| LOCAL PRAGMATISM KEEPS US GROUNDED IN THESE WILD TIMES |
From Trump’s Greenland gambits and tariff theatrics to crippling solar flares disrupting communications, global business is riding a high-stakes rollercoaster. If geopolitical shocks rippling through markets are not enough, we’re also witnessing currencies wobbling and supply chains straining. We even have a Yuan experiment taking hold in Zambia, while closer to home, South Africa faces its own twists and turns as it vacillates between floods, a deluge of foreign vehicles, and upbeat growth forecasts. It’s comforting to know that in a world where uncertainty is the only constant, local business keeps the wheels turning. Today’s edition of eBizBlitz hopefully captures the chaos, opportunity, and the resilience needed to survive, and thrive, in this unpredictable landscape. Happy reading! Derek Alberts (Editor)
|
| PLP MUSCLE EARNS CHAMBERROOSTA ACCOLADE |
 |
(ltr): PLP staff receiving a ChamberRoosta from Daryn Merrington (Xtec) and Lucrisha Polton (PMCB Trade Hub Manager).
PLP South Africa, a long-standing leader in the energy and communications sector, has been recognised for going beyond business to support community development and earned a ChamberRoosta for their endeavours.
The company’s logistics team volunteered their time, expertise and physical effort to transport a full truckload of furniture from Scottsville to the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business premises in Northern Park. Their contribution played a key role in establishing the new PMCB Trade Hub, a facility set to strengthen the local business ecosystem by supporting export readiness and international trade.
“Serving the market for more than 55 years, PLP continues to demonstrate how technical excellence, teamwork and social commitment can create lasting value beyond its core operations and are deserving recipients of a ChamberRoosta sponsored by Xtec,” said PMCB CEO Melanie Veness.
|
| BUSINESS SKIILS, CALENDAR OF EVENTS THAT ADD VALUE |
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) stands as a repository of experience, expertise and community, bringing together businesses and professionals committed to growth and shared success. In 2026, its mandate is firmly centred on creating an empowering environment where companies and individuals can upskill, connect and exchange ideas.
Through its business skills programme, the PMCB offers practical training in management, human resources and sales, strengthening leadership capacity and commercial performance. This is reinforced by a comprehensive calendar of events that includes sector networks, focused forums and flagship annual gatherings. |
1987: The first hearing looking into the mysterious death of Mozambican president Samora Machel in a plane crash in Mpumalanga started.
Elsewhere, in 2009, Barack Obama was sworn in as US president to become the country's first black president.
Celebrate International Day of Acceptance today that is dedicated to the social acceptance of disability. |
KZN ITHALA CUSTOMERS CASH OUT R1 BILLION IN 29 DAYS
More than R1 billion has been disbursed to Ithala customers in just 29 days, restoring access to savings for about 37 000 depositors since payments began on 8 December 2025. Facilitayed by FNB, the amount represents nearly 50% of the R2.2 billion payout guaranteed by National Treasury to protect roughly 250 000 affected customers. Ithala depositors were frozen out of their funds after the SA Reserve Bank’s Prudential Authority moved to liquidate the KZN institution in January 2025 following regulatory breaches and technical insolvency.
FNB CEO Harry Kellan said the rapid progress reflects strong operational coordination, with repayments managed through an SMS-based appointment system to ensure secure, orderly access. Payouts will continue into 2026 until all eligible customers are settled. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
|
... AS FNB, GIFT OF THE GIVERS IN R3.7 MILLION FLOOD RELIEF
First National Bank has committed R3.7 million to support emergency flood relief in Limpopo and Mpumalanga through a partnership with Gift of the Givers. The funding follows severe storms and flooding since 12 January 2026 that damaged infrastructure, disrupted services and displaced thousands of residents. The donation will enable the rapid delivery of essential aid, including blankets, mattresses, hot meals, hygiene packs and baby-care items for affected families. Part of the contribution will also assist SANParks staff impacted by the floods while they continue protecting national parks. FNB says the support reflects its commitment to standing with communities during times of crisis. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
|
IMF RAISES SOUTH AFRICA 2026 GROWTH FORECAST
The IMF has revised South Africa’s 2026 GDP growth up by 0.2 percentage points to 1.4%, maintaining its 2027 projection at 1.5% after a 1.3% expansion in 2025. The update aligns with the World Bank’s outlook. Global growth is now expected at 3.3% in 2026, with inflation easing to 3.8%. While South Africa’s structural reforms support the forecast, the IMF warns that geopolitical tensions, including potential US tariffs on European countries over Greenland, remain downside risks, potentially affecting trade, investment, confidence, and financial markets. Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to grow 4.6% in 2026. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
|
TRANSNET DEBT AUCTION DRAWS RECORD R42 BILLION INTEREST
Transnet’s November sale of government-guaranteed debt attracted R42 billion in bids, more than eight times the amount on offer, signalling strong investor appetite for South African infrastructure credit. According to Futuregrowth Asset Management, the auction stood out for both its scale and demand, despite broader risks remaining. The SOE raised R5 billion across floating- and fixed-rate notes, contributing to a listed credit market of about R50 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025. However, Futuregrowth warns that Transnet’s reliance on roughly R200 billion in state guarantees masks unresolved governance and operational challenges, and that future funding will depend on credible reform and sound risk-sharing frameworks. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
|
TELKOM TURNAROUND SPARKS 85% SHARE SURGE
