| ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP KEY TO UNBLOCKING MUNICIPAL MESS |
South Africa's local government failures cannot be solved through new laws or technical reforms alone, argues political analyst Steven Friedman. Weak political leadership, factionalism and corruption are the root causes of poor municipal performance, undermining service delivery and public trust. While policy changes and electoral reform are often proposed, Friedman contends that accountable, development-focused political leadership is essential to appoint competent officials, work effectively with communities and business, and deliver lasting improvements in municipal governance.
See below: 'Overly rigid' procurement rules fuels corruption, warns BMF |
| ENTREPRENEURS BUILD CAPACITY ON SMART GROWTH STRATEGIES |
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(ltr) GT Chemicals Manager Jarod Talbot, Gray Pentagon CEO Sfiso Dlamini and The Mindful Art Society Director Khetiwe Kunene at the GrowthWheel workshop.
From artists and honey producers to mining support businesses and manufacturers, entrepreneurs from widely different sectors gathered at the PMCB Trade Hub with a shared purpose: stepping away from daily operations to work strategically on their businesses.
Using the internationally-recognised GrowthWheel business development tool, participants at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business gained a comprehensive 360-degree assessment of their enterprises, helping them identify strengths, expose gaps and prioritise opportunities for growth. Common challenges evident among the diverse enterprises included planning, scaling and long-term sustainability.
The workshop also highlighted the strong engagement of younger entrepreneurs, who readily embraced the visual, technology-driven approach. The session reinforced that successful businesses, regardless of sector, are built on clear strategy, informed decision-making and a willingness to continually evaluate, adapt and grow.
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| URGENT: CHAMBER CALL FOR KZN ECONOMIC COUNCIL SERVICES |
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business invites suitably qualified members to submit proposals to provide professional secretariat and administrative support services for the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Council (KZNEC) from now until 31 March 2027. The successful bidder will assist with project coordination, meeting administration, minute-taking, event management, roadshows, roundtables, the KZN Economic Summit, reporting and logistics across the province. Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience, hold valid business registration, tax clearance, B-BBEE certification and current PMCB membership. Proposals, including hourly rates and supporting documentation, must be emailed to ceo@pmcb.org.za by close of business on Friday, 17 July. For more information, contact Heidi on (033) 345 2747 or at pmcb@pmcb.org.za.
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1845: The Colony of Natal was formally separated from the Cape Colony by means of the Charter of Natal.
2006: Microblogging service Twitter (now X) went live and attracted more than 300 million users over the following decade.
Time for sober reflection on World Youth Skills Day.
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67GW RENEWABLE ENERGY TO POWER UP 105GW MASTER PLAN
South Africa plans to more than double its electricity generation capacity, adding 105GW to the current 51GW installed base under the Integrated Resource Plan 2025. Addressing the Manufacturing Indaba yesterday,, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said 67GW of the new capacity would come from renewable energy, supported by wind, solar and nuclear projects.
Government also intends investing R430 billion over the next decade to build about 14 500km of new transmission lines, creating demand for an estimated 520 000 tonnes of steel. Ramokgopa said the expansion would underpin reindustrialisation, strengthen energy security, eliminate infrastructure bottlenecks and unlock manufacturing-led economic growth and job creation. (SOURCE: Daily Maverick)
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... AS MASHATILE SINGS MANUFACTURING'S CATALYTIC GROWTH PRAISES
Regional integration, shared technology standards and stronger industrial ecosystems will be critical to unlocking Africa’s manufacturing potential, delegates at the 13th Manufacturing Indaba heard. Deputy President Paul Mashatile said Africa must shift from exporting raw materials to producing higher-value goods through investment, skills and modern infrastructure. Deputy Trade Minister John Steenhuisen highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area and SADC as catalysts for larger markets and regional value chains. Experts also stressed that digitalisation, artificial intelligence, automation and advanced manufacturing technologies must be paired with workforce development to improve competitiveness, sustainability and long-term industrial growth across the continent. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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'OVERLY RIGID' PROCUREMENT RULES FUELS CORRUPTION, WARNS BMF
The Black Management Forum (BMF) has warned that South Africa's draft public procurement regulations could encourage corruption by creating an overly rigid, centrally controlled system that favours large firms. The organisation argues the proposals overemphasise black ownership while overlooking other Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) pillars such as skills development, enterprise support and supplier development. It says this could incentivise fronting and exclude smaller businesses, cooperatives and township enterprises from government contracts. The BMF, B-BBEE Commission and Procurement Performance Institute have urged Treasury to adopt a more inclusive framework before submissions closes today. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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BUSINESS PARTNERS HEADS TO COURT OVER R575 MILLION RESCUE BID
Business Partners has applied for leave to appeal a High Court ruling that placed two financially distressed Western Cape property developers under business rescue instead of liquidation. The dispute centres on a property portfolio valued at about R575 million, while Business Partners' outstanding claim is approximately R15.5 million of the group's R42.4 million debt. The finance provider argues there is no realistic prospect of rescuing the companies, claiming proposed property sales are uncertain and the rescue merely delays liquidation. The developers maintain cash-flow, not asset value, is the problem and say pending transactions, including a R100 million land sale, could settle creditors and revive the projects. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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FSCA, NPA TARGET 6 064 PENSION CONTRIBUTION DEFAULTERS
