| PRIVATE SECTOR LEADS THE TARIFF FIGHT AS GOVERNMENT FIDDLES |
| TRAILBLAZING CITY WOMAN LAUDED FOR FINANCIAL SECTOR LEADERSHIP |
In an appropriate nod to women’s leadership ahead of National Women’s Day tomorrow, Morar Incorporated celebrates CEO Jennifer Reddy for being named Private Sector CEO of the Year 2025 by the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) of South Africa. Honoured at the Women of Substance Awards, Reddy was recognised for her exceptional leadership and transformative impact in the financial sector.
Since taking over the CEO mantle in 2022, Reddy has driven innovation, expansion, and inclusivity at the black-owned, Level 1 B-BBEE firm. Her recognition reflects a rising tide of empowered, visionary women redefining leadership across the continent.
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| IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR A MOVIE DATE UNDER THE STARS AMONG ANIMALS |
| The Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home is inviting all and sundry for a movie night at the Natal Zoo today, from 3 pm to 8 pm, to help boost its fund-raising endeavours. Guests have the opportunity to explore the zoo, enjoy games, feast at food stalls, and settle in for a magical outdoor movie screening at 5.45 pm. Bring a blanket, champ chairs, and dress warmly. To book, call or WhatsApp 068 540 9317. Visit the website here. |
HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY TOMORROW, AND A CIRCLEMED SALUTE
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| It's Women's Day tomorrow, but there's no public holiday to mark the occasion because the day falls on a Saturday. With 50% of eBizBlitz readers being female, and given the gender make-up of the staff behind the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, it's only fitting to acknowledge the role and contribution of women to business and society. On this score, a loud shout-out to CircleMed for its generous and proactive women's health offer (see the advertorial below). Happy Women's Day! |
1966: SABC banned British band The Beatles' records over John Lennon comments.
Elsewhere, in 1908, the Wright brothers displayed their flying machine and its capabilities at a racecourse at Le Mans, France, five years after they made their first successful flight in 1903.
A purring day to all felines and their doting owners, on International Cat Day.
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BUSINESS LOBBIES AGAINST ESKOM BID TO UPEND TRADING LICENCES
Business groups BLSA and Busa urge the South African government to halt Eskom’s legal challenges against five electricity trading licences issued by Nersa. They warn Eskom’s obstruction delays critical energy reforms, discourages investment, and prolongs loadshedding, contradicting government policy to unbundle Eskom and promote private sector involvement.
BLSA CEO Busi Mavuso criticised Eskom for blocking solutions while causing the energy crisis. The groups highlight R30 billion invested in renewable energy and potential for further growth and job creation through a competitive market. They call for Eskom to stop litigation, support grid expansion, and align with national reform goals to secure affordable, reliable power for South Africa’s future. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING NEEDS A LOCALISATION RELOAD
South African Revenue Service deputy commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu says domestic manufacturing is the heart of effective localisation - but it needs strategic support. Speaking at the CIPS Africa 2025 conference, he noted that locally made goods, produced with local materials, often face higher costs, requiring concessions to remain competitive. While regulatory and supplier development frameworks exist, South Africa’s shallow manufacturing base limits value addition to natural resources, with more trade occurring globally than within Africa. Makhubu urged partnerships, targeted supplier development, and tax incentives to strengthen local sourcing, citing Asian Tiger economies as models. Strategic sourcing decisions, he stressed, must focus on building competitive industries, diversifying suppliers, and ensuring that localisation policies genuinely benefit the wider economic ecosystem. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
COURT CASE TO PRISE OPEN IDT'S CAN OF CORRUPTION
Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson has laid criminal charges against suspended Independent Development Trust CEO Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane for allegedly attempting to bribe a Daily Maverick journalist with R60 000 to suppress negative reporting. The charges include corruption, bribery, collusion, and breaches of the PFMA. This follows PwC’s report on an irregular R880 million hospital oxygen plant tender. Malaka and Makgolane are accused of influencing tenders, paying illicit sums, and using co-ordinated media manipulation. Macpherson has urged SAPS to investigate broader corruption, including possible bribery of other journalists, and directed the IDT board to review all contracts. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
MINI STEEL MILLS CASH IN ON SCRAP METAL POLICIES
Government’s scrap metal policies, intended to protect local industry, have instead fuelled R780 million in arbitrage, according to XA Global Trade Advisors. The Price Preference System forces dealers to offer scrap at a 30% discount to local mini mills before exporting, while a 20% export duty applies. Mini mills exploit the system by converting discounted scrap into steel billets, which are exported duty-free, bypassing raw scrap export limits. This has cut raw scrap exports but boosted billet shipments. XAGTA warns the policy rewards manipulation, not industry growth, and urges halting Industrial Development Corporation funding for new mini mills in an oversupplied market. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
