| REMINDER: WEBINAR TO EXPLORE SMME AI OPPORTUNITIES |
Artificial intelligence is reshaping business operations, offering SMEs improved efficiency and new growth opportunities, but raising concerns around compliance, data protection and intellectual property. A free webinar hosted by the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship and Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business will address these issues on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. The session from 2 pm to 3 pm aims to help small businesses understand regulatory risks, protect confidential information and use AI tools responsibly in daily operations. It will also showcase how other SMEs are already applying AI and introduce a practical assessment tool. Click here to register. |
PUBLIC TO VOTE ON GRADE 1-7 TALENT AT MALL'S ARTOPIA
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An unidentified visitor admiring some of the artwork by Grade 1-7 learners exploring a maritime theme on display at ARTopia 2026.
Young artists from across Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands are taking centre stage at ARTopia 2026, with the public now playing a crucial role in deciding the winners. Hosted at Liberty Midlands Mall, the exhibition features artworks from a record 23 schools, surpassing last year’s participation.
The Ocean Odyssey-themed display showcases imaginative creations by learners from Grades 1 to 7, ranging from colourful marine life and coral reefs to mythical sea creatures and underwater adventures. Running until 19 July, the exhibition invites shoppers to vote for their favourite artworks across three grade categories. Schools of the three winning learners will each receive R15 000 from a R45 000 prize pool, while one voter stands a chance to win a R2 000 gift voucher. The winning artworks will also be transformed into limited-edition keepsakes, extending the impact of learners’ creativity beyond the exhibition walls.
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| FREE APP DEVELOPMENT COURSE TARGETS 50 000 YOUTHS |
Aspiring developers, entrepreneurs and innovators are invited to apply for the free FNB App Academy 2026. Delivered in partnership with the University of Johannesburg Business School, the accredited programme offers practical app development, digital innovation and entrepreneurship skills. Open to participants across Africa, the initiative aims to equip more than 50 000 young people with future-ready capabilities. Successful participants will receive a recognised certificate and access to mentorship, innovation challenges and industry insights. Applications are now open here.
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| KZN WATER SUMMIT SEEKS URGENT SOLUTIONS |
| KZN will host a provincial water summit on 24 June at the Durban International Conference Centre to address pressing water supply and infrastructure challenges across the province. Convened by KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, stakeholders, government officials and experts are invited to collaborate on practical solutions to improve water security and service delivery. For more information, contact Cebo Thabethe at Cebo.Thabethe@kzncogta.gov.za. |
1927: Afrikaner nationalists rebeled against the inclusion of the Union Jack in the new South African flag.
Elsewhere, in 1633, the Catholic Church forced Galileo Galilei to renounce his heliocentric world view as heresy.
Celebrate trees on International Rainforest Day. |
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ONLINE GAMBLING AT CRISIS POINT AS 57% SACRIFICE RENT, FOOD
The rapid growth of online gambling is placing increasing financial pressure on South African households, with new research highlighting its far-reaching human and economic costs. A survey by Yazi found that 57% of respondents had sacrificed essential expenses, including rent, groceries, transport and airtime, to fund gambling activities, while 29% borrowed money to continue betting.
The findings reveal a troubling pattern of financial strain, particularly among lower-income earners seeking quick financial relief. Banks have warned that rising gambling expenditure is affecting consumers’ ability to repay debt, increasing credit risk and household vulnerability. Industry observers say the ease of access offered by smartphones and online platforms is fuelling participation, prompting growing calls for stronger regulation, consumer protection measures and responsible gambling education programmes. (SOURCE: BDLive)
See below: Global crackdown on R50 billion World Cup betting |
MACPHERSON WANTS XENOPHOBIA INSTIGATORS IN JAIL
South Africa’s public works and infrastructure minister has urged law enforcement agencies to act decisively against individuals inciting or carrying out violence against migrants, warning that such attacks are damaging the country’s global reputation. Speaking at a Foreign Correspondents’ Association event in Johannesburg, Minister Dean Macpherson said government has a dual responsibility to enforce immigration laws while also protecting vulnerable foreign nationals. Rising tensions come as a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration protesters approaches, prompting several African countries to assist thousands of citizens to return home. Authorities say at least 7 400 undocumented migrants have been arrested recently. Officials warn the unrest risks repeating past xenophobic violence and escalating diplomatic fallout across the continent. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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BITUMEN SHORTAGES HOLD INFRASTRUCTURE ROLLOUT TO RANSOM
South Africa’s ambitious infrastructure programme, valued at more than R1 trillion, could face rising costs and delays due to increasing reliance on imported bitumen, a critical material used in road construction and maintenance. The South African Reserve Bank has warned that shrinking domestic refining capacity is reducing local bitumen production, forcing the country to depend more heavily on foreign supplies. This exposes major projects to global price fluctuations, supply chain disruptions and currency volatility. Industry stakeholders say reliable access to bitumen is essential for road upgrades, maintenance and logistics infrastructure. Without secure supply, construction costs could escalate, undermining efforts to modernise transport networks and stimulate economic growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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GERMAN FIRMS BACK LONG-TERM GROWTH BUT WANTS CERTAINTY
German companies remain optimistic about South Africa’s economic prospects, with a survey of 84 firms showing strong confidence in future growth despite ongoing policy concerns. According to the German-Southern African Business Outlook survey, 64% of respondents expect sales to increase, while 48% anticipate higher profits. About 44% plan to make new investments in South Africa over the next three years. Investors have welcomed improvements in electricity supply and reform efforts under the Government of National Unity, with 77% believing the post-election environment will benefit the economy. However, concerns remain over regulatory uncertainty, bureaucracy and broad-based black economic empowerment requirements. German businesses say greater policy consistency and faster reforms are essential to unlocking further investment, job creation and economic growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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INSURANCE VACUUM SPELLS DOOM FOR 80% SMMES
