| LOW DOWN ON THE UNEVEN PATH OF ENTRY-LEVEL SALARIES |
Entry-level salaries in South Africa vary widely across industries, sectors and regions, with a new labour market snapshot showing sharp disparities at the start of working careers. Graduates in scarce skills fields such as finance, technology and mining are significantly better off, often earning well above average entry-level pay. In contrast, retail, hospitality and some public sector roles remain far lower. The report also highlights inflation and skills shortages pushing up wages in select urban centres, while overall entry-level remuneration remains uneven and reflects broader structural inequality in the labour market. Employers continue to balance cost pressures with talent retention needs. Click here for for more information.
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| SPONSOR CALL TO HELP LEARNERS WALK THE PATH OF GREATNESS |
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Students at the Emeris campus in Pietermaritzburg are taking the lead in an upcoming walk to raise funds for recycled shoes destined for learners in need.
The organisers of the upcoming My Walk @ Emeris PMB are appealing for support in the form of sponsorships including prizes, water station support and event materials to help provide shoes for underprivileged learners. The event at the Emeris campus in Pietermaritzburg supports My Walk, which provides recycled school shoes to underprivileged learners using medical-grade waste materials. Each pair of shoes cost about R35 with all funded donations being channeled towards the project. The My Walk @ Emeris PMB is scheduled for 18 July around the St Charles College campus and is staged in partnership with Love Cities and Run Walk for Life.
The programme promotes wellness, dignity and environmental sustainability through a circular economy model that converts healthcare waste into footwear. For more information and to support the initiative, click here.
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| BLUEBIRD KEEPS ON FLYING KZN TOAST-OF-THE-ROAST FLAG |
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(ltr) Sphiwe Mthethwa of Now Coffee (third place), second placed Kgune Dlamini (Now Coffee) and champion Luhle Mnyandu of Bluebird Coffee Roastery.
Pic courtesy of Coffee Magazine.
Bluebird Coffee Roastery in Howick successfully defended its KZN regional barista championship title at the recent SCASA Barista Championships at the Ciro Beverage Solutions offices in Umhlanga. Luhle Mnyandu of Bluebird claimed the regional crown, followed by Kgune Dlamini and first-time competitor Sphiwe Mthethwa, both from Now Coffee in Durban. The trio will advance to the next round of the championships that has adopted a shortened competition format to encouragee participation from first-time contestants as well as foment a supportive atmosphere and camaraderie between teams. Organisers praised the inclusive format, while Now Coffee impressed by placing four baristas in the Top Six, highlighting growing regional talent and mentorship in specialty coffee.
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1930: White women won the right to vote in South Africa.
Elsewhere, in 1536, Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII of England and mother of Queen Elizabeth I, was beheaded.
Trust your gut on World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day. |
YOUNG DOCTORS CAN PRACTICE WHERE THEY WANT, RULES COURT
The Constitutional Court has ruled that the state cannot compel doctors to work at specific locations against their will, reinforcing constitutional protections around freedom of trade and profession. The judgment centred on government efforts to direct the placement of medical practitioners in underserved areas amid ongoing healthcare staffing shortages.
The court found that while the state has a legitimate interest in expanding healthcare access, compulsory placement measures exceeded constitutional limits. Legal analysts say the ruling could influence future public sector employment policies and healthcare workforce planning. The decision also highlights tensions between service delivery pressures and individual professional rights in South Africa’s strained health system. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS AFRIMAT SCORES MINING RIGHT APPROVAL
Afrimat has secured a High Court order compelling the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources to approve the transfer of a mining right within four days to protect its allocation on Transnet’s iron ore export corridor. The dispute arose after Afrimat purchased the Ochre Shimmer mining right and faced delays in obtaining ministerial consent required under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act. The court found the matter urgent, citing potential job losses and commercial harm if approval was not granted in time. Judge Anthony Millar ruled that administrative delays were unjustified and ordered immediate consent to enable Afrimat’s continued mining operations. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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AUTO INDUSTRY, GOVERNMENT STRUGGLE FOR POLICY TRACTION
South Africa’s automotive industry and government have yet to find a workable balance to strengthen local manufacturing amid rising imports and declining local content. So said Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW, who said ongoing talks with government, labour and component manufacturers aim to refine policy under the Automotive Production Development Programme running to 2035. Proposals under consideration include adjusting import tariffs and tax incentives to support local production. Industry leaders also highlighted external pressures from global conflicts, rising fuel costs and disrupted logistics, which are affecting exports, consumer demand and overall sector competitiveness across multiple markets. (Engineering News) |
CHICKEN PRICES UNDER PRESSURE ON DIESEL COSTS
Astral Foods has warned that rising diesel costs could push chicken prices higher after its monthly diesel bill reportedly surged by R30 million. The poultry producer said escalating fuel expenses are significantly increasing operating costs across production, transport and backup power generation. The pressure comes despite some easing in load shedding, with diesel still heavily relied upon in parts of the food supply chain. Astral cautioned that sustained cost increases may eventually have to be passed on to consumers through higher poultry prices. Analysts say fuel volatility continues to threaten food inflation and place pressure on already strained household budgets across South Africa. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AND SANTAM BRACES FOR R430 MILLION FLOOD, FIRE LOSSES
