| CHAMBER MEMBERS TO CASH IN ON ELECTRICITY CHALLENGE |
The ground-breaking challenge by the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business to the Msunduzi Municipality’s 2024/25 electricity tariff determination is significant, not simply because members may now recover money, but because it challenged an antiquated methodology and reinforced the principle that tariff-setting must follow due process, transparency and lawful public consultation.
The process also demonstrates that claiming credits is not a simple exercise. Apart from the meticulous preparation and painstaking efforts to launch the challenge - requiring qualifying members to subsidise the process with a R1 000 contribution - establishing the amount due to members requires rigorous calculations, supported by documentary evidence, including the 12 monthly electricity statements covering July 2024 to June 2025.
In recognition of this practical hurdle, the PMCB has partnered with BPG Mass Appraisals to provide members with a calculation service. For R200 excluding VAT, BPG will calculate the credit due, with members given an opportunity to verify the result before the claim is submitted.
To request the service, members need to submit the required 12 statements - from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 - to Amanda on admin@pmcb.org.za. For more information about the process, contact CEO Melanie Veness on ceo@pmcb.org.za
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| CONNECTIONS OPEN DOORS TO GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES |
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PMCB Trade Hub Manager Lucrisha Polton (left) and Claudine Vandenabeele (Belgian Chamber of Commerce – South Africa).
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business recently attended the Belgian Chamber Business Connect Event in Johannesburg, joining businesses and stakeholders from across South Africa for conversations focused on growth, markets and collaboration.
The event moved beyond traditional networking, with focused discussions exploring business challenges, emerging market trends, industry developments and sector successes.
For the PMCB, these connections are about opening doors for Chamber members and Trade Hub entrepreneurs through market access, partnerships, knowledge sharing, investment, mentorship and expanded networks. As the Trade Hub connects entrepreneurs with resources and opportunities, engagements such as these strengthen the PMCB’s ability to build relationships that help local businesses grow, connect and go further.
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| REMINDER: GETTING TO GRIPS WITH BUSINESS AWARDS IN Q&A |
| Businesses considering entering the PMCB Business Awards 2026 are invited to attend an online Q&A session covering the awards entry process at 2 pm today. The session will provide an opportunity to ask questions, clarify entry requirements and receive guidance on preparing an award submission. To find out how your business can stand out, use this link, the meeting ID: 339 312 905 164 924 and passcode: 5UZ2uW9w for the Teams platform session. Contact Heidi on (033) 345 2747 for more information. |
| VIRTUAL MEETING: COLOMBIAN FIRMS SEEK SOUTH AFRICAN PARTNERS |
| Trade & Investment KZN (TIKZN) invites relevant businesses and stakeholders to participate in a virtual mission featuring Colombian companies facilitated by ProColombia, Colombia’s trade and investment promotion agency tomorrow, 1 September, and on 2 September. Day one features academic and expert-led sessions on the South African market and business environment, and the next day, focuses on virtual B2B matchmaking meetings, creating opportunities to connect directly with Colombian companies and explore potential commercial partnerships. Interested businesses are encouraged to register via the invitation link and engage with participating companies. Interested parties to complete the Google doc here or contact TIKZN here. |
1984: KaNgwane in Mpumalanga, was proclaimed a self-governing territory, one of 10 re-incorporated after 1994.
1997: Princess of Wales, Diana, died in a car crash with her companion Dodi al Fayed and the car’s driver.
It’s International Day for People of African Descent as well as International Overdose Day and World Distance Learning Day. |
BRACE FOR SEPTEMBER FUEL SHOCK ON WEDNESDAY
South African motorists are facing another fuel-price squeeze in September, with the latest data pointing to significant increases for petrol and diesel likely when new prices come into effect on Wednesday, 2 September.
Higher international oil prices, driven by the ongoing geopolitical turmoil, are putting renewed pressure on the domestic fuel price. The outlook comes after motorists received some temporary relief earlier this year, but that cushion is proving short-lived.
