| MARKET ROAD INTERCHANGE CLOSED ON FRIDAY NIGHT |
Motorists are advised of temporary overnight closures at the N3 Market Road interchange from 8 pm on Friday, 26 June to 6 am on Saturday, 27 June. SANRAL said the closures are required for concrete casting on the new Market Road overpass bridge deck. The N3 will remain open, but the southbound Market Road off-ramp and Durban-bound on-ramp will be closed. Motorists should plan ahead, use alternative routes and allow extra travel time.
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| FOOD STUDENTS' PRACTICE RUN OVER WINE STRIKES A TASTY NOTE |
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Jackie Cameron with students Mapule (front left), Isabella (front right), Caleb (back left) and Singabakhle (back centre) and Nicola Coskey (Terroir & Co).
The Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine recently hosted another of its popular food and wine tasting evenings, showcasing an immersive degustation experience led by students under the guidance of chef Jackie Cameron herself. The recent event featured a curated pairing of dishes with wines from Old Road Wine Estate near Franschhoek, highlighting the character and depth of the vineyard’s range.
Guests were taken through a structured tasting menu where each course, prepared and plated by students, was designed to complement the wines and demonstrate classical technique alongside creative expression.
Tasting notes were presented by Nicola Coskey of Terroir & Co for an evening that proved both educational and entertaining to reflect the school’s emphasis on hands-on culinary training and refined food and wine appreciation in an engaging, relaxed setting.
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| FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS INVITED TO JOIN CHALLENGE |
High school learners across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini are invited to enter the 2026 Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge. The free, gamified competition introduces real-world business decision-making and entrepreneurship skills in a fun, practical way. No prior business knowledge is required. The mobile-friendly game uses just 14MB of data and can be played online or offline. Participants stand a chance to win cash prizes, investments and a place in the prestigious Business Pitch Challenge. To apply, click here.
See below: Entrepreneur's AI consumer insight plan wins R1 million |
1995: Maritzburg College old boy Joel Stransky slotted the drop goal for the Springboks to beat New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final.
Elsewhere, in 2002, Africa's worst-ever rail disaster killed 281 when a train rolled back down a hill after its brakes had failed, near Msagali, Tanzania.
Believers in other-worldly realms are celebrating International Fairy Day and also World UFO Day.
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FUEL PRICE SHOCKER SMACKS Q2 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE
South African consumer confidence has taken a severe knock as surging fuel prices and uncertainty stemming from the Iran conflict squeeze household budgets. The latest FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index plunged to -19 in Q2 2026 from -7 in Q1 2026, highlighting growing concern about personal finances and the economy. The survey was conducted before the South African Reserve Bank's 0.25 percentage point interest rate hike, suggesting sentiment could weaken further.
Research nevertheless shows that 42% of consumers believe they are financially better off than a year ago, although rising transport and living costs are threatening those gains. Economists warn that when confidence weakens, households typically restrict spending to essentials such as food while prioritising debt repayments. The downturn raises concerns for retailers and manufacturers already battling subdued demand, with weaker consumer spending likely to weigh further on economic growth in the months ahead. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS CONSTRUCTION SECTOR SHOWS STRONGEST RECOVERY SINCE 2020
South Africa’s construction industry is showing its strongest signs of stability since 2020, according to the latest Afrimat Construction Index. Key indicators improved during the first quarter, with the value of construction works completed and buildings completed both rising 5.1% year-on-year. Although the sector contributes only about 3.3% of GDP, it plays a crucial role in infrastructure development and supports numerous linked industries. Construction also continues to outperform many sectors in job creation. While challenges remain, the index suggests the industry is gradually emerging from years of weakness, offering hope for increased investment, employment and broader economic growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND 1-IN-6 TENDER AWARDS HIGHLIGHT EXTORTION, INTIMIDATION RISKS
Government awarded one in six public tenders during the past year, highlighting ongoing efforts to advance infrastructure projects despite significant challenges. Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson said attracting greater investment into infrastructure remains a priority, but risks continue to hamper delivery. Among the most serious threats are extortion and intimidation by so-called “business forums”, which have disrupted construction sites and increased project costs. Government is working to improve procurement processes and speed up infrastructure delivery while creating a more secure environment for investors. Infrastructure development remains critical to economic growth, job creation and service delivery. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS LAMBORGHINI BRAND BACKS ZIMBALI IN R1 BILLION PROJECT
Italian luxury lifestyle brand Tonino Lamborghini has signed a R1 billion development agreement for a high-end residential and hospitality project at Zimbali on KZN's north coast. The deal marks a significant investment in South Africa’s luxury property sector and will bring the internationally recognised brand’s design and lifestyle concepts to the estate. Developers expect the project to attract affluent local and international buyers seeking premium coastal living. The investment is also expected to boost construction activity, create jobs and enhance Zimbali’s reputation as one of the country’s leading luxury lifestyle and tourism destinations. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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RESERVE BANK ON A MISSION TO KEEP CASH AFFORDABLE
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is moving to ensure cash remains affordable and accessible even as digital payments expand rapidly across the economy. The central bank estimates that the annual cost of using cash is around R90 billion, with consumers bearing most of the burden through fees, transport costs, crime-related losses, and cash handling expenses. Despite digital growth, cash still dominates transaction volumes, especially in rural areas, informal markets, and low-income households where it remains the most trusted payment method. SARB says it does not expect a cashless society and is developing a regulatory framework to protect access and affordability. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS SARB TARGETS OFFSHORE, CROSS-BORDER PAYMENTS
