| BRINGING CULINARY EXCELLENCE TO THE TABLE |
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Chef Jackie Cameron (front, centre) with a cohort of students undergoing training at the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine she founded in 2015.
The Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business proudly welcomes the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, a premier culinary institution based at 241 Old Howick Road, World’s View, Hilton. Operating at the intersection of education and hospitality, the school offers internationally-recognised culinary arts training, specialist food-and-wine education, and a range of hospitality-driven cuisine services.
Founded and personally led by award-winning chef Jackie Cameron, students receive unmatched daily, hands-on mentorship. Chef Jackie’s industry reputation ensures learners are exposed to real-world opportunities - from assisting at major local festivals to securing placements at leading restaurants. The school has, in just a decade, produced top-performing chefs who consistently stand out in competitive kitchens locally and abroad.
A personalised training environment, strong industry pipeline, and holistic focus on professionalism, wellbeing and confidence-building sets the school apart in a safe, supportive and inspiring setting. The school can be contacted on 076 505 7538 or at jackie@jackiecameron.co.za. Also click here for instagram or the website.
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| PLAN YOUR 2026 TRAINING SCHEDULE AND CHAMBER FORUMS TO ATTEND |
The first business skills training session next year, offered by the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, takes place on 3 February, a day-long course on recruitment and selection. The session by trainer: Raj Seeparsad heralds a busy 2026 programme spanning business skills, management and HR, computer skills, and sales and marketing.
Similarly, the array of events, from landmark occasions like the annual golf day, Women in Business luncheon, banquet and business awards, to the popular Chamber lunches, and range of forums and network gatherings, makes for an exciting 2026 calendar.
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| PIETERMARITZBURG BASKS IN UKULINGA’S WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH |
For 75 years, the Ukulinga Research Farm outside Pietermaritzburg has been a world-leading centre for grasslands research, combining global prestige with local impact. Home to the world’s longest-running fire experiment and Africa’s longest nutrient trial, Ukulinga has informed sustainable land management, shaped policy, and trained generations of ecologists. Its species-rich grasslands continue to provide critical insights into fire, grazing, and soil dynamics, cementing Pietermaritzburg's role in pioneering ecological science.
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1996: The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa was approved by Parliament.
Elsewhere, in 1154, Adrian IV became the only Englishman to occupy the papal throne.
It’s International Day of Banks today.
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STATS SA STANDS FIRM ON 63 MILLION POPULATION CONTROVERSY
Stats SA is standing firmly by its official mid-2025 population estimate of 63.01 million women and men, derived from census data, demographic modelling and a Post-Enumeration Survey. This aligns with the 62 million counted in the 2022 census and the 63.02 million 2024 mid-year estimate.
But fibre network operator Fibretime has ignited controversy, claiming South Africa may have at least 95 million people - and potentially as many as 124 million - based on geospatial imaging, AI modelling and data from over 250 000 connected homes. They argue this suggests about 33 million unregistered residents. Stats SA rejects the findings, insisting private-sector datasets cannot replace scientific enumeration and that its methodology remains the country’s most credible population benchmark. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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PRIVATE SECTOR STRUGGLES FOR TRACTION AS COSTS WEIGH
South Africa’s private sector slowdown stretched into November as businesses battled rising cost pressures and subdued demand. The latest PMI inched up to 49.0, signalling a marginal improvement but still below the 50-point threshold separating growth from contraction. Firms reported the steepest increase in input costs in a year, driven by higher fuel, transport and supplier prices. This squeeze forced some companies to scale back activity and delay new orders. While employment conditions stabilised slightly, overall output remained muted. Economists say a sustained recovery will depend on easing inflationary pressures and improved confidence across key industries. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS BUSINESS CONFIDENCE INDEX HINTS AT BETTER TIMES
The Rand Merchant Bank/Bureau for Economic Research Business Confidence Index (BCI) rose five points to 44 in Q4 2025, three points above its long-term average. Confidence improved in five of six sectors, with only building contractors declining seven points to 39. Manufacturing confidence surged 16 points to 39, while retail jumped 11 points to 43 and wholesale rose four points to 42. New vehicle dealers led with 58, the only sector where a majority are satisfied. Gains follow GDP growth of 0.5% quarter-on-quarter, a stable rand, S&P credit upgrade, FATF grey list removal, and a 25-basis-point SARB rate cut. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AND RAND VOLATILITY DROPS TO TWO-DECADE LOWS
The Rand’s one-month implied volatility fell to 7.9%, the lowest since February 2000, down from 15.55% in April, reflecting calmer market expectations. Over the past five years, average realised one-month volatility was 13.1%. Strong commodity prices, moderating inflation, a 10% year-to-date gain against the dollar, and expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts have bolstered the currency. Foreign investors have purchased R175 billion in South African bonds this year. Low volatility extends to three, six, and 12-month measures. GDP growth outpaced forecasts, while gold and platinum prices support the terms of trade, suggesting continued market stability through year-end. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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KZN TRANSPORT FAILURES SPARK CONTRACTOR GRADING PROBE
The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has launched a probe into allegations linking failed KZN Transport department projects to the CIDB grading of appointed contractors. Concerns were raised about firms with high gradings that nevertheless missed deadlines and quality standards. CIDB CEO Bongani Dladla said the claims strike at the heart of the board’s mandate and warrant urgent scrutiny. The investigation will review grading processes, compliance gaps and possible misuse of the system. The CIDB will also work with the provincial Transport Department to obtain project details. MEC Siboniso Duma disclosed the issues during a briefing to legislators. (SOURCE: KZNIBNews)
