| IN TIMES OF GLOBAL STRESS, IT'S TIME FOR PERSONAL RESET |
The escalating war in the Middle East is threatening to undo the good work to put South Africa on a sound financial footing, principally as higher prices of imported fuel are set to turbocharge inflation. While fuel increases in March effective at midnight are keeping to the original script - 20-cent increase per litre for both grades of petrol, wholesale diesel between 62-65 c/l and illuminating paraffin up 44 c/l - future hikes are much less certain.
There’s small comfort in sizzling gold prices offering South Africa a partial buffer as a major producer. The reality is that heightened geopolitical risk undermines investment and confidence, even in a relatively safe region such as southern Africa.
Closer to home, the impact of prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz complicates monetary policy decisions, spell price shocks, lift transport costs and squeezes consumers. And yet, the response to the tsunami of uncertainty doesn’t have to be all despair and desperation when it comes to your finances, especially not sinking into money dysmorphia, when you think you’re in a worse position than you actually are. Here’s to a dose of personal resilience and drawing on the strengths you forget you have. Derek Alberts (editor)
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| GETTING TO GRIPS WITH EXCEL SPREADSHEETS |
Attendees at the business skills training session on the basics of the Excel spreadsheet software. Pic by Lethiwe Zondi.
An intensive, full-day Excel course presented by Mark Tyrer of Summit Solutions Training equipped attendees with practical, hands-on skills at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business last week. The course covered data input, navigation, formatting, printing and core formulas, with a strong focus on understanding data types and improving efficiency. Designed for beginners and self-taught users, the session delivered practical tips and interactive material. Click here for an updated 2026 business skills programme.
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| MUSICAL POP-UP RESTAURANT SETS R250 000 TARGET TO FIGHT CANCER |
Coffeeberry Café and Coffeebox owner Con Malherbe is hosting a unique fund-raising pop‑up restaurant dinner to raise R250 000, the approximate cost of one month’s treatment for his cancer condition. “While my treatment is covered by medical insurance, many others are less fortunate and rely on the ongoing support and generosity channelled through CANSA,” he said.
Staff and helpers who normally assist with these evenings are donating their time and services, while musician friends will provide entertainment to accompany the meal sponsored by Coffeeberry’s outside catering division, Wedgewood Nougat and other local supporters. Tickets are R1 000 per person, with all proceeds destined for the CANSA Active Fund. Contact Chris Duigan to RSVP and more information on 083 299 3885 or at chris@musicrevival.co.za. Donations can also be made here.
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1971: British group The Beatles were unbanned by the SABC.
Elsewhere, in 2005, US millionaire Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo, non-stop around the globe without refuelling.
Listen up, today is observed as World Hearing Day. It's also World Wildlife Day and International Irish Whiskey Day!
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GLYPHOSATE IN FOOD STAPLES PROMPT CALL FOR BAN
Laboratory tests have detected glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA in maize meal, wheat flour, bread and baby cereal sold in South African supermarkets. The South African National Accreditation System-certified laboratory tests also confirmed that two products - Impala Special Maize Meal and Snowflake Wheat Flour - exceed glyphosate and AMPA default maximum residue limits, while traces were also detected in Sasko premium white bread Cerelac baby cereal.
The findings prompted the African Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) to call on Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen to deregister and ban the herbicide... ACB cites fresh local evidence, the 2025 Global Glyphosate Study linking “safe” doses to tumours, and mounting global litigation, including multibillion-Dollar settlements by Bayer. The ACB argues residue limits are not health-based standards and fail to account for chronic exposure, especially among infants, urging a precautionary national phase-out. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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... AS STOLEN PET FOOD RAISES SALMONELLA FEARS
RCL Foods has issued a warning after stolen, Salmonella‑contaminated pet food from late January and February batches began circulating in Gauteng. Originally condemned and slated for destruction, some stock was diverted before disposal. The affected brands include Canine Cuisine, Bonzo, Bobtail, Catmor, Optimizor, and Ultra Pet Dog Food, all potentially hazardous to pets and humans handling the products. RCL has launched a joint investigation with law enforcement and strengthened supply chain controls. Consumers and retailers are urged to check official recall notices, verify batch numbers with authorised distributors, and contact RCL directly to ensure product safety. |
8.3 MILLION TAXPAYERS PAYING WAGES OF 1.3 MILLION CIVIL SERVANTS
South Africa’s public service wage bill will rise R40 billion to R853 billion in 2026/27 - exceeding projected personal income tax collections of R845 billion. Just 8.3 million of 14.2 million registered taxpayers fund 1.3 million public servants, with 644 000 high earners contributing nearly half of PIT revenue. Economists warn the tax base is too narrow, with a tax-to-GDP ratio near 29.6%, while services falter. Above-inflation wage growth of 4.6% outpaces 3.2% inflation, squeezing fiscal space. Analysts say economic growth is essential but insufficient to ease unemployment and expand the base. Rising taxpayer resentment reflects mounting private costs for healthcare, education and security alongside heavy tax burdens. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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MANUFACTURING SECTOR FEELING FEBRUARY PAIN
