| JULY FOOD PRICES OFFER MODEST RELIEF IN PIETERMARITZBURG |
Lower-trending food prices in the city appear to offer consumers some relief compared to elsewhere in the country, according to the authoritative Household Affordability Index compiled by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice Dignity Group (PMBEJDG). A Pietermaritzburg basket of 44 food items in July showed a modest 1.1% decrease (R54.43) for a total of R5 092.82, well below the national average of R5 442.72 as measured in Durban, Mtubatuba, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Springbok.
However, price trends over a year show an inexorable upward trajectory notwithstanding sharp increases elsewhere - while Pietermaritzburg food prices show a modest 0.5% (+ R27.58) increase, the Cape Town basket rose 6.7% (+ R338.30), followed by Springbok at 6.2% (R333.86), and Mtubatuba up 4.6% (R239.87). The PMBEJD tracks prices at shops most frequented by low-income consumers and the survey is weighted.
For a closer look at prices in Pietermaritzburg and how they compare with other centres, click here and scroll to page 9.
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| PREVENTION OF DISPUTES IS BETTER THAN DEALING WITH FALL-OUT |
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Trainer Raj Seeparsad (back) with the group of participants at the workshop on dealing with workplace discipline.
Participants at a dispute prevention and resolution workshop led by veteran HR & labour consultant Raj Seeparsad covered plenty of ground in their business skills training session at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business. Tailored to enhance participants' capabilities in managing workplace discipline and resolving disputes effectively, the course - based on the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) - emphasises both substantive and procedural fairness.
Key focal areas included organisational rules, codes of conduct, and policies to address internal disputes; responsibilities of shop stewards, supervisors, and team leaders in communication and conflict resolution; accurate reporting practices; constructive negotiation and correcting unacceptable behaviours; procedures for conducting investigations, gathering evidence, issuing warnings, and managing disciplinary hearings; and practical tips on navigating CCMA processes.
Click here for the PMCB business skills programme.
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| TOP 10 BRIGHT MINDS LIGHT UP PLANET-POSITIVE INTERVENTIONS |
A glimpse into a bold, green future showcases the top 10 finalists of the 2025 FNF GreenPitch Challenge. Chosen from over 200 entries across sectors like renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable agriculture, these innovative startups will pitch their planet-positive ideas at a Cape Town event on September 4. Hosted by FNF and GreenCape, this celebration of climate-smart entrepreneurship promises inspiration, impact - and over R300 000 in prizes.
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1998: The British government banned landmines following pressure from civil society.
Elsewhere, in 1971, the four-wheeled battery-powered Lunar Roving Vehicle was deployed on the Moon.
Here’s to the brave souls who look after animals in the wild, on World Ranger Day. |
DURBAN BUSINESSES BATTEN DOWN HATCHES IN SERVICE CHALLENGES
Durban businesses are grappling with tough conditions, as the Durban Business Confidence Index (BCI) fell for the third consecutive quarter, dipping 7% to 52.40 in Q2 2025. Despite remaining above the 50-point threshold, the mood is cautious.
Analysts link the dip more to national pressures - like geopolitical tensions, global trade uncertainty, and domestic political instability - than local issues. Manufacturing and agriculture saw sharp drops in confidence, while sectors like retail, construction, and services showed resilience. Service delivery remains a sore point, with 71.4% of businesses doubting municipal responsiveness. Although confidence is waning, businesses in Durban are holding steady - proving that in the face of mounting challenges, resilience and cautious optimism still drive the city’s economic pulse. (SOURCE: KZNB&I) |
HOUSEHOLDS KEEP A TIGHT REIN ON DISPOSABLE INCOME
South African households are showing resilience amid persistent economic uncertainty, adapting to tighter budgets and less disposable income. The latest BankservAfrica Take-home Pay Index shows average take-home pay held steady at R17 310 in June, offering a brief reprieve after months of fluctuation. Real income, adjusted for inflation, dipped slightly, yet remains higher than a year ago. Inflation has slowed to 3%, boosting purchasing power and encouraging cautious optimism. Despite a fragile economic environment, households are maintaining spending, with real retail sales and consumption up year-on-year. However, high unemployment and global trade tensions - particularly with the US - pose looming risks. Analysts warn that households may curb spending if clarity on economic direction, interest rates, and trade relationships doesn’t emerge soon, potentially reversing recent progress. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
… AS BUMPER MAIZE CROP PROMISES INFLATION RELIEF
South Africa’s bumper maize harvest for 2024/25 is set to ease food price pressure and bring welcome relief to consumers. Agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo says the country will produce 15.03 million tonnes of maize - 17% more than last season - ensuring a surplus beyond domestic needs. The strong output, driven by good rainfall and timely planting, should curb recent price surges linked to harvest delays. With maize being SA’s most consumed staple, its affordability will help moderate food inflation. Gains in soybeans and other crops also support a broader recovery, bolstering food supply and stabilising prices in the coming months. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
… AND GENEROUS SUGAR CROP SOURED BY TOUGH OUTLOOK
