| TIME MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY SKILLS |
Trainer Sarah Giles of TLC (in front) with participants in the time management workshop.
A time management workshop at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business offered practical strategies to help professionals take control of their time and maximise productivity. Led by Sarah Giles of TLC, participants learnt to prioritise daily and weekly tasks using the urgent/important matrix, set SMART goals, and organise workflows efficiently. The session covered a nine-step technique to overcome procrastination, effective delegation, and optimised meeting management. Attendees also explored workspace organisation, workflow improvements, and energy-recovery rituals to maintain focus and performance. Click here for the remaining business skills training in 2025.
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| CORRECTION: FUEL PRICES TO DROP AT MIDNIGHT |
Yesterday’s snippet about a 20% drop in fuel prices was incorrect for which we apologise. The actual decline at midnight is more constrained - petrol prices will fall by 51c per litre for both 93 and 95 octane, while diesel will drop between 19c and 21c per litre, depending on sulphur content. Illuminating paraffin will cost 1 cent less per litre, while the price of LP gas decreases by 61 cents/kg. The cuts follow a Brent Crude decline from $67.16 to $64.14 per barrel and a stronger Rand, which firmed from R17.49 to R17.29 to the Dollar. (SOURCE: TopAuto)
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| SARS CALLS TIME ON WORK-FROM-HOME TAX BENEFITS |
SARS has withdrawn its work-from-home initiative, requiring employees to return to the office full-time from 1 January 2026. Introduced under the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) during the COVID-19 pandemic, the benefit allowed flexibility to attract and retain talent. The Public Servants Association (PSA) has registered concerns at the National Consultative Forum, seeking clarity on how EVP elements integrate with rewards, recognition, and retention strategies. SARS has yet to provide timelines, exemptions, or additional details, though it continues refining its EVP to balance employee and taxpayer interests. (SOURCE: BusinessTech)
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1497: Vasco da Gama’s voyage landed at St Helena Bay.
Elsewhere, in 1893, British South Africa Company troops under Dr Jamesons occupied Bulawayo, Matabeleland.
It’s also the premiere, in 2001, of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the first film adaptation of the books by J. K. Rowling.
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KZN SOUTH COAST BEACHES AWASH IN SEA OF BLUE
Umzumbe and Hibiscus beaches on the KZN south coast have been recognised for their lengthy Blue Flag status over 15 and 10 years respectively at the 2025/26 WESSA awards. WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete said the awards are benchmarked against Blue Flag global standards, showcasing clean water, safe swimming, and sustainable management. Other south coast beaches flying the blue flag this season are Marina Beach, Ramsgate, Southport, Trafalgar, Umzumbe, St Michaels, and Pennington, while pilot status have been awarded to the beaches at Port Edward, Mtwentweni, Rocky Bay, Preston, Umthwalume, and Scottburgh.
North Coast beaches cracking the blue flag nod are Blythedale, Salt Rock, Thompson Bay and Willard Beach and pilot status to the beaches at Tugela Mouth and Dokodweni. (SOURCE: WESSA)
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R58 BILLION PLAN TO LINK METRO FUNDS TO ACCOUNTABILITY
The South African government launched a R54 billion Metro Trading Services Reform Programme aimed at boosting performance in the country’s eight metropolitan municipalities by 2026. The initiative links funding to accountability, requiring metros to adopt improvement plans covering water, electricity, sanitation, and waste management. Municipalities must meet eight key targets to unlock additional grants and investment, totaling R108 billion for infrastructure development. Metro licenses with adverse audit opinions will be excluded. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana emphasized this as a crucial step to address decades of underinvestment, improve service delivery, and support economic growth through better governance. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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KGANYAGO URGES 3% INFLATION TARGET IN PRO-POOR POLICY
South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago advocates lowering the inflation target to 3%, emphasizing its benefits for protecting the purchasing power of low-income earners. He explained using the "rule of 72," illustrating how inflation erodes income value over time if unchecked. Despite inflationary pressures from wages and regulated prices, Kganyago insists that delays in adjusting the target are unjustified. The central bank's focus on a 3% target aligns with global standards and aims to bolster economic stability, improve bond market credibility, and enhance long-term financial wellbeing for South Africans amid ongoing economic uncertainties. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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BANK OF AMERICA HINTS AT SA RATINGS UPGRADE
South Africa’s outlook is benefiting from stabilising public-finances, modest debt reduction and enhanced political clarity under the Government of National Unity, according to comments attributed to Bank of America, Government debt is projected to peak at 77.4% of GDP in fiscal year 2025/26, with a gradual decline thereafter. Growth remains soft - forecasts suggest average annual real GDP of just about 1.5% from 2025-28, up from around 0.6% in 2024. The bank noted that improved growth prospects, lower sovereign risk and reform momentum could justify a ratings upgrade - but stressed that reforms must be sustained and structural growth must strengthen. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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OCTOBER 55 956 NEW-VEHICLE SALES REACH DECADE HIGH