Absa Group’s purchasing managers’ index slipped to 47.4 in February from 48.7, remaining below the neutral 50 mark and signalling continued contraction in manufacturing. Compiled by the Bureau for Economic Research, the data showed weaker business activity and employment, with the jobs index falling to 42.5. Economists say fragile domestic and external demand, alongside lingering logistics and electricity disruptions, are curbing output. Rising geopolitical tensions involving Iran risk pushing oil prices higher, potentially lifting fuel and input costs and further delaying a meaningful recovery in factory activity. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS SENTIMENT CONTINUES TO TRAWL NEGATIVE TERRITORY
South Africa’s manufacturing sentiment weakened in February, with the Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index falling to 47.4 from 48.7 in January. The reading remains below the neutral 50 mark, signalling continued contraction in the sector. The decline reverses part of January’s sharp improvement and points to slowing business activity and falling employment. Absa said the stop-start pattern in production, also reflected in official data, undermines prospects for sustained recovery. Persistent volatility in output is limiting capacity expansion, curbing investment growth and dampening job creation in an already fragile manufacturing environment. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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RESET FOR RICHARDS BAY'S R7.6 BILLION MINERAL SANDS PROJECT
Rio Tinto has approved the restart of its $473 million (about R7.6 billion) Zulti South project at Richards Bay Minerals, six years after suspending work due to community unrest. The project is central to extending RBM’s mine life to 2050 as Zulti North resources decline. RBM extracts zircon, rutile, ilmenite and titanium oxide used in paint, sunscreen and smartphones. Improved security and stronger community partnerships supported the decision. China Harbour Engineering Company will lead construction, starting in early 2026, with production targeted for late 2028. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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... AS R10.6 BILLION DEAL BOLSTERS EXXARO MANGANESE FOOTPRINT
Exxaro Resources has cemented its status as a major global manganese producer after completing a R10.6bn acquisition of assets from Ntsimbintle Holdings and OMH Mauritius Corp. The deal secures full ownership of Ntsimbintle Mining, which holds 50.1% of the Tshipi Borwa Mine, the world’s fourth-largest manganese mine, alongside stakes in Jupiter Mines and Hotazel Manganese Mines. CEO Ben Magara called it a milestone that positions Exxaro strongly on the cost curve. Funded from cash reserves, the transaction advances diversification beyond coal, tapping rising global demand for manganese in steelmaking and battery supply chains. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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BUOYANT JSE PLANS BUYBACK AS CEO PLANS 1 APRIL EXIT
Johannesburg Stock Exchange is moving ahead with plans for a share buyback after reporting record 2025 results, including a 16.7% jump in net profit to R1.07 billion and a strong cash balance of R3.2 billion. Revenue grew over 14%, supported by robust equity market and services income. Outgoing CEO Leila Fourie will step down on 1 April after leading strategic growth and diversification, including fintech acquisitions, and will be succeeded by Valdene Reddy. The buyback aims to enhance shareholder value as the exchange heads into its next chapter.. (SOURCE: News24) |
3 HEALTH OFFICIALS IN DOCK OVER GLOBAL FUND FRAUD
Three senior South African health officials, including Director-General Sandile Buthelezi, have been arrested over alleged fraud involving Global Fund money. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and National Prosecuting Authority said the trio face charges of theft and fraud exceeding R1m linked to irregular appointments funded by the Global Fund. They were granted R10,000 bail each and will appear in court on June 3. President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged intensified action against corruption threatening public institutions and economic stability. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS EX-STEINHOFF EXEC HANDED R359 MILLION FINE
South Africa’s financial watchdog has imposed a R359 million penalty on former Steinhoff executive Stéhan Grobler, tightening accountability for one of the country’s biggest corporate scandals. The Financial Sector Conduct Authority found Grobler contravened the Financial Markets Act by publishing false or misleading financial statements between 2014 and 2017 while serving as legal and treasury head. The fine is the second-largest linked to the collapse of Steinhoff International, following a R475 million penalty against former CEO Markus Jooste. The ruling underscores regulators’ resolve to pursue personal financial consequences for misconduct. (SOURCE: Daily Maverick)
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VODAFONE, AMAZON LEO SET SIGHTS ON AFRICAN, EUROPEAN SKIES
Vodafone and Amazon Leo have signed an agreement to extend mobile coverage across Europe and Africa, connecting remote 4G and 5G base stations via Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite network. The partnership aims to improve connectivity in hard-to-reach areas and boost network resilience, especially for emergency services. Amazon Leo delivers up to 1 Gb/s download and 400 Mb/s upload speeds. Initial sites will connect in 2026, with progressive rollout across Africa through Vodacom. Vodafone’s Vision 2030 targets 260 million customers and 75% smartphone penetration, while Amazon Leo operates over 200 satellites, expanding broadband access where traditional infrastructure is limited.(SOURCE: Engineering News)
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UAE ATTACKS FORCE CONTINGENCY PLANS
Missile and drone interceptions over the United Arab Emirates have jolted global banks and hedge funds into contingency mode, disrupting aviation and business operations. Institutions including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup told staff to work remotely or shelter in place as airspace closures hit key transit hubs. Projectiles were intercepted over Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with debris reported near commercial landmarks such as Dubai International Airport. The escalation challenges the UAE’s reputation as a stable regional financial haven. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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By far, the greatest danger of Artificial Intelligence is that people conclude too early that they understand it.
Eliezer Yudkowsky |
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