South Africa’s 2025 sugar cane harvest is expected to reach 17.7 million tonnes - a notable rebound from last year’s eight-year low, driven by improved rainfall. But despite this sweet recovery, the industry faces a bitter outlook. SA Canegrowers warns that looming US tariffs, an influx of cheap, subsidised imports, and delays in adjusting South Africa’s own import duties threaten to derail gains. Chairperson Higgins Mdluli says these pressures are eroding local growers’ competitiveness. With 25,000 growers affected, the sector risks a repeat of previous financial turmoil, job losses, and instability - despite a strong harvest that should have been cause for optimism. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
71% EAF GIVES ESKOM REASON TO SMILE
State-owned power utility Eskom has announced that eight of its 14 power stations are now operating at an energy availability factor (EAF) of 70% or higher - including one at an impressive 91.1%. Three other stations are consistently performing above 60%. Unplanned outages have dropped to 8 888 MW, one of the lowest levels in recent years, while planned maintenance is slightly above seasonal norms at 4 654 MW. The overall fleet EAF stands at 71%, excluding Kusile Unit 6’s 720 MW contribution. Eskom credits this stability to its generation recovery plan and the dedicated efforts of its leadership and workforce. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
STATE INSURER BUILDS R20 BILLION WARCHEST AFTER 2021 UNREST
South Africa’s state-owned insurer, Sasria, has built a R20 billion buffer to prepare for potential unrest, after paying out R32 billion in claims from the July 2021 riots. Triggered by former President Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment, the violence left 354 dead and exposed widespread poverty and frustration. The government had to bail Sasria out with R22 billion. Now financially stronger, Sasria has boosted premium revenue by 88%, attracted 15 new reinsurers, and is raising coverage limits. It’s also exploring expansion into climate-related and fire risks for state entities, pending legislative changes. CEO Mpumi Tyikwe warns conditions remain volatile: “All the ingredients for a protest are in place.” (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
AUTOMOTIVE SHOW PAYS HOMAGE TO EASTERN CAPE LEGACY
The 2025 Naacam Show will pay tribute to the Eastern Cape’s rich automotive legacy when it takes place in Gqeberha on August 13 and 14. Hosted for the first time in Nelson Mandela Bay, the event highlights the province’s vital role in South Africa’s automotive industry, home to 42% of Naacam members and the majority of OEMs. With over 130 exhibitors and a two-day conference, the show will spotlight innovation, trade, sustainability, and skills development, while celebrating decades of job creation, technology transfer, and manufacturing excellence in the region’s globally recognised motor industry hub. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
… AS HYBRIDS POWER TOYOTA TO GLOBAL SALES RECORD
Toyota Motor Corp reported record global sales in the first half of 2025, with deliveries rising 7.4% to over 5.5 million units, driven by strong demand for hybrid vehicles in the US, Japan, and China. Despite uncertainty caused by US President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff on car imports, a recent trade pact softened duties to 15%, boosting Toyota’s stock by 14%. Production rose 8.8%, including a 20% surge in domestic output. A pre-tariff buying rush also boosted sales. While hybrids remain a strength, Toyota faces growing competition from electric vehicle makers like Tesla and BYD, having sold 82 000 battery EVs this year. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
BRAZIL HIT WITH 50% TARIFFS OVER EX-PRESIDENT ‘WITCH HUNT’
US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on most Brazilian goods in retaliation for Brazil’s prosecution of former president Jair Bolsonaro, calling it a “witch hunt.” While key sectors such as aircraft, energy, pig iron, and orange juice are exempt, no relief was granted for beef or coffee exports. The Brazilian government expressed cautious relief, noting major exporters like Embraer and Suzano were spared, with their shares rising. However, analysts warned that only a fraction of the 3 000 Brazilian goods exported to the US were excluded. Uncertainty remains high, with some energy firms suspending shipments despite being technically exempt from the tariffs. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
… AS US FED STANDS FIRM ON INTEREST RATES
The US Federal Reserve has kept interest rates unchanged at 4.25%–4.50% for the fifth consecutive meeting, despite pressure from President Donald Trump to cut them. The 9–2 vote marked rare dissent, with Trump-appointed governors Michelle Bowman and Christopher Waller advocating for a rate cut. The Fed cited steady employment and still-elevated inflation, noting “elevated uncertainty” around economic outlook. Growth moderated in the first half of the year, suggesting possible future rate cuts. This marks the first time in over 30 years that two board governors have dissented, raising questions about political influence on the central bank’s traditionally independent monetary policy. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
RENEWABLE ENERGY IN FRONTLINE TO MEET 3.3% GLOBAL SURGE
Global electricity demand is set to grow rapidly through 2026, rising by 3.3% this year and 3.7% in 2026 -more than double the rate of overall energy demand growth, the IEA reports. Renewables, natural gas, and nuclear will meet most of the demand, with renewables likely overtaking coal as the largest power source by 2026. Asia, particularly China and India, will drive 60% of the demand increase. However, rising electricity prices, especially in the EU, challenge energy-intensive industries. The IEA stresses the need for greater investment in grids, storage, and demand flexibility to maintain secure and affordable power amid growing global needs. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
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Doubt can motivate you, so don't be afraid of it. Confidence and doubt are at two ends of the scale, and you need both.
Barbra Streisan |
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| Dollar | R17.97 | - 0.03% | | Pound | R23.84 | - 0.24% | | Euro | R20.57 | - 0.32% | | Yen | 0.120753 |
| | Yuan | R2.50 | + 0.07% | | Bitcoin | $ 118 367.60 | + 0.90% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 331.10
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