| CITY FOOD PRICES SUFFER RISING COSTS OF INFLATION |
The vagaries of inflation are evident in the June reading of the authoritative Household Affordability Index compiled by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice Dignity Group (PMBEJDG). Measured by a basket of 44 food items, the average cost of the basket in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Springbok, Matubatuba, Durban and Pietermaritzburg is R5 443.12, R23.46 cheaper than last month's basket. On an annual basis, the basket is now almost 4% (R190.36) more expensive than in 2024.
Inter-provincial dynamics also seem to influence June food prices in the three KZN centres monitored. While the Durban basket decreased by R115.65 (2.1%) to R5 648,85, both the Mtubatuba basket (+R27.59 to R5 427.65) and the Pietermaritzburg basket (+R96.45 to R5 147.25) saw increases. Despite an almost 2% June increase, Pietermaritzburg still owns the cheapest basket with the Springbok basket the dearest at R5 77.43. The weighted PMBEJD survey tracks prices at shops most frequented by low-income consumers .
For a closer look at prices in Pietermaritzburg and how they compare with other centres, click here and scroll to page 9. |
| SAPPI JOINS CLARION CALL FOR BETTER MUNICIPAL MANAGEMENT |
(ltr) Sappi Southern Africa CEO Graeme Wild, Cogta Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, Deputy Minister of CoGTA Dickson Masemola and eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), supported by Sappi and the National Business Initiative, is calling on all sectors to join the Every Municipality Must Work – A Call for Collective Action campaign. Strong municipalities are key to thriving communities and businesses. Be part of the solution - support collaborative efforts that drive effective, accountable local governance and deliver real change where it matters most. |
| CALLING ALL MOTHERS WITH A PASSION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE |
| Passionate advocates for social justice and motherhood have until 1 July to apply for the 2025 Mamandla Fellowship. This year-long leadership journey, led by Embrace, empowers women driving change for South African mothers. Open to women aged 21+, Mamandla builds leadership capacity, fosters community, and amplifies impact. Visit embrace.org.za/mamandla to apply and be part of a powerful movement for social change. |
1960: The Suppression of Communism Act was approved in Parliament.
Elsewhere, in 1997, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was first published.
Man’s capacity for cruelty towards fellow humans, a unique trait among our species, is observed today on International Day Of Solidarity With Victims Of Torture.
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RAMAPHOSA HINTS AT SWEEPING CHANGES TO B-BBEE REGIME
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hinted at a possible revision of South Africa’s broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) policy, fuelling speculation about a shift in the country’s transformation framework. Speaking in the National Council of Provinces, Ramaphosa confirmed that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is reviewing the B-BBEE regime to improve implementation, close loopholes, and align it with priorities such as industrialisation, localisation, and access to finance.
Ramaphosa insisted that transformation and economic growth are not mutually exclusive, stressing that B-BBEE remains a “fundamental lever” for inclusive development. The review could lead to measurable deadlines and stronger links between empowerment and industrial policies, sparking debate about compliance, investor confidence, and the future shape of transformation incentives. Business and policy analysts now await more detail, as the government weighs how to make B-BBEE more effective without undermining economic momentum. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
… AND BACKS PLANS TO CLEAR HURDLES FOR STARLINK
President Cyril Ramaphosa has endorsed a proposal to extend the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) to South Africa’s broadband telecoms sector. The draft plan, introduced by Communications Minister Solly Malatsi, would allow multinationals to meet empowerment obligations without ceding direct equity. Ramaphosa emphasised the move aligns with national laws and supports transformation goals—while dismissing claims it’s tailored to benefit Elon Musk’s Starlink. Amid political opposition and legal concerns, Ramaphosa affirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and pledged public consultations. If adopted, the policy could reshape telecom sector investment while balancing transformation with global competitiveness. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
INSURERS LOOK TO FLOOD-RISK MAPPING TO LIMIT KZN CLIMATE RISKS
The vulnerability of KZN to flooding has become a growing concern for insurers as climate volatility and crumbling infrastructure intensify risks. According to Santam’s 2025 Insurance Barometer Report, weather-related claims surged to R652 million in 2024, with KZN, the Western Cape, and Eastern Cape hardest hit. To manage exposure, Santam used flood-risk mapping and geocoding tools to steer clear of high-risk zones - potentially saving over R300 million in claims. The insurer is also partnering with over 100 municipalities through its Programme for Risk and Resilience to boost climate readiness in a sector under growing environmental and economic pressure. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
44% YOUTH TOLL RINGS ALARM BELLS ABOUT ROAD BEHAVIOUR
