| DEVELOPERS FLUSHING GREY WATER OPPORTUNITY DOWN THE DRAIN |
Our recent visit to the Western Cape affirmed two things - that the unrelenting South-Easter howling like a banshee drives people mad and that potable water is an enduring crisis. Despite warnings about impending water rationing (see below), sprinklers valiantly douse parched lawns withering in the sand. Sensible water-conservation meanures like drip irrigation and indigenous fynbos plantings are evident, but most humans look to the sky for deliverance from the tightening clutches of climate change.
In fairness to our brethren to the west, water consciousness across South Africa is as fleeting as a stream in the Karoo. Only when the taps run dry, do we pay attention - and lip service - to conservation and preservation. We know, for example, that Msunduzi Municipality’s Non-Revenue Water (NRW) - bulk water paid for but not billed due to leaks, theft, unmetered use and other losses - is around 44%. That’s potable water collected, treated and piped at great expense going down the drain, literally.
Local government ineptitude is one thing, but there’s a glaring anomaly - grey water (from showers, washing machines and the like) not being repurposed. There’s plenty of how-to You Tube videos on diverting grey water for garden use, but we’re talking about incorporating these systems into new buildings and developments. It’s a matter of time, well, eventually, before grey water will become a mandated source for toilet cisterns, washing cars and garden use.
That begs the question - why are developers so loath to do the obvious? While additional outlays up front will be recouped before translating into savings, the value of bragging rights to make a genuine and credible difference in incalculable. An opportunity for the private sector to take the lead? Derek Alberts (editor)
See below: UKZN, Water Research Commission to probe sanitation solutions |
| EQUAL PARENTAL LEAVE IMPACT IN WORKPLACE UNDER SCRUTINY |
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Attendees at the first People Management Forum of the year facilitated by chair Raj Seeparsad (3rd right), Derek Redfern (far right) and Chan Bam (6th left) on equal parental leave. Picture by Lethiwe Zondi.
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) continues to play a facilitative role in helping the local business community navigate an increasingly complex labour and regulatory landscape. Through its People Management Forum, PMCB is creating a platform for employers to engage directly with experts on critical legal developments. At the first forum for 2026, facilitated by Raj Seeparsad and addressed by Redfern Incorporated lawyers Derek Redfern and Chane Bam, the Constitutional Court’s landmark ruling on equal parental leave was unpacked with reference to the implications for BCEA and UIF compliance. The session offered practical guidance on updating HR policies, implementing fair and gender-neutral leave frameworks, and managing related employment law challenges without operational disruption.
For the full programme of 2026 forum and network meetings, click here.
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| WHY ARE HIGH-INCOME EARNERS LOADING UP ON DEBT? |
1982: Trade unionist Neil Aggett (28) died in detention, the first white person to die in custody since 1963.
Elsewhere, in 1872, the air brake was patented when George Westinghouse unveiled the railway braking system using compressed air.
For those in the know, it’s World Nutella Day. |
IS GOVERNMENT DOING ENOUGH TO CURB OUT-OF-CONTROL GAMBLING?
Government is moving to clamp down on the social and financial fallout from online gambling through a package of tougher tax and regulatory measures. National Treasury has proposed a 20% tax on gross online gambling revenue, on top of existing provincial levies, aimed at discouraging excessive betting rather than boosting state revenue. Regulators are also tightening advertising rules. The National Gambling Board plans to restrict gambling advert times, curb influencer and sports sponsorship marketing, and enforce clearer responsible-gambling warnings, particularly to protect minors.
Enforcement against illegal and offshore platforms is being stepped up, alongside stronger consumer safeguards. These include stricter identity checks, better monitoring of gambling behaviour, mandatory spending limits, expanded self-exclusion tools and increased funding for treatment and rehabilitation programmes. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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VAT WILDCARD IN GODONGWANA'S MUTED BUDGET
VAT is emerging as the main uncertainty in an otherwise predictable Budget, with Treasury facing tight fiscal constraints. VAT currently raises about R400 billion a year, making it the state’s single largest tax source. Any increase above the 15% rate, last raised in 2018, would deliver quick revenue but at a high political cost. Government debt-service costs are expected to exceed R400 billion in 2026/27, while economic growth is forecast at around 1%. With limited scope to lift income or corporate taxes, economists see VAT as the only lever capable of materially closing funding gaps, despite pressure on households already squeezed by food, fuel and electricity prices. (SOURCE: News24)
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ROAD ACCIDENT FUND PAYS OUT R33.5 BILLION, CRIES POVERTY
The Road Accident Fund has told Parliament it remains technically insolvent despite higher claims payouts, with liabilities continuing to exceed revenue and cash resources. Appearing before Scopa, the RAF said claims payments rose to R33.5 billion in 2025/26 from R28.4 billion a year earlier, but its “requested but not yet paid” liability stood at R17.8 billion in January. Interim board chair Kenneth Brown said inefficiencies and heavy legal costs - including about R12.5 billion a year paid to attorneys - undermine sustainability. He warned internal cost-cutting alone will not fix a structural mismatch between fixed revenue and escalating claims. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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UKZN, WATER RESEARCH COMMISSION TO PROBE SANITATION SOLUTIONS
The University of KZN and the Water Research Commission have launched a five-year partnership to advance research and innovation in water, sanitation and hygiene. The collaboration focuses on water-efficient sanitation systems, non-sewered sanitation technologies, decentralised wastewater treatment, wastewater reuse and circular-economy approaches. Research will also address faecal sludge management, climate resilience, urbanisation pressures and service delivery in underserved communities. Implemented through UKZN’s WASH R&D Centre, the partnership combines applied research, technology testing and socio-technical studies to support evidence-based policy, innovation scale-up and skills development aligned with national water security priorities.