Telkom shares have rebounded sharply, climbing 85% amid a strategic turnaround driven by the group’s focus on data services and digital transformation. The company’s renewed emphasis on high-margin enterprise and fibre offerings, alongside improved operational efficiencies, has boosted investor confidence. Revenue growth for the latest quarter exceeded market expectations, supported by expanding broadband subscriptions and increased demand for cloud and managed services. Analysts say Telkom’s turnaround strategy, including network upgrades and cost optimisation, positions the company strongly in South Africa’s competitive telecoms sector, while sustaining profitability and long-term shareholder value. The stock’s rally reflects optimism about future growth. (SOURCE: BDLive))
|
... AS SASOL SLIDES 16% ON NEGATIVE SENTIMENT
Sasol’s shares fell below R100 on 19 January after JPMorgan downgraded the stock to underweight, cutting its price target to R94 amid expectations of weaker oil prices and a stronger Rand. The share price is down more than 16% from last week’s peak and over 70% since 2022. Credit agencies Moody’s and S&P have also turned negative, citing pressure from softer oil and chemical markets. While Sasol plans to lift Secunda output and lower its oil breakeven to $50 a barrel by 2028, analysts remain cautious about cash flows, currency exposure and execution risk. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
|
MOTUS GEARS UP FOR LEGAL BATTLE OVER SALARY CUTS
Motus, South Africa’s largest vehicle retailer with over 300 dealerships, faces a legal showdown with employees after announcing salary and benefits cuts of up to 30%, affecting 532 staff. The Motor Industry Staff Association (Misa) has lodged a dispute and plans to seek a high court interdict. Motus, which paid R10 billion in salaries and incentives in 2025, blamed market share losses to Chinese brands and reduced new-vehicle sales. CEO Ockert Janse van Rensburg acknowledged the slow adoption of Chinese brands but says the group is now aggressively transitioning its strategy to recover revenue and competitiveness. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
SEVERE GEOMAGNETIC STORM SET TO DISRUPT COMMUNICATIONS
South Africa braces for geomagnetic disruption as a coronal mass ejection (CME), triggered by an X1.9 solar flare on January 18, heads toward Earth. The CME may cause a G4-level storm, potentially affecting navigation, communication, and power systems. Africa avoided initial high-frequency radio blackouts due to timing, but the early hours of January 20 could bring severe geomagnetic effects. The K-Index, tracked locally by Sansa from Hermanus, will indicate magnetic disturbances. Aviation, drone operators, and electricity networks are advised to monitor developments closely. Sansa and the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation remain on alert. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
|
ZAMBIA BREAKS NEW GROUND WITH YUAN MINING TAX
Zambia has become the first African nation to allow Chinese mining companies to pay taxes in Yuan, signaling Beijing’s push to internationalise its currency and reduce Dollar dependence. Other African countries, including Kenya and Ethiopia, are exploring similar moves. While the Yuan accounts for under 2% of global reserves, Africa offers a strategic testing ground. The shift helps Zambia mitigate US Dollar risks amid global uncertainty, strengthens China’s influence, and promotes trade in yuan. Beijing’s broader goal is to expand the Renminbi’s role in international finance, leveraging trade and low borrowing costs to attract global adoption across the continent. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
|
GREENLAND CAPERS FUELS DE-DOLLARISATION FEARS
The US Dollar came under pressure after President Donald Trump threatened a 10% tariff on European countries backing Denmark over Greenland. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index slipped 0.1% in Asian trade, while European currencies strengthened, with the Euro rebounding from a two-month low and the Swiss Franc gaining on safe-haven demand. Analysts say renewed tariff risks have revived concerns over US policy uncertainty and political risk premiums on US assets. Some warn the move could accelerate “sell America” and de-Dollarisation themes, though others expect muted market reactions, viewing the tariff threat as a negotiating tactic rather than an imminent policy shift. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
|
... AS TARIFF THREAT IMPERILS EUROZONE GROWTH
A threatened 10% tariff by US President Donald Trump could shave about 0.1% off Euro area GDP, according to Goldman Sachs economists. The levies would target European countries backing Greenland amid US threats to seize the Danish territory, including Germany, France, the Nordics, the UK and the Netherlands. Goldman estimates GDP losses of 0.1% to 0.2% across affected economies, with Germany facing the biggest impact of up to 0.3% under a blanket tariff. Markets reacted nervously, with stocks sliding and gold rising. While implementation remains uncertain, the EU is weighing countermeasures, including stalled trade talks, retaliatory tariffs and anti-coercion tools. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
|
Your Top 10 (Legal) New Year’s Resolutions for 2026 |
As 2026 dawns with all its exciting new possibilities and opportunities, let’s not forget about all the annoying – but vital – legal aspects of our lives.
They’re easily overlooked in the rush of another hectic back-to-work, back-to-school, and back-to-everything-else Janu-worry, so we’ve put together a list of ten ideas to help you prioritise what’s important to you and what’s not.
Tick these items off your action list for a safe, happy and prosperous New Year!
To read more click here.
For more information please contact: Austen Smith Inc T: +27 33 392 0500 E: mail@austensmith.co.za Website: www.austensmith.co.za |
|
|
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
Albert Schweitzer |
|
|
|
| Dollar | R17.37 | + 0.05% | | Pound | R22.00 | - 0.02% | | Euro | R19.09 | - 0.09% | | Yen | 0.103539 |
| | Yuan | R2.35 | + 0.01% | | Bitcoin | $ 91 553.70
| - 1.49% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 368.86
| - 0.53% | | Gold | $ 4 702.63 | + 0.68% | | Oil | $ 64.00
| - 0.17% | | All Share | 120 116.28
| - 0.04% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
|
|
|
|
|