New Road Accident Fund (RAF) data reveals a staggering 70 743 claims from South Africans aged 15 to 35 between 2019 and 2023 - nearly 44% of all personal injury claims. A further 15 227 claims involved children under 15. Youth fatalities now average 4 620 annually, with most victims being pedestrians (38%) or passengers (35%). The RAF warns this trend is driving up costs and calls for safer road behaviour, especially among the youth. As accident-related expenses climb, so do concerns over RAF mismanagement - prompting a parliamentary inquiry into the Fund's financial and governance failures. (SOURCE: Moneyeb) |
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY STALLS ON SLOW INFRASTRUCTURE SPEND
The Afrimat Construction Index (ACI) fell 2.6% year-on-year in Q1 2025, reflecting ongoing government reluctance to invest in infrastructure, according to economist Dr Roelof Botha. High interest rates, limited fiscal support, and post-State capture dysfunction have hindered recovery. Excessive rainfall further disrupted construction in key provinces. Botha warned the sector remains in a recession, stifling job creation. Only two ACI indicators showed annual growth. He urged implementation of World Bank recommendations and interest rate cuts to revive the industry, highlighting construction’s vital role in economic recovery and employment. ACI is compiled for Afrimat, a leading construction materials supplier. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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SA POULTRY FRETS OVER BIRD FLU THREAT FROM US
The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has called on government to reverse a recent concession allowing US authorities to self-determine which states can export poultry to South Africa. SAPA warns the move exposes the local industry to bird flu risks, as all US poultry-producing states have experienced outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). SAPA Broiler CEO Izaak Breitenbach criticised the Department of Agriculture’s decision as reckless, citing the R9.5-billion damage caused by past outbreaks. The concession, made without local consultation, also risks setting a precedent for other exporters, threatening food security and local poultry sustainability. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
ONLINE PLATFORMS TO SHOWCASE SA-MADE PRODUCTS
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition will launch two e-commerce platforms under Proudly South African on July 1 to boost visibility and demand for locally manufactured goods. Shop Proudly SA targets consumers, while the Market Access Platform (MAP) connects local producers with corporate buyers. With over 1,700 vetted local products across all sectors, the platforms aim to reduce reliance on imports, support SMEs, and create jobs. MAP will also serve as a procurement tool, helping businesses meet localisation targets by matching tenders with eligible South African suppliers, strengthening the country’s e-commerce and industrial base. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
… AS CHECKERS, CLICKS STAND TALL IN E-COMMERCE ONSLAUGHT
South African retailers are proving remarkably resilient in the face of intensifying e-commerce disruption. Despite Amazon.co.za and Takealot expanding aggressively into grocery and essentials, local brands like Checkers and Clicks are thriving. According to Brand Finance’s latest Africa 200 report, Checkers is Africa’s strongest brand, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 97.7 - surpassing global giants like Walmart and Marks & Spencer. Clicks also earned a coveted AAA+ rating, joining Africa’s Top 20 most trusted brands. With trust, innovation, and local relevance at their core, these brands are redefining value in a digitally transformed, margin-tightened retail landscape. (SOURCE: Momeyweb) |
CHINA COURTS AFRICA TO OFFSET TRADE RISKS
China is deepening ties with Africa as a strategic hedge against trade tensions and shifting global demand, Sydney University’s Dr Lauren Johnston told the London Indaba. With declining need for oil, gas, and raw commodities due to domestic electrification, China now views Africa - especially through its Hunan province model - as a key long-term growth partner. The Hunan model integrates green technology, manufacturing, and political collaboration. China’s initiatives include infrastructure investment, trade forums, and leadership training, aimed at navigating resource nationalism and building resilient partnerships in countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania amidst ongoing geopolitical shifts. (SOURCE: Miningweekly.com) |
GLOBAL EMISSIONS AT RECORD HIGH AS CLIMATE CRISIS DEEPENS
A climate red flag has been raised as global energy emissions hit a record 40.8 Gt CO₂e in 2024, driven by a 2% surge in total demand, according to the latest Statistical Review of World Energy. Despite a 7.6% rise in renewables, including record solar PV growth, Energy Institute CEO Dr Nick Wayth warned of a “disorderly” transition. Fossil fuel use remains stubborn, especially in China, which led both emissions and renewables growth. Africa’s energy access crisis deepens, with just 1% demand growth - highlighting widening global inequality in the energy transition. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
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Let your dreams outgrow the shoes of your expectations.
Ryunosuke Satoro |
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 378.71 | + 2.66% | | Gold | $ 3 338.55 | + 0.20% | | Oil | $ 68.17
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