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SUGAR SECTOR, BEVERAGE MAKERS SQUARE OFF IN TARIFF BATTLE
Opposing appeals to the International Trade Administration Commission have laid bare deep divisions in South Africa’s sugar value chain. Growers and millers, backed by RCL Foods, want the dollar-based reference price lifted from $680 to $905 a tonne to curb cheap imports and protect local production and jobs. Beverage makers, however, are pushing for a cut to between $552 and $650 a tonne, arguing high duties raise costs for manufacturers and consumers. ITAC has launched a self-initiated review to weigh these competing interests. The outcome will test whether policy prioritises industry sustainability or lower input costs across the food and beverage sector. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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ESKOM SCRAPS ROOFTOP SOLAR REGISTRATION FINES, SAVES USERS MONEY
Eskom has confirmed it will not fine customers for failing to register rooftop solar systems - even after its fee-waiver period ends - reversing earlier threats of penalties or disconnections for unregistered small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) installations. The utility has waived registration, connection and smart-meter fees for residential systems up to 50 kVA until March 2026, potentially saving households around R9 000 on a typical 16 kVA setup. Many feared fines of about R6 052 for non-compliance, but Eskom’s reversal brings relief for solar users. Registration remains important for grid safety and planning, but the decision eases costs for emerging solar adopters amid ongoing energy challenges. (SOURCE: News24.com) |
DROUGHT DECLARED NATIONAL DISASTER IN THREE PROVINCES
Government has declared the drought in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape a national disaster, triggering tighter coordination under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet and warning households and businesses to curb water use. The move is a major concern for Western Cape farmers, who generate over half of South Africa’s agricultural exports. Cape Town dam levels have dropped to 61%, with provincial storage at 51%, well below last year’s 80%. Nelson Mandela Bay has less than 40% usable water remaining. Despite forecasts of better rain elsewhere, these provinces face below-normal rainfall, intensifying pressure on already strained water systems. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SHORT-TERM AGOA DEAL HEIGHTENS UNCERTAINTY
Trade, industry and competition minister Parks Tau has welcomed the US Senate’s approval of a one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, saying it offers temporary relief for South African exporters. However, he warned the short duration creates uncertainty for investment and purchasing decisions. The bill now awaits final sign-off by US President Donald Trump. Tau said South Africa continues engaging Washington to reduce the 30% tariff imposed on its exports. He stressed that a stable, longer-term Agoa framework is needed to support trade amid strained SA–US relations, even as the scheme provides limited short-term market access relief. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
DROUGHT DECLARED DISASTER AS DAM LEVELS PLUNGE
Government has declared the drought in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape a national disaster, triggering tighter coordination under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet and warning households and businesses to curb water use. The move is a major concern for Western Cape farmers, who generate over half of South Africa’s agricultural exports. Cape Town dam levels have dropped to 61%, with provincial storage at 51%, well below last year’s 80%. Nelson Mandela Bay has less than 40% usable water remaining. Despite forecasts of better rain elsewhere, these provinces face below-normal rainfall, intensifying pressure on already strained water systems. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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FORD, GEELY SPEED UP COLLABORATION TALKS
Ford and China’s Geely are in talks over a potential partnership as global carmakers seek to share rising technology and manufacturing costs. Discussions include Geely using Ford’s European factory space, possibly in Valencia, Spain, to build vehicles for Europe, helping avoid EU tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. The companies have also explored sharing vehicle technologies such as automated driving. Talks have been underway for months, with recent meetings in China and the US. Ford CEO Jim Farley has described China’s dominance in EV and connected-car technology as “humbling”, underscoring Ford’s push for partnerships to stay competitive. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
TRADERS FLEE SOFTWARE STOCKS AS A1 FEARS RUN RIOT
Wall Street is in panic mode as fears over AI disruption trigger heavy selloffs in software stocks. Anthropic’s launch of a legal productivity tool sent shares tumbling: Thomson Reuters (-16%), LegalZoom (-20%), LSE Group (-13%). Microsoft fell 10% despite solid earnings, while Palantir rose 6.9% on strong forecasts. Analysts warn competition, pricing pressure, and AI-driven automation are widening growth uncertainty. Private equity firms are reassessing exposure. Though some see buying opportunities, the “SaaSpocalypse” underscores the challenge of distinguishing AI winners from potential losers, leaving investors cautious as the sector braces for long-term disruption and restructuring. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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COFFEE CONVERSATIONS
The forum for various female professionals, managers and female business owners to discuss and address current situations for woman in the workplace.
PRESENTERS: Shannon Lawrence & Aneleh De Villiers – Attorneys at Redfern Incorporated Attorneys
OVERVIEW
Join us for an insightful Coffee Conversation where we will explore relevant topics and challenges that women face in the workplace This interactive forum aims to stimulate forward thinking among Women andHR managers, professionals, business owners, and industry experts and gives everyone the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on workplace dynamics, legal perspectives, and the best practices for fostering an inclusive working environment.
TOPICS THAT WILL BE DISCUSSED
1. What women are really experiencing at work today
2. Rights, responsibilities, and realistic expectations
3. Growth, recognition, and leadership pathways
4. Mental health and sustainable performance
5. What employers and HR should be doing better
6. Q&A NB: Should you wish to raise a matter at the forum, please email Kay Reddy – chamber@pmcb.org.za to add to the meeting agenda.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
1. Women in the Workplace
2. HR Managers / HR Personnel
3. Business Managers and Owners
4. Small Business Owners
5. Women in Leadership Roles
6. Legal & Compliance Professionals
Date: 12 February 2026
Time: 08:00 – 09:00
Venue: PMCB Offices, Parkhaven, 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (includes VAT) PMCB Members: Free Non-members: R60 (incl. vat) |
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He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander.
Aristotle |
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