorated as import prices rose faster than export prices. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS MANUFACTURING OUTPUT GAINS SOME TRACTION
South Africa’s manufacturing production increased 1.1% year on year in July, with food and beverages and petroleum, chemicals, rubber and plastics providing the strongest contributions, according to Statistics SA. Food and beverage production rose 4.1%, contributing one percentage point to overall growth, while petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic output increased 3.2%. Seasonally adjusted production climbed 2.2% month on month, following gains of 0.8% in June and 1.2% in May. Production rose 1% over the three months to July, although wood and wood products, paper, publishing and printing fell 7.3%, the biggest negative contributor. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
TRANSNET RECOVERY ON TRACK ON BACK OF R4.6 BILLION PROFIT
Transnet returned to profitability for the first time in four years, reporting a R4.6 billion profit for the year ended March 2026, compared with a R1.9 billion loss previously. The state-owned logistics group also received an unqualified audit. Freight rail volumes improved to 167.9 million tonnes from 160.1Mt, but remained below the 170Mt target. CEO Michelle Phillips says the turnaround is far from complete, with locomotive shortages, maintenance backlogs, derailments, cable theft and vandalism still hampering operations. Transnet estimates cable theft and vandalism cost it R2 billion. Private-sector rail partnerships and port equipment upgrades are central to its recovery strategy. (SOURCE: SENS)
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.. AND ACSA REACHES FOR THE SKY ON R1.2 BILLION PROFIT
Airports Company South Africa soared to a massive R1.2 billion profit after tax for the 2025/26 financial year. Total revenue climbed 11.6% to R8.81 billion, driven by a 15.2% jump in aeronautical income 1. Passenger volumes nearly fully recovered, reaching 98% of pre-pandemic levels with 20.58 million travellers 1. Remaining completely self-funded without any government bailouts, the successful state-owned group contributed an impressive R84 million in dividends and R796.1 million in taxes. (SOURCE: SENS) |
FIRSTRAND PROFIT SINKS ON UK CAR-FINANCE TRAVAILS
FirstRand’s annual earnings fell 5% to R39.7 billion after a steep increase in provisions linked to its UK motor-finance business. The bank raised provisions for compensation claims to £807 million following a regulatory crackdown on mis-sold car-loan commissions. FirstRand is now seeking buyers for Aldermore Group, targeting completion by year-end after receiving interest from several potential bidders. Despite the headline profit decline, normalised earnings from continuing operations rose 13% to R44.5 billion. The bank declared a final dividend of R2.80 a share and raised its medium-term earnings growth target to low double digits. (SOURCE: SENS) |
EU VEHICLE RULES PUT R291 BILLION EXPORTS AT RISK
South Africa’s automotive exports to Europe could face a major threat unless government urgently aligns local regulations with the European Union’s new vehicle circularity requirements. The Motor Industry Staff Association warns that R291 billion in export revenue is at risk, with about three-quarters of locally exported vehicles destined for Europe. The EU rules will require greater use of recycled materials, circular vehicle design and producer responsibility across vehicles’ lifecycles. Failure to comply could become a non-tariff barrier. MISA is urging government to fast-track an end-of-life vehicle framework that also formalises recycling, improves worker safety and protects jobs. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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BRICS SUMMIT TESTS UNITY AS IRAN WAR DRUMS BEAT LOUDER
India hosts the BRICS Leaders’ Summit on 12-13 September, with the Iran war testing the expanded bloc’s ability to maintain unity. Tehran and the UAE, both members, are on opposing sides of the conflict, complicating efforts to agree on a joint declaration. The summit comes as the war disrupts the Strait of Hormuz and pushes oil prices above $100 a barrel. Leaders including Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Cyril Ramaphosa are attending. Experts warn that BRICS’ expansion has increased its global influence but also exposed deeper divisions. Bilateral talks, particularly between Modi, Xi and Putin, will add another focus to the summit. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
RECORD R810 MILLION DONATION TO BOOST GLOBAL HEALTH AID
A $50 million (about R810 million) donation to Americares, a non-profit that supports thousands of health centers globally, will expand medicine deliveries and healthcare support in some of the world’s highest-need regions, as global aid programmes struggle with US funding cuts. The anonymous gift from a Connecticut family is the nonprofit’s largest ever. Half will support its goal of helping 100 million people access quality healthcare by 2030, including by supplying more than 4 000 health centres across sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Latin America. The remainder will strengthen Americares’ endowment. The donation comes as charities face growing demand and major funding gaps following sharp reductions in US foreign aid. (SOURCE: AP)
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STYLISH GRAVE DIGGERS PRACTICE FOR THEIR TURN IN EARTH
There was nothing funny when 38 Hungarian competitors descended on a cemetery for a grave-digging contest to showcase the skill and precision of a trade most people prefer not to dwell on. Teams of two took up picks and shovels to see who dug the fastest - and most stylish - grave. The winning duo completed the regulated 1.6-metre-deep grave in 81 minutes to claim 200 000 Forints (about R10 330). The organisers say the event helps break death taboos. Presumably, the losers were told they had plenty of time to improve. (SOURCE: AP)
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Genius is nothing but a greater aptitude for patience.
Benjamin Franklin |
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