| MSUNDUZI CONSUMERS TO FOOT 40% NON-REVENUE WATER LOSSES |
The decision to reduce Msunduzi’s water allocation - from 226 ML to 197 ML per day - reflects a deeper crisis: municipal non-revenue water (NRW) losses, not system pressure. Across South Africa, NRW averages around 36–37%, far exceeding the global norm of 25%.
In Msunduzi specifically, historic figures have shown NRW between 35% and nearly 40%, driven by leaking pipes, illegal connections, faulty metering, and aging infrastructure estimated to be 40–50% beyond its lifespan and in urgent need of R5.5 billion in repairs.
Instead of addressing these structural failures, authorities have opted for a "pressure management" strategy that merely spreads the burden to residents - resulting in erratic supply and recurring outages. Unless significant investments are made to repair and upgrade infrastructure, the cuts will return as temporary fixes rather than lasting solutions. For households and businesses, this isn’t just a technical adjustment - it’s a symptom of systemic neglect. Derek Alberts - Editor |
| LECTURERS LIGHT UP THE NIGHT AT VARSITY COLLEGE AWARDS |
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Some of the staff and lecturers recognised at the Night of the Stars event: (ltr) Dr Timothy Obaje, Rita Govender, Jarryd Futcher, Cathryn Collet, Serusha Pillay, Warwick Jones, Moipone Monnye, Vincent Howlett, Prof Nicola Jones, and Shameek Takoorparsadh.
The Varsity College Pietermaritzburg campus recently hosted its Night of the Stars, celebrating academic excellence by honouring both top-performing students and the dedicated lecturers who guided them. Several lecturers achieved national recognition, with standout achiever Serusha Pillay attaining the highest success rate nationally across three English and English Education modules. Pillay credited her students’ commitment, saying their results reflected shared dedication. The event highlighted the crucial yet often unseen role lecturers play in shaping student success. Varsity College, a brand of the Independent Institute of Education (IIE), uses the celebration to inspire staff and students alike. |
| PERMIT CLAMPDOWN SPARKS 2-DAY DURBAN TAXI STRIKE |
| Durban faces major commuter chaos as the eThekwini Municipality Taxi Council, aligned with SANTACO, enforces a two-day shutdown of taxi operations on 4–5 September. The strike follows the impoundment of about 25 minibuses over permit disputes, sparking early withdrawals in Clermont, KwaDabeka and Pinetown since 2 September. Thousands have already been stranded, with disruptions spreading to Westville and the Durban CBD. The KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC has established a provincial task team to resolve regulatory issues, but tensions remain high. The shutdown threatens schools, hospitals, retail, and industry, with widespread service suspensions expected across the metro. (SOURCE: DCCI) |
2019: Protests against gender-based violence broke out in Cape Town after the rape and murder of first year UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana.
1998: Google was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin when they were doctoral students working on a research project at Stanford University.
On this day back in 1870, Napoleon III was ousted as Emperor of France for capitulating during the Franco-Prussian War. |
AMSA SHUTTERS NEWCASTLE FURNACE AS LONG STEEL CLOSURE LOOMS
ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) has placed its Newcastle blast furnace into care and maintenance, signaling the possible closure of its long steel business after failing to find a sustainable solution. Despite a R2.6 billion IDC funding package, including a R1.68 billion interest-free loan, structural challenges persisted. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition sought policy and partnership solutions but no viable pathway emerged.
AMSA has issued job cut notices under the Labour Relations Act and acknowledged the profound impact on workers, suppliers, and communities. The flat steel business remains fully operational, continuing to meet customer demand as uncertainty grips the longs sector. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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DBSA STEPS INTO MUNICIPAL BREACH WITH R4 BILLION
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has intensified efforts to rescue struggling municipalities, approving R4 billion in funding last year as part of R57 billion total approvals, a 46% increase year-on-year. The support benefitted over 320 000 households and prioritised water, roads, and energy infrastructure. DBSA is insisting on reforms like ring-fencing water and electricity revenues to ensure accountability and boost investor confidence. Funds were disbursed to 22 municipalities, unlocking R2.6 billion in under-resourced areas and R3.9 billion for metros and small cities. Alongside municipal funding, DBSA invested R7.2 billion in renewables and backed hospitals, Parliament’s rebuild, and regional water projects. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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NERSA FACES BACKLASH OVER R54 BILLION ESKOM DEAL
South Africa’s biggest electricity users have demanded that Nersa reopen Eskom’s three-year tariff plan after admitting to a R54 billion settlement that will drive up consumer costs. The Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG) said the “secret deal” lacks transparency and undermines confidence in regulation. Parliament’s portfolio committee on electricity and energy will question Nersa on 10 September, while Outa and AfriForum prepare legal interventions. Critics warn hidden settlements, alongside an earlier R40 billion deal, could force further tariff hikes. With electricity costs already crippling industry competitiveness, business leaders argue that stability and predictability in pricing are vital for investment and growth. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
SA BUSINESS CONFIDENCE HITS YEARLY LOW
