| REVAMPED JOHN DORY’S BRINGS JOY TO MIDLANDS MALL FAITHFUL |
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(ltr) Liberty Midlands Mall Manager Lawrence Joubert, PMCB CEO Melanie Veness, Avashna Maharaj (Leasing Administrator), franchise owner Arno Buckle, Vishan Gopichund (John Dory’s Area Manager) and Desmond Swart (John Dory’s Line Manager) at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Fans of the John Dory’s brand are delighted by yesterday’s reopening of its Liberty Midlands Mall branch following an extensive revamp of its premises at the familiar location adjacent to the playground. The refreshed restaurant strengthens the brand’s presence in Pietermaritzburg, reinforcing its family-centred focus while extending its appeal to customers of all ages.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by representatives of the restaurant, M Group, the business community and the media. The revitalised outlet offers a welcoming environment and familiar John Dory’s menu for families, friends and seafood lovers. Its reopening adds renewed energy to the Midlands dining scene, while supporting local hospitality, employment and economic activity and restoring a popular destination for the Pietermaritzburg community.
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| DUNLOP UNVEILS R1.7 BILLION UPGRADE IN LADYSMITH |
Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion upgrade of its KZN plant in uMnambithi, formerly Ladysmith, boosting production for local vehicle manufacturers and export markets. Backed by Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the three-year investment introduced advanced mixing, tread, sidewall and curing technologies. The plant supplies major manufacturers including Toyota, Isuzu, Ford, Volkswagen and Nissan, while exports reach 23 African countries. New technology enables production of low rolling-resistance tyres designed to improve vehicle efficiency and reduce emissions. The facility employs more than 1 500 people, with most workers drawn locally. Trade Minister Parks Tau welcomed the investment, highlighting its importance for manufacturing, localisation, jobs and South Africa’s automotive value chain. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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| SCHOOLS INVITED TO REACH FOR THE STARS WITH MASCOT DESIGN |
High school learners in Grades 8 to 11 are invited to design the South African National Space Agency’s (SANSA) first official space mascot. The competition is open to learners at registered public, independent and home schools with no design experience required. Entries must be original and reflect both space and a distinctly South African aspect. Designs, accompanied by a short explanation, must be submitted online by midnight on 14 September. The winning design will become SANSA’s official mascot. Learners can win cash, merchandise and certificates, while the top three schools will share R100 000 in cash or educational vouchers. For more information or to enter, visit the website here or email mascot@sansa.gov.za.
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1882: Cetshwayo, travelled to London to request that he should be restored as a king of the Zulu Kingdom.
Elsewhere, in 2016, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won the 100 metres at the Rio de Janeiro Games, becoming the first athlete to win the event in three consecutive Olympics.
Mind the scales on World Lizard Day.
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17 BILLION SCAM-CALL FLOOD AS OCTOBER CRACKDOWN LOOMS
South Africans are being bombarded by unwanted calls, with about 17 billion reportedly hitting the country as tougher spam regulations approach. The scale highlights the growing challenge posed by telemarketing, scams and fraudulent calls, exposing consumers to financial and privacy risks.
New rules, coming into effect on 14 October 2026, are expected to strengthen consumer protections and impose greater responsibilities on companies making direct marketing calls. The crackdown comes as consumers increasingly rely on mobile phones for banking, business and everyday communication. Industry players will need to adapt, while consumers should remain cautious about unsolicited calls requesting personal information, payments or access to accounts. (SOURCE: News24)
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6 125 DODGY TRAVEL APPLICATIONS WEEDED OUT ELECTRONICALLY
South Africa’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has rejected 6 126 fraudulent applications while processing 216 204 applications during its pilot phase, highlighting the technology’s potential to strengthen border security. Launched by Home Affairs, the digital platform uses biometric verification and automated risk analysis to identify manipulated passports, documents and other fraud indicators. Approved travellers can receive their ETA within 24 hours and store it digitally. Initially available at OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka and Lanseria airports, the system will progressively become compulsory for short-stay visitors from visa-required countries. Home Affairs says the platform will ultimately support other visa categories and reduce immigration queues through facial recognition. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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RAMOKGOPA VOWS TO DEFEND COAL AGAINST 'FOREIGN AGENDAS'
South Africa will not abandon coal to satisfy "foreign agendas", Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says, as government seeks to balance energy security, affordability and decarbonisation. Ramokgopa says Eskom must have a level playing field to compete with private-sector power producers, while clean-coal technologies will be tested as part of efforts to extend the life of infrastructure. The minister’s position comes amid continuing debate over Eskom’s future structure and the pace of the country’s energy transition. Government is seeking to reduce emissions without undermining electricity supply, economic growth or industrial competitiveness, while giving Eskom greater freedom to operate commercially. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS 2.7% QUARTERLY DECLINE DARKENS MINING OUTLOOK
South Africa’s mining sector contracted 2.7% in Q2 2026, raising fresh concerns about the industry’s contribution to economic growth. Key mineral producers recorded weaker output, with platinum-group metals, coal and iron ore among the commodities weighing on performance. The decline highlights persistent challenges facing the sector, including operational constraints, infrastructure weaknesses and difficult global market conditions. Mining remains a crucial source of exports, investment and employment, making sustained weakness a concern for the broader economy. The latest figures also add pressure on government and industry to address structural bottlenecks, improve productivity and strengthen the sector’s competitiveness to support economic recovery. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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STATE DROPS FRAUD CASE AGAINST TONGAAT BIDDER RGS