The South African Reserve Bank has proposed draft rules to tighten oversight of offshore merchants and cross-border payment transactions. The move follows growing concern that payments for goods and services provided within South Africa are increasingly being processed as international transactions, potentially creating regulatory and monitoring gaps. The proposed measures form part of a broader overhaul of the country’s payments system and are aimed at improving transparency, compliance and consumer protection. The SARB says stronger controls are needed as digital commerce expands, ensuring payment providers operating in South Africa remain subject to appropriate supervision and financial regulations. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROJECT TOASTS 155 161 JOB OPPORTUNITIES
South Africa’s Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) has recorded solid progress in Q4 of 2025/26, with Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli reporting expanded access to opportunities for young people. More than 5.9 million youth are registered on SA Youth, while 5.36 million are on the Employment Services of South Africa platform. Since inception, the programme has enabled over 2.5 million temporary opportunities via SA Youth and 422 667 through ESSA. In the latest quarter, 155 161 new opportunities were accessed. Private-sector and public initiatives added thousands more placements, while Phase 5 aims to recruit an additional 100 000 youth next quarter, strengthening transition from learning to earning. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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ENTREPRENEUR'S A1 CONSUMER INSIGHT PLAN WINS R1 MILLION
Gauteng entrepreneur Kamogelo Selepe has won the R1 million top prize in the Mr Price Foundation’s Bindzu Youth Fund programme, outperforming 1 692 applicants in a national entrepreneurship competition. His startup, ArcaneEdge, uses artificial intelligence to simulate consumer behaviour and test marketing campaigns before companies commit advertising spend, helping reduce risk and improve targeting. During the programme, the business recorded a remarkable 486% revenue increase, the highest among participants. From 1 125 entrepreneurs accepted, only 10 finalists reached the national pitch stage. The initiative provides funding, mentorship and business development support aimed at building scalable, job-creating enterprises and strengthening South Africa’s youth-driven innovation ecosystem. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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SPANISH AIRLINE LAUNCHES 3 WEEKLY FLIGHTS TO OR TAMBO
Spanish airline Air Europa has entered the South African market with three weekly flights between Madrid and OR Tambo International Airport, marking a new push into Africa. The carrier’s expansion forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen connectivity between Europe and key African destinations, with South Africa seen as a high-value tourism and business hub. The new route is expected to improve travel options for passengers and increase competition on Europe–South Africa services, potentially easing fares over time. Industry players say the move supports recovery in long-haul travel demand and boosts links for trade, tourism and investment flows between the regions. (SOURCE: News24)
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SPACEX SHEDS R9.96 TRILLION IN GLOBAL TECH ROUT
Global technology stocks extended their sharp decline as investor sentiment deteriorated across major markets. The selloff intensified over three days, with aerospace and tech-linked assets coming under heavy pressure. Among the hardest hit was SpaceX-linked valuation exposure, which reportedly shed around $600 billion (about R9.96 trillion) in market value over three days, underscoring the scale of the downturn. Analysts point to heightened risk aversion, profit-taking after extended rallies, and concerns over high valuations in the tech sector. The broader market weakness has spilled into equities globally, with investors rotating into safer assets amid growing uncertainty about growth prospects and tightening financial conditions across major economies. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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OIL PRICES SLIP AS HORMUZ RISKS EASE
Oil prices extended declines as more tankers began openly transiting the Strait of Hormuz, signalling improved confidence in maritime security. Brent crude slipped toward $76 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate fell below $73, continuing losses from the previous session. Shipping activity has increased with vessels keeping satellite signals on, supported by safety assurances from the International Maritime Organisation, which said hundreds of ships are now clearing the Persian Gulf. Diplomatic momentum between the US and Iran has also helped ease market fears, with early talks aimed at ending the war that began in February. Analysts expect further volatility as supply conditions adjust and negotiations remain uncertain. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS US SENATE BREAKS RANKS WITH TRUMP OVER IRAN WAR
The Republican-led US Senate has voted 50–48 to end the war with Iran, marking the first major break with President Donald Trump over the conflict. The resolution, which has already passed the House, invokes the 1973 War Powers Act and would require Congress to authorise any continuation of hostilities. Although its practical impact remains uncertain due to an interim peace deal, it signals growing political resistance to the war. Public opposition is also strong, with 69% of Americans saying the war is not worth the cost and 78% calling for it to end immediately, amid rising fuel prices and economic pressure. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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MARKETING MIX FORUM
MARKETING THAT MOVES: Ignite Connection by Leading with Your True Self
Presenter: Libby Edmonds
Libby Edmonds presents a compelling keynote on authentic marketing rooted in emotional intelligence. Drawing on her extensive teaching experience and entrepreneurial journey, she demonstrates how self-awareness, optimism and purpose drive meaningful connection and effective marketing. This talk offers practical insights to help entrepreneurs and business leaders elevate their marketing of products and services with integrity and impact.
Date: 24 June 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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Burnout is a way of telling you that your form of activism was perhaps not very full circle.
Gloria Steinem |
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