Business confidence fell to its lowest in a year as new US tariffs hit key industries. The RMB/BER index slipped one point to 39 in Q2, weighed down by front-loading, cancellations, and production holidays in the automotive sector. Manufacturing sentiment plunged 10 points to 23, with retail and wholesale also down. The 30% US tariff on South African exports, introduced in August, threatens 30,000 jobs, particularly in auto and agriculture. Economists warn that structural reforms in logistics, water, and municipalities are urgently needed to restore growth, investment, and job creation. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
… AS CREDIT GROWTH SURGES AMID CONSUMER STRAIN
South Africa’s credit market recorded its strongest expansion since Covid-19 in Q2 2025, with outstanding bank and retail loans rising 3.5% year-on-year. Unsecured lending grew 5.8%, while overall balances neared R2.6-trillion, up 6% YoY, driven by home loans and credit cards. Nearly 740,000 new borrowers entered the market, mostly via unsecured credit. Improved consumer confidence, falling inflation, a stronger rand, lower fuel prices and four repo rate cuts supported lending. However, overdue balances surged to R215-billion, 8.3% of total debt, with defaults climbing. Rising arrears suggest growing repayment stress across income groups despite easing financial pressures. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
HIGH COURT BLOW DEEPENS RAF MISERY
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) faces collapse after the High Court struck off its urgent bid to extend a 180-day moratorium on settling claims. With liabilities of R40.4 billion and an accumulated deficit of R27.8 billion, the RAF remains technically insolvent. Governance turmoil, including the suspension of its CEO and board dissolution, has worsened instability. Critics accuse the RAF of contempt and neglect, leaving over 300,000 claimants vulnerable. Proposed reforms, including a no-fault benefit scheme, remain delayed, heightening fears of systemic failure in South Africa’s road compensation framework. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
COMPANY RESULT 1: WOOLIES PROFITS SLUMP ON CONSUMER PRESSURE
Woolworths posted a 6.8% turnover rise to R81 billion for the year ending June 2025, but headline earnings per share dropped 23.9% as weak consumer sentiment, higher promotions, and costs squeezed margins. Food turnover rose 11%, with online food sales up 32.9%, while Woolies Dash surged 41.6%. The board declared a final dividend of 81c, down 31.1%. Country Road Group in Australia faced margin pressure from heavy promotions and currency weakness. (SOURCE: SENS) |
COMPANY RESULT 2: ASPEN PROFITS SLUMP 74%
Aspen Pharmacare’s operating profit plunged 79% to R1.4 billion for the year ended June 2025, driven by a major manufacturing dispute, impairments, and restructuring costs. Headline earnings per share dropped 42% to 792.1 cents, while earnings swung to a loss of 243.9 cents. Group revenue slipped 3% to R43.4 billion. Despite challenges, Commercial Pharmaceuticals grew 10%, boosted by injectables, OTC medicines, and the launch of weight-loss drug Mounjaro in South Africa. (SOURCE: SENS)
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SA EXPORTERS MISS OUT ON UK BENEFITS
South Africa is losing billions as exporters fail to fully use duty-free access under the UK-Southern African Customs Union trade deal. Despite tariff relief opportunities, large export volumes still face full duties, undermining competitiveness. At a seminar hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition, SACCI, and the British High Commission, officials acknowledged the issue, citing low awareness and complex processes as barriers. They confirmed work is underway to improve uptake and ensure businesses benefit. Without corrective action, South Africa risks reduced trade gains and weaker economic returns from an agreement meant to boost growth. (SOURCE: BDLive). |
GOOGLE ESCAPES FORCED CHROME SALE IN ANTITRUST RULING
A US judge ordered Google to share online search data with rivals but stopped short of harsher remedies, including selling Chrome, in the biggest antitrust case in decades. Judge Amit Mehta barred exclusive contracts but allowed Google to keep paying Apple for default search placement, a major win. Google must permit competitors like Microsoft and DuckDuckGo access to data, while Apple must better promote alternative search engines. Critics argue the ruling is too lenient, though it sets a precedent for future Big Tech cases. Alphabet shares surged nearly 9% on the news, Apple gained 4%. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
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RECRUITING THE FUTURE WORKSHOP
TACKLING PEOPLE TURBULENCE WITH PRACTICAL STRATEGY
Presenters: Kate Watts - iOCO OKS & Laura Dodd - Accountancy Placements
Your people can grow your business - or unravel it. In a fast-changing talent market, keeping the right people is tougher than ever. Legal compliance is just the start. What about the everyday risks caused by poor hiring, weak engagement, and unclear strategy?
With a combined 30 years of hands-on experience, Laura (Accountancy Placements) and Kate (iOCO OKS) have seen the ripple effects of bad hiring decisions and the power of getting it right.
Join them for straight-talk on what really works in managing today's generationally diverse workforce - from attracting top talent to holding on to them.
What to Expect:
• Real-world hiring and retention stories (the good, bad, and messy)
• Engaging, workshop-style scenarios to sharpen your thinking
• Simple, modern people practices that work, even in chaos
• Tools and ideas for a stronger EVP, engagement, team culture and people-risk mitigation
Who Should Attend?
• HR professionals
• Hiring managers
• Business leaders in growth mode
• Anyone interested in the power of building a people-first business.
Date: Thursday, 11 September 2025
Time: 10h00 - 12h00
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
No Charge |
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Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.
Abraham Lincoln |
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