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has joined forces with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to crack down on employers who fail to pay workers' pension contributions. The regulator has published the names of 6 064 employers that breached the Pension Funds Act by withholding or failing to remit retirement fund deductions. The initiative aims to strengthen enforcement and hold offenders criminally accountable where appropriate. Labour groups have welcomed the tougher stance, arguing that municipalities and state entities should face the same consequences as private employers. The campaign seeks to protect employees' retirement savings and improve compliance across South Africa's pension fund industry. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SARB'S QR+ CODE TO TRANSFORM DIGITAL PAYMENTS
The South African Reserve Bank is introducing QR+, a national QR payment standard aimed at making digital payments simpler, faster and more accessible. Instead of merchants displaying multiple QR codes for different banks and payment apps, QR+ will allow consumers to pay using their preferred app through a single interoperable code. The initiative forms part of the Reserve Bank's Payments Ecosystem Modernisation programme and will integrate with the PayShap real-time payment system. Initial participants include Absa, Capitec, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank and others. The move is expected to lower costs, boost competition and promote greater financial inclusion. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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REGULATOR SMACKS DOWN OPPORTUNISTIC MONDI IMPOSTER
Packaging and paper giant Mondi has successfully defended its brand after the Companies Tribunal ordered an unrelated business, Mondi Workplace Services, to change its name. The tribunal found the company’s name was confusingly similar to the well-established JSE-listed multinational and contravened Section 11 of the Companies Act, which prohibits names likely to mislead the public or imply an association where none exists. The ruling reinforces legal protection for established brands and highlights the importance of distinctive company names. Businesses registering new entities are reminded to conduct thorough name searches to avoid costly legal disputes and compulsory rebranding. (SOURCE: BDLiv)
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SANLAM CLIENT DATA EXPOSED IN THIRD-PARTY SECURITY BREACH
Sanlam has confirmed that some client information was exposed following a cybersecurity breach involving an external third-party service provider. The financial services group said its own core systems were not compromised, but certain personal data held by the service provider may have been accessed by unauthorised parties. Sanlam has launched an investigation, notified affected clients and is working with cybersecurity specialists to determine the extent of the breach. The incident has also been reported to the relevant regulators. Customers are urged to remain vigilant against phishing scams, monitor their accounts and promptly report any suspicious activity. (SOURCE: News24)
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MOZAMBIQUE PUSHES FOR FOOD INDEPENDENCE FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Mozambique is stepping up efforts to reduce its reliance on South African vegetable imports by expanding local production of potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage and onions. Agriculture Minister Roberto Albino said Gaza province in southern Mozambique has the potential to replace imported produce, while Guijá could become a major maize and bean seed hub. Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo welcomed the drive, noting agriculture contributes 20–25% of Mozambique's GDP and stronger production would boost regional prosperity. However, he cautioned against import restrictions or border closures, urging governments to keep regional food trade flowing while collaborating on technology, investment and agricultural development..(SOURCE: FreightNews)
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OIL SURGES AS TRUMP THREATENS MORE MIDEAST STRKES
Oil prices climbed for a third consecutive day after US President Donald Trump threatened further military strikes on Iran, heightening fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East. Brent crude rose 0.9% to US$85.49 a barrel, extending an 11% surge over the previous two sessions, while West Texas Intermediate traded near US$80. The gains followed renewed US strikes on Iranian military sites and the resumption of a naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments normally pass, fuelling concerns over global energy supplies. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS HORMUZ TENSIONS SQUEEZE FOOD, TECH SUPPLY CHAINS
Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are threatening global supplies of key commodities beyond oil and gas, raising risks for food production, manufacturing and technology. Fertiliser exports from Gulf producers are under pressure, with benchmark urea prices rising 6.2% in the week to 10 July. Sulphur shortages are squeezing phosphate fertiliser production, while aluminium billet supplies for automotive and aerospace industries face delays and higher costs. Qatar, which supplies about one-third of the world's helium, is also affected, heightening concerns for semiconductor manufacturing and artificial intelligence industries as inventories tighten and prices climb. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Nothing is going to be handed to you - you have to make things happen.
Florence Griffith Joyner |
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| Dollar | R16.37 | - 0.15% | | Pound | R21.98
| - 0.46% | | Euro | R18.72
| - 0.24% | | Yen | 0.101083 |
| | Yuan | R2.42
| - 0.32% | | Bitcoin | $ 64 808.77
| + 0.31% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 638.57
| + 0.16% | | Gold | $ 4 029.53
| - 0.61% | | Oil | $ 85.85
| + 0.87% | | All Share | 110 075.41
| - 0.45% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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