GROWTHPOINT, FLYSAFAIR LAUNCH FIRST-EVER VOUCHER PROGRAMME
JSE-listed Growthpoint Properties and airline FlySafair have launched SmartFlight, a pioneering programme allowing tenants signing three-year-plus office leases in Johannesburg to convert up to 30% of their installation allowance into FlySafair flight vouchers. Redeemable via a blockchain-based digital wallet, these vouchers facilitate business travel, supporting hybrid work and team collaboration. Tenants can allocate flights to any employee, turning office space into a strategic asset that boosts connectivity and business growth. Growthpoint’s initiative reflects a new era where office rentals offer more than space - they provide dynamic tools to keep companies agile, competitive, and connected. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
... AS AIRLINK PLANS MORE ROUTES WITH 10 NEW JETS
Airlink has finalised a deal with US-based Azorra to lease ten new Embraer E195-E2 airliners, seating 136 passengers in a two-by-two layout. Deliveries from Brazil will start later this year and conclude in 2027. The aircraft offer greater capacity and range, enabling new routes and growth beyond Southern Africa. The fleet will expand from 68 to 78, with operational and training commonality ensuring a smooth entry into service. Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht called the move both “exciting and daunting,” while Azorra CEO John Evans emphasised the partnership’s focus on efficiency, sustainability, and enhanced African connectivity with Embraer and Pratt & Whitney. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
ADVTECH EXPANDS AFRICAN FOOTPRINT IN KENYA
ADvTech has acquired Nairobi’s Regis Runda Academy for KSh1.23 billion (R172 million), expanding its Makini Schools network in Kenya’s growing education market. The school, located in Ridgeways, will be rebranded Makini School Runda, with operations transferring on 20 August 2025. The campus can accommodate 2 000 students and will receive upgrades, including AI-powered learning tools and enhanced sports facilities. CEO Geoff Whyte said the move strengthens Makini’s presence in a fast-developing area. The deal follows ADvTech’s 2024 purchase of Flipper International School in Ethiopia and the 2025 launch of Rosebank International University College in Ghana, supporting its Africa-wide private education growth strategy. (SOURCE: SENS) |
DRC BAN LEAVES GLENCORE WITH MASSIVE LITHIUM HEADACHE
Glencore expects a large portion of its cobalt production to remain unsold in 2025 due to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s export ban, first imposed in February and extended in June to manage global oversupply. The world’s second-largest cobalt producer has been stockpiling output in the DRC, with first-half cobalt production up 19% year-on-year to 18 900 tonnes. The 2025 forecast is 42 000–45 000 tonnes. While the ban may tighten supply and lift prices, Glencore says it will have no material financial impact even if no cobalt is sold this year, though partial sales would be an upside. Force majeure was declared earlier in 2025. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
TRUMP PUNISHES INDIA WITH 50% TARIFFS OVER RUSSIAN OIL
US President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50%, penalising India for buying Russian oil. The White House said the new 25% levy will stack on last week’s 25%, taking effect in 21 days unless a deal is reached. New Delhi condemned the move as “unfair” and vowed to defend national interests, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called Trump a “bully.” Analysts see the step as leverage in stalled trade talks, not direct Russia pressure. Bloomberg Economics warns the tariff could slash US-bound Indian exports by 60%, hitting labour-intensive sectors and straining ties between the two nations. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
… AND WAGS FINGER AT CHINA
President Donald Trump hinted at possible new tariffs on China over its purchases of Russian oil, mirroring action taken against India. While Trump said the move “may happen,” White House trade adviser Peter Navarro downplayed the likelihood, citing risks to the US economy. China’s imports from Russia hit $10.06 billion in July, though year-to-date totals are down 7.7%. Any new tariffs would add to existing 50% duties, risking retaliation from Beijing. US-China ties have recently stabilised, with tariff pauses and talks underway, raising the possibility of a Trump–Xi summit later this year despite unresolved disputes, including advanced AI chip supply. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
NGO FORUM
"Come and Listen" to Yvonne Spain on her Vast Experience in the NGO sector.
Yvonne Spain has had a varied life and career, starting as a PA, followed by positions in retail groups, then with social and political organisations in Pietermaritzburg. She served as an Independent on the Pietermaritzburg City Council for five years, and spent ten years with the Children in Distress network (CINDI, an HIV/AIDS NPO), the last four as Director. In her "retirement" Yvonne is still involved in part-time administrative work with various charitable organisations.
Date: Friday, 15 August 2025
Time: 10h00 - 12h00
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
No Charge |
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The soul is stronger than its surroundings.
William James |
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| Dollar | R17.73 | + 0.01% | | Pound | R23.80 | - 0.02% | | Euro | R20.65 | + 0.16% | | Yen | 0.120308 |
| | Yuan | R2.47 | + 0.06% | | Bitcoin | $ 116 655.62 | - 0.39% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 349.60
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| + 0.49% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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