South Africa’s new-vehicle market hit a decade high in October 2025, with 55 956 units sold, the most since March 2015. According to Naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, sales rose 16% year-on-year, driven by easing inflation, a stronger Rand, improved consumer sentiment, and recovering export demand. New-passenger-car sales reached 39 610 units, with 21.7% sold to the car-rental sector, while bakkies, vans, and minibuses totalled 13 361 units, up 23.9%. Medium trucks rose 9.3%, but heavy trucks and buses fell 1%. Year-to-date exports were 6.7% higher than 2024, reaching 32 659 units in October. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS NISSAN RECALLS 1 665 QASHQAI SUVS OVER FUEL LEAK RISK
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced the recall of 1,665 Nissan Qashqai SUVs in South Africa due to a potential fuel pipe defect that could cause leaks. The affected vehicles were sold between 4 May 2021 and 17 October 2024. Nissan South Africa said movement of the fuel pipe within its retaining clip during engine operation may lead to wear and perforation. NCC acting commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu urged owners to visit authorised dealerships for free inspections and repairs, stressing that prompt action is crucial to ensure safety and the overall success of the nationwide recall. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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CURRO SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE R7.2 BILLION BUY-OUT
Curro Holdings shareholders have overwhelmingly approved the Jannie Mouton Foundation’s R7.2 billion buyout offer, with 99.98% voting in favour at a general meeting on 31 October 2025. The deal paves the way for Curro to delist from the JSE and transition into a public benefit organisation (PBO). Trading in Curro shares is expected to be suspended on 26 November 2025, ahead of its delisting on 2 December 2025. The Namibian Competition Commission has already granted unconditional approval, while South African and Botswana competition authorities are still reviewing the transaction. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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ITAC REDUCES SCRAP METAL DISCOUNT TO 25%
The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) has announced modest adjustments to the scrap metal price preference system (PPS), reducing the discount for domestic ferrous scrap consumers from 30% to 25%. The PPS, in place since 2013, restricts scrap exports unless first offered locally at a discounted price, while ferrous scrap exports remain subject to a 20% tax. Chief Commissioner Ayabonga Cawe said the revision followed 13 months of consultations and market modelling to balance industry interests. No changes were made to nonferrous scrap discounts. The PPS will remain in effect until July 31, 2027, promoting local beneficiation. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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SA TARGETS ASIAN MARKETS ON BACK OF R64 BILLION GROWTH
South Africa is intensifying efforts to expand agricultural exports to Southeast Asia amid global supply shifts. Agricultural trade with Asia grew over 51% in the past decade, reaching about US$3.7 billion (about R64 billion) in Q2 2025. Key export destinations include Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and China, generating R400 million in stone fruit exports over five years. President Ramaphosa’s October 2025 diplomatic tour focused on strengthening trade ties and exploring joint ventures in sectors like palm oil. These efforts aim to diversify markets and mitigate risks from US tariffs, fostering sustainable export growth amid a sluggish 0.8% GDP increase for 2025. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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OIL PRICES RISE AS OPEC+ PLANS OUTPUT PAUSE
Oil prices climbed after OPEC+ announced it would pause output increases from January to March 2026, following a modest 137 000 barrels-per-day hike in December. Brent crude for January settlement rose 0.4% to $65.01 a barrel, while WTI reached $61.23 a barrel. The group’s decision reflects concerns about a global supply surplus, despite recent price rebounds due to tighter US sanctions on Russian producers. Analysts caution that oversupply risks persist. Additional market uncertainty stems from a Ukrainian drone attack on Black Sea oil infrastructure and geopolitical tensions, including potential US military threats affecting Nigerian oil production. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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HACKERS SIPHON R1.7 BILLION FROM CRYPTO BLOCKCHAIN SYSTEM
Balancer, a blockchain-based system where users can manage and trade crypto assets without relying on banks or brokers on Ethereum, has suffered a major exploit, losing over $100 million (about R1.7 billion) in digital assets. Security firms PeckShield and Cyvers reported that funds linked to the attacker’s wallet are still being siphoned, with total losses reaching approximately $128 million. The breach appears to stem from a compromise of access control mechanisms, allowing manipulation of balances. Balancer confirmed the incident on X, stating that its engineering and security teams are investigating with “high priority.” Before the exploit, Balancer managed over $700 million in total assets, highlighting the scale and impact of the ongoing attack.(SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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When you are enthusiastic about what you do, you feel this positive energy. It's very simple.
Paul Coelho |
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| Dollar | R17.36 | - 0.33% | | Pound | R22.75 | - 0.10% | | Euro | R19.97 | - 0.16% | | Yen | 0.113048 |
| | Yuan | R2.44 | - 0.35% | | Bitcoin | $ 105 164.09
| - 1.53% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 559.60
| - 0.46% | | Gold | $ 3 978.64 | - 0.54% | | Oil | $ 64.69
| - 0.17% | | All Share | 109 081.81 | - 0.15% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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