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… AS HOSPITAL CONTRACTOR FIRED FOR MULTIPLE BREACHES
The KZN Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has fired and taken legal action against the contractor responsible for upgrades at Nkonjeni Hospital in Ulundi. The 26-month project, launched in July 2020, dragged on for five years, with the contractor accused of using sub-standard materials, breaching safety rules, missing repeated deadlines and even inciting community protests. The R98 million contract was terminated under Clause 9.2 of the GCC after the firm failed to resume work for 14 days. The department will recover costs to complete remaining work. MEC Martin Meyer welcomed the move, saying poor-quality contractors will face strict consequences. (SOURCE: KZNIBNews)
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UNDER-PRESSURE SMMES EYE 10% PRICE INCREASES NEXT 6 MONTHS
A new Absa Small Business Growth Index survey of more than 2 000 SMMEs shows intensifying financial strain, with 67% planning price hikes of up to 10% in the next six months as rising transport, electricity and raw-material costs erode margins. Only 38% believe they can survive another 12 months without external support. The sector’s latest SBGI score of 51.50, up from 50.08, still places it firmly in the “vulnerable” zone. Just 33% of firms report current growth, while 24% are trading with difficulty and 9% face the risk of closure. The index proposes phased relief, including targeted tax incentives, faster government payment cycles, reduced regulatory burdens and expanded credit-access programmes. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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R90 MILLION FUND TARGETS WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES
Business Partners Limited has launched the R90 million Basadi-Women Growth Fund to tackle South Africa’s gender financing gap. The fund targets SMEs that are at least 50% women-owned with annual turnover below R20 million, offering tailored financing from R250,000 to R5 million for property, working capital, equipment, or start-up acquisitions. Flexible terms include up to six months’ repayment moratorium or interest capitalisation. Access to finance is a key challenge: 21.5% of women entrepreneurs cite funding difficulties as a primary reason for business failure, versus 17.2% of men. Only 4.9% of women-led businesses reach 20+ employees. The fund also provides mentorship and networking support. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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37% VACANCY RATE DRAWS LINE UNDER DIGITAL SKILLS GAP
In South Africa, the demand for digital talent is surging as companies scale - yet the talent pool remains stretched. According to recent data, there are approximately 320 000 people employed in digital jobs statewide, but roughly 118 000 ICT roles remain unfilled, a vacancy rate of about 37%. About 41 000 of those open positions are junior-level roles - often ideal for youth and entry-level applicants. Additionally, 84% of large firms report difficulty sourcing highly‑skilled ICT talent, up from 79% in 2024. This shortfall threatens firms’ ability to build robust digital teams and may hinder growth unless more skilled people enter the market. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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PRIVATE LABELS ON A SLIIPERY SLOPE AS BRANDS REGAIN FAVOUR
NIQ data shows private-label products are losing momentum as South Africans shift back to trusted brands. Private-label FMCG sales, worth R98 billion in 2024 and holding an 18% value share, have slipped to 18.3% in early 2025 and further to 17.6% by Q3. Growth has slowed sharply: private labels rose only 3.1% year-on-year in Q3 2025, compared with 10.3% growth for branded goods. Earlier in 2025, private-label growth softened to 7.5%, while brands accelerated to 8.6%. NIQ also finds just 37% of shoppers now prefer private labels, signalling a clear shift back to established brands.(SOURCE: BDLive)
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SA ENCOURAGED TO JOIN ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE RESEARCH
South Africa is urged to join a pioneering international exposome research network that investigates how lifelong environmental exposures influence disease. Scientists assocaited with the International Human Exposome Network (IHEN) say understanding the cumulative impact of factors such as chemicals, air pollution, diet, lifestyle and stress could transform public health strategies. The exposome approach aims to map these diverse triggers with the same precision used in genetics, offering earlier detection and better prevention of chronic illnesses. Joining the network would give South African researchers access to cutting-edge tools, global datasets and collaborative studies, helping identify local environmental risks and guide more effective health policies. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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POLAND INVITED TO TAKE SHUNNED SOUTH AFRICA'S G20 SEAT
The US has invited Poland to the 2026 G20 summit while excluding South Africa, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed. President Trump plans to host the forum at his private Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami, limiting additional participants. Poland’s partnership with the US since 1989 was praised, while South Africa was criticized for redistributionist policies, regulation, and obstructing US input during its G20 leadership. The diplomatic snub follows Trump’s feud with President Ramaphosa, including unsubstantiated claims against South Africa. Rubio signaled that South Africa could return once systemic reforms are implemented. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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BITCOIN HITS TWO-WEEK HIGH ON FRAGILE SENTIMENT
Bitcoin rebounded to a two-week high, rising 2.6% to $93 965 (about R1.64 million), its highest intraday level since November 17, while Ether and other major tokens also gained. The wider crypto market remains fragile after a selloff that erased over $1 trillion since early October, following Bitcoin’s record $126 000 peak. Investor confidence is cautious: US-listed Bitcoin ETFs saw a modest $59 million inflow. Market reactions include $400 million in bearish bet liquidations in 24 hours. Analysts describe the rally as a “relief” rather than a full recovery, though regulatory clarity and new ETF access may support renewed momentum in the digital-assets market. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
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Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him.
Booker T. Washington |
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| Dollar | R17.07
| - 0.23% | | Pound | R22.75
| - 0.17% | | Euro | R19.89 | - 0.08% | | Yen | 0.109842 |
| | Yuan | R2.41
| - 0.15% | | Bitcoin | $ 93 297.80
| - 0.42% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 649.20 | - 1.39% | | Gold | $ 4 185.55 | - 0.42% | | Oil | $ 63.00
| + 0.45% | | All Share | 111 333.71
| + 0.46% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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