Santam has warned of about R430 million in flood and fire-related claims, with additional losses expected once damage from May storms is fully assessed. The insurer said severe weather events across parts of South Africa have driven a spike in claims, particularly in property and commercial lines. Early estimates exclude the latest storm impacts, meaning the final bill could rise significantly. Santam noted that climate-related volatility is increasingly shaping its risk profile, with more frequent extreme weather events driving higher claims costs. The company said it remains adequately capitalised but is closely monitoring emerging weather-related losses across affected regions. (SOURCE: News24)
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PNP TO TAP R4.7 BILLION FROM BOXER TO FUND TURNAROUND
Pick n Pay plans to use about R4.7 billion generated through its stake in Boxer to support its turnaround strategy and strengthen finances. The retailer aims to improve profitability, reduce debt pressures and stabilise core supermarket operations following prolonged trading challenges and intense competition in the grocery sector. Boxer has emerged as a strong growth performer within the group, benefiting from resilient demand in lower-income consumer markets. Analysts say leveraging Boxer’s value highlights its growing strategic importance to Pick n Pay’s recovery efforts as the retailer restructures operations and seeks to restore investor confidence and sustainable earnings growth. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS MORE WIMPY, STEERS DRIVE-THROUGH OUTLETS COMING
Famous Brands, owner of Wimpy and Steers, plans to aggressively expand its drive-through footprint as consumer demand for convenience dining continues to grow. The group says drive-through outlets are delivering strong sales growth and improved customer volumes, prompting increased investment in new formats and locations. The strategy forms part of broader efforts to strengthen market share and adapt to changing consumer habits favouring quick-service and mobile ordering options. Analysts say the expansion reflects evolving fast-food trends in South Africa, where convenience, speed and accessibility increasingly shape restaurant competition and customer spending patterns. (SOURCE: News24)
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.. AND SPAR CALLS ITS QUITS IN UK
The SPAR Group has confirmed the sale of its United Kingdom subsidiary, Appleby Westward Group, marking a major step in its ongoing strategy to streamline international operations and focus on Southern Africa. The deal with A.F. Blakemore & Son includes stores, warehouses and logistics assets, with additional store disposals under negotiation. SPAR said the exit forms part of a broader restructuring following earlier sales in Switzerland and Poland. CEO Reeza Isaacs said the move will strengthen the balance sheet, reduce complexity and redirect capital to core markets. The transaction is expected to conclude in phases between June and September 2026. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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MARION ISLAND EVACUATED OVER DIESEL DELAYS
South Africa is evacuating researchers from its sub-Antarctic Marion Island base after fuel supply disruptions linked to the Iran war delayed essential deliveries needed to sustain operations. The SA Agulhas II, an icebreaking supply vessel, was held up in Cape Town for weeks awaiting specialised polar diesel required for extreme cold conditions. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said the “urgent evacuation” was ordered to protect the overwintering team as resupply uncertainty continued. The vessel has now departed to retrieve staff. Officials said global oil supply chain disruptions have affected even remote scientific missions, underscoring the wider logistical impact of geopolitical instability. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS GLOBAL OIL INVENTORIES ARE RUNNING LOW
The International Energy Agency (IEA), has warned that global commercial oil inventories are depleting rapidly, with only a few weeks of supply remaining amid disruptions linked to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the G7 finance meeting in Paris, IEA head Fatih Birol said strategic reserve releases have added short-term supply but are not sustainable. He noted that seasonal demand increases for diesel, jet fuel and gasoline will accelerate drawdowns. The IEA previously reported record declines in global stocks and a shift from surplus to deficit conditions, signalling tightening oil markets and rising volatility ahead. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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BITCOIN DEPOT BANKRUPTCY SIGNALS CRYPTO ATM TROUBLE
Bitcoin Depot, once North America’s largest operator of Bitcoin ATMs, has filed for bankruptcy after calling its business model “unsustainable.” The company is winding down operations and selling assets, marking a major setback for the crypto ATM sector. CEO Alex Holmes cited increasing regulatory pressure, litigation and declining demand as key reasons for the collapse. The firm expanded rapidly during the crypto boom, allowing users to buy and sell Bitcoin via kiosks in retail locations. However, the post-FTX downturn, tighter regulation and weaker retail interest led to sustained losses, ultimately forcing the Chapter 11 filing in the United States. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Reckless Lending: You Could Lose Everything |
Before you make a loan to anyone, be sure to comply fully with the strict requirements of the National Credit Act.
If you don’t, you could lose your loan entirely, with a recent High Court decision providing a stark reminder of the consequences. The Court declared a R430,000 loan to have been “reckless lending”, leaving the lender (a family trust) to write off the bulk of its loan, lose a decade’s worth of interest, cancel its security bond over a house, and pay legal costs. Why did that happen and how can you, as a lender, avoid the same fate?
Click here to read more.
For more information please contact: Austen Smith Inc T: +27 33 392 0500 E: mail@austensmith.co.za Website: www.austensmith.co.za |
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No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt |
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| Dollar | R16.63
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 970.72
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