The state has withdrawn a fraud case against RGS Group, a bidder involved in the proposed acquisition of Tongaat Hulett’s assets. The development removes a significant legal cloud over the company as it seeks to advance its interests in the embattled sugar producer. The case had raised questions around allegations of fraudulent conduct involving individuals linked to the bidding process. Its withdrawal could strengthen RGS’s position as stakeholders continue efforts to resolve Tongaat Hulett’s financial and operational challenges. The development comes amid broader scrutiny of the company’s restructuring and asset-sale process, which has attracted interest from several potential investors seeking opportunities in the distressed business. (SOURCE: News24)
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FARMERS MARCH ON JSE OVER WILTING SOYBEAN PRICES
Farmers marched on the JSE on Wednesday, protesting soybean prices they say are threatening the sustainability of local production. The soybean price has fallen sharply from around R10 000 a tonne in 2022 to below R7 000 currently, squeezing producer margins as input costs remain elevated. Farmers argue that the decline leaves them struggling to recover fertiliser, fuel, seed and other production expenses. The demonstration highlights growing frustration over market conditions, competition and pricing dynamics. Producers are calling for greater transparency and fairness in commodity markets, warning that continued pressure could undermine domestic soybean production and farmers’ livelihoods. (SOURCE: News24)
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RAINBOW CHICKEN COCK-A-HOOP ON 118% EARINGS RISE
Unbundled poultry producer Rainbow Chicken expects a sharp improvement in full-year earnings, with headline EPS forecast to rise 118%-138% to between 143.00c and 156.12c for the year ended June 28 2026. Basic EPS is expected to increase 122%-142%, reaching 141.87c-154.68c, compared with 64.04c previously. The strong recovery reflects increased consumer demand for poultry, lower global feed commodity prices and cost efficiencies across agricultural and processing operations. The results point to significantly improved profitability for the poultry producer, supported by favourable market conditions and operational efficiencies achieved during the financial year. (SOURCE: SENS)
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AIRLINK, QATAR TIGHTENS CODESHARE TO FLY FURTHER
Airlink is expanding its codeshare partnership with Qatar Airways from August 31, adding its 4Z flight code to Qatar-operated services and making Doha its first marketed long-haul destination. The agreement initially covers Qatar flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, with additional destinations expected later. Qatar Airways, which owns a 25% stake in Airlink, previously placed its QR code on Airlink’s domestic and regional services under their 2022 partnership. The expanded agreement gives Airlink customers greater access to Qatar Airways’ global network while strengthening the South African airline’s international market reach. Services will operate using Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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SADC NATIONS STRUGGLE WITH JOBS, SECURITY AND GROWTH
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is falling short of key regional development targets, with weak job creation, high youth unemployment, uneven economic growth and persistent security challenges undermining progress. A report presented as regional leaders prepare for the 46th SADC summit in Durban highlights the gap between ambitious industrialisation and development goals and conditions on the ground. While some member states have recorded stronger economic performance, growth remains uneven across the bloc. The findings underline the urgency of deeper regional integration, expanded trade and industrialisation, and stronger efforts to create jobs for young people. Security concerns continue to complicate investment and development. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS AFRICAN STARTUP-FUNDING SOARS 73% ON FINTECH
African-focused startups raised $3.3 billion (about R53.55 billion) in the first half of 2026, up 73% from a year earlier, putting investment on track for a record year, according to research firm Briter. However, deal numbers fell 10%, indicating investors are concentrating larger amounts in fewer companies. Zipline International led fundraising with $950 million, while electric vehicle maker Spiro raised $320 million. Fintech remained the most popular sector, attracting a quarter of total funding, alongside strong investment in agriculture, healthcare, education and clean technology. Rwanda attracted the largest share, while Kenya, SA, Egypt and Nigeria accounted for 69% of funding. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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OIL VOLATILITY ON HOLD AS 1.8 MILLION-BARREL SHORATGE LOOMS
Brent crude extended its six-session advance, trading near $89 a barrel as markets await progress towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Prices have climbed about 12% over six days, with West Texas Intermediate near $83. Diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran remain stalled, keeping uncertainty high and tightening global oil markets. The International Energy Agency expects a 1.8-million-barrel-a-day shortfall this quarter, more than double its earlier estimate, while higher prices are already weakening demand. US crude inventories, however, surged 17.4 million barrels last week, their biggest increase since January 2023, partly reflecting weaker exports and higher imports. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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BELGIAN BLING SHINES A LIGHT ON TRUMP'S GLITTERING RING
Nothing says “strictly business” quite like presenting Donald Trump with an 18-carat gold ring covered in 321 diamonds, 56 sapphires, 13 emeralds and six rubies, shortly before Europe’s diamond industry received tariff relief. Antwerp’s diamond sector insists the two events are entirely unrelated. The ring, reportedly worth up to $35 000 (about R570 000), was presented as a celebration of US-Belgian ties. Yet US senators are asking rather less sparkling questions about whether the lavish gift influenced trade policy. The timing has inevitably attracted scrutiny, particularly after European diamonds escaped new US tariffs. The diamond industry says negotiations were separate. Coincidence, apparently, has never looked quite so expensive. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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Can Family Conflict Kibosh a Trust? |
When a trust's founder dies, families often assume that whatever they said they wanted will be honoured, even if the trust deed was never changed to reflect it.
A recent Supreme Court of Appeal decision confirms that this is not how trusts work. What governs a trust after the founder's death is the trust deed itself, not the wishes they expressed at family meetings in their final years.
Click here to read more.
For more information please contact: Austen Smith Inc T: +27 33 392 0500 E: mail@austensmith.co.za Website: www.austensmith.co.za |
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The point is not to pay back kindness but to pass it on.
Julia Alvarez |
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