Rising fuel costs will also affect transport, logistics and businesses, potentially filtering through to consumer prices and household budgets. The extent of the increases will depend on international petroleum prices and the rand exchange rate before the final adjustment is announced. Motorists and businesses are therefore being urged to prepare for renewed cost pressures at the pumps. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS OIL SHOCK COMES AT A COST OF R56 BILLION
South Africa has paid an estimated R56 billion more for fuel since disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz triggered an oil-price shock, placing it among the 20 countries hardest hit globally. The ongoing Iran conflict has sharply increased crude prices and pushed up domestic fuel costs. The impact has extended beyond motorists, raising transport and business costs across the economy. Government temporarily cut the fuel levy in April to cushion consumers, but the relief has been costly to the fiscus. With oil markets remaining volatile and another fuel increase expected in September, households and businesses face renewed pressure. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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ESKOM MOOTS FARMING FUTURE FOR COAL POWER STATIONS
Eskom is exploring agricultural hubs at five coal-fired power stations as it seeks new uses for ageing assets and support for surrounding economies. The utility is looking for private-sector partners to repurpose sites and potentially create fresh economic activity as coal stations approach retirement. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to manage the social and economic consequences of the energy transition. Agricultural developments could create jobs, attract investment and support local supply chains around power stations. The proposal reflects Eskom’s growing focus on finding productive alternatives for assets that will eventually cease generating electricity, while helping affected communities build more sustainable economic bases. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS SOVEREIGN GREEN BOND TO FUND TRANSITION GAINS TRACTION
South Africa is laying the groundwork for its first sovereign green bond, potentially issuing it before March 2027 to help finance the country’s climate transition. National Treasury is identifying eligible projects ahead of an October mid-term budget decision, with potential funding for electricity transmission, water security, renewable energy, hydrogen, energy efficiency and worker reskilling. South Africa estimates R3.47 trillion will be needed for emissions mitigation between 2026 and 2035. Treasury hopes green bonds will attract new domestic and international investors, diversify government borrowing and potentially lower financing costs while supporting national climate and infrastructure priorities. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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44% TARIFF DUTY TO HELP EASE SUGAR INDUSTRY'S PLEA
A long-standing call by South Africa’s sugar industry for stronger tariff protection against rising imports has received a response from government, with the customs duty on imported sugar increasing by about 44%. The duty rose from 483.72c/kg to 697.92c/kg on Friday, following an increase in the dollar-based reference price for sugar from $680 to $785 a tonne. The intervention comes amid growing pressure on domestic producers, with almost 200,000 tonnes of refined sugar imported during 2025. SA Canegrowers estimated these imports displaced local sales worth about R1.5 billion during the 2025/26 season and has urged further action through the ongoing tariff review. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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MOBILE PHONE REVOLUTION LEAVES LANDLINES HANGING
South Africa has undergone a dramatic communications revolution, with 93.8% of households now relying solely on cellphones, compared with just 20% in 2002. Only 2.5% retain both cellphone and landline access, while landline-only households have disappeared. The shift has expanded access to mobile banking, government services, job platforms and informal trading, particularly through affordable prepaid services. But connectivity remains unequal: about 740 000 households have no phone access, risking exclusion from essential services such as the R370 SRD grant. Meanwhile, expensive data, unreliable coverage, scams, cybercrime and gambling highlight the continuing challenges accompanying South Africa’s mobile transformation. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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COCK-A-HOOP RAINBOW ISSUES FINAL, SPECIAL DIVIDENDS
Rainbow Chicken delivered a strong full-year performance, with revenue rising 7.7% to R17.1 billion and Ebitda more than doubling to R2.13 billion. Earnings climbed 134.8% to R1.34 billion, supported by stronger poultry demand, lower maize and soya prices, improved operations and cost efficiencies. The company declared a 45c final dividend and 75c special dividend. However, constrained consumer spending and sharply higher fuel costs remain concerns. Rainbow says chicken should retain its position as South Africa’s most affordable animal protein, supporting long-term demand despite near-term affordability pressures. (SOURCE: SENS)
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PECAN EXPORTERS EYE BONANZA ON US-CHINA TRADE TENSIONS
South African pecan exporters are benefiting from disruption caused by the US-China trade war, which is creating fresh opportunities for local producers. China is a major market for pecans, while trade tensions and shifting supply patterns are changing global sourcing dynamics. South African growers are well positioned to increase exports as buyers seek alternative suppliers and diversify their imports. The opportunity could provide an important boost to the country’s developing pecan industry, particularly producers able to meet international quality and volume requirements. With global agricultural trade being reshaped by geopolitical tensions, South African exporters stand to gain from stronger demand and greater access to markets previously dominated by established suppliers. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS SA, CANADA URGED TO STRENGTHEN TRADE TIES
South Africa and Canada should deepen economic cooperation and build resilience by diversifying trade beyond the US, leaders at a bilateral relations seminar have said. Discussions at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation winter seminar highlighted opportunities in critical minerals, infrastructure and other strategic sectors. Speakers said both countries could benefit from closer collaboration as global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty reshape established economic relationships. The call comes amid growing US tariff pressures, underscoring the risks of excessive dependence on a single major market. Stronger SA-Canada ties could support investment, supply-chain resilience and new export opportunities while strengthening both countries’ positions in a changing global economy. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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AFRICA’S FOOD, WATER RESILENCE KEY AGIANST GLOBAL CONFLICTS
Food and water security have become national and geopolitical priorities across Africa as conflict, climate change and global supply disruptions expose vulnerabilities. Business Sweden’s Kudakwashe Koke says Africa’s dependence on imported staples leaves it vulnerable, despite possessing 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land. The continent spends more than $50 billion (about R810 billion) annually on food imports, while 300 million people lack safe water. Climate change has reduced agricultural productivity by 34% since 1961, while droughts and floods increasingly disrupt food systems. Stronger policy frameworks, investment, local value chains and climate adaptation are needed to build resilience. Africa’s growing population, urbanisation and abundant resources offer significant opportunities for sustainable economic development and industrial growth. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.
Oscar Wilde |
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