South Africa’s entrepreneurial boom is being undermined by a major insurance gap, with fewer than one in five SMEs carrying formal business cover. Research by PSG Insure shows that while about 385 000 new companies are registered annually, as many as 80% fail within their first five years. Many are exposed to risks such as theft, fire, flooding, cybercrime and business interruption, any of which can threaten survival. SMEs account for about 98% of formal businesses and are vital to job creation and economic growth. Experts say improved risk management and insurance awareness are essential to improve business sustainability and resilience. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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AI, INFLUENCERS LEAD DIGITAL MAKE OVER OF NEWS HABITS
South Africans are increasingly turning to social media influencers, online personalities and artificial intelligence tools for news and information, according to the latest Digital News Report. The study highlights a shift away from traditional news sources as audiences seek faster, more personalised content through digital platforms. It also points to growing use of AI-powered tools to summarise, explain and discover news stories. While the trend creates opportunities for broader access to information, it raises concerns about misinformation, credibility and verification. The report further notes that many South African journalists feel underprepared to use AI responsibly, citing limited training and newsroom support as key challenges. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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BRAIT IN R2.5 BILLION BID TO PUMP UP VIRGIN ACTIVE
Investment holding company Brait has launched a R2.5 billion rights offer as it enters the final phase of its long-term strategy to unwind and unlock shareholder value. The capital raise, priced at a discount to the theoretical ex-rights price, will be used to eliminate legacy debt, redeem £138 million (about R2.6 billion) in convertible bonds, and recapitalise Virgin Active. Virgin Active, Brait’s largest asset, delivered a 37% rise in Ebitda to £110m, supported by membership growth, refurbishments and its wellness strategy. The broader group has reduced net debt from R7bn in 2020 to R1.7bn. Backed by major shareholder Titan, the deal aims to position Brait for asset sales, listings or full unbundling within two years. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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SUNLIGHT’S CLAIM DOESN’T WASH WITH REGULATOR
Sunlight has been instructed by South Africa’s advertising regulator to amend a claim made about its dishwashing liquid after it was found to be misleading. The ruling follows a complaint that the marketing wording exaggerated product performance compared with competing brands, potentially creating an unfair impression among consumers. The authority directed the company to withdraw or modify the contested claim to ensure it aligns with substantiated evidence and advertising standards. The decision reinforces the requirement for all consumer brands to ensure accuracy and transparency in product messaging. Sunlight must now update its packaging and advertising to comply with the ruling. (SOURCE: News24)
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'DARK' TRANSITS MUDDLE OIL-FLOW OUTLOOK THROUGH HORMUZ
Millions of barrels of crude oil continued moving through the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend despite Iran’s claims that the vital waterway had been closed. Ship-tracking data showed at least five fully loaded supertankers, carrying about eight million barrels combined, entering or transiting the strait along a southern route near Oman before switching off their signals. US officials said roughly 17 million barrels still passed through, contradicting Iranian media reports of a shutdown. The competing narratives reflect escalating geopolitical tension between Washington and Tehran over control of the chokepoint. Shipping operators are increasingly using “dark” transits and alternative Omani routes to reduce risk while maintaining critical global energy supply flows. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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GLOBAL CRACKDOWN ON R50 BILLION WORLD CUP BETTING
Prediction markets tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026 are rapidly reshaping global sports wagering, with platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket driving billions in trading volume. Analysts estimate the tournament could generate around $3 billion (about R50 billion) in additional wagers and push total betting activity toward $10 billion as fans bet on match outcomes, goals and player performance. However, regulators across Spain, India, Indonesia and parts of Europe have moved to restrict access, arguing that these platforms blur the line between gambling and financial derivatives. While operators claim they provide valuable crowd-sourced forecasting and market efficiency, critics warn of insider trading risks and regulatory loopholes. The legal patchwork is tightening as governments move to close access gaps. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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SWITZERLAND GIVES UP COMPETITIVE EDGE TO SINGAPORE, HONGKONG
Switzerland has lost its long-held position as the world’s most competitive economy, slipping to third place in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking behind Singapore and Hong Kong. The decline reflects pressure from high US trade tariffs, a strong Swiss franc and weakening foreign investment flows. Business efficiency helped Singapore reclaim the top spot, while Hong Kong’s rise highlights shifting global wealth dynamics and capital mobility. Switzerland still ranks first in government efficiency and remains strong in infrastructure, but inward investment turned sharply negative at $60.7 billion. Analysts say geopolitical uncertainty, protectionism and domestic policy debates are eroding confidence, even as the country remains a key global financial and corporate hub. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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GOLDEN OLDIE DIRECTORS TOP 27% OF US BOARS
The share of corporate directors over age 70 in US boardrooms has risen sharply, reaching 22.7% of all board members in Russell 3000 companies, up from 18.4% in 2023, according to Bloomberg data. Companies are retaining veteran directors as they seek stability amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and pressure to navigate complex governance issues. Supporters argue experienced board members bring valuable crisis management skills and long institutional memory, especially during inflation, tariffs and market shocks. However, critics warn that ageing boards may lack the expertise needed for fast-moving areas such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Governance experts are increasingly calling for term limits and refreshed board pipelines to balance experience with innovation and adaptability in corporate leadership. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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You will never feel truly satisfied by work until you are satisfied by life.
Heather Schuck |
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