| AI MANIPULATION HEIGHTENS HUMAN INTERFERENCE FEARS |
| SMART ID CENTRE GOES LIVE AT FNB BOOM STREET BRANCH |
(ltr) Community Advisors Silondile Ngqulunga and Blessing Amaechi, Pamlea Pitout (Area Manager KZN West) Heidi Jadoo (PMCB), Boom Street Manager Yash Naicker, Thozama (Department of Home Affairs) Philisiwe Sithole (Mayors Office).
FNB’s Boom Street branch has officially launched its Department of Home Affairs Smart ID service, marking a new step in banking-sector government service integration. The centre is now live and assisting clients with Smart ID card renewals on-site.
Eligibility requires an active FNB transactional account linked to the banking app, with a R140 debit available for processing. Clients do not book online but are allocated a service ticket at the branch to proceed through standard queues. The service currently supports only ID renewals. Pensioners applying for their first Smart ID are exempt from fees. The initiative aims to streamline access to essential identity services through banking infrastructure.
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| HULAMIN DISPOSES OF EXTRUSION UNIT IN RESTRUCTURE RESET |
| Hulamin is reshaping its portfolio through the disposal of its aluminium extrusions business, selling Hulamin Extrusions to Norsaf ERS for R10 million as part of a broader restructuring. Proceeds of the sale will be used to reduce debt, settle creditors, and support working capital. The move follows the earlier disposal of its foil container business after a strategic review in an ongoing shift away from lower-margin downstream packaging operations. (SOURCE: SENS) |
1937: South African medical researcher Max Theiler developed the yellow fever vaccine.
Elsewhere, in 1947, Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl began his 101-day journey on the self-built Kon-Tiki raft to prove that South Americans could have settled in Polynesia in pre-Columbian times.
Put on those safety boots and hard hats, on World Day for Health and Safety at Work.
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FMD LAYS WASTE TO SWATHES OF KZN RURAL ECONOMY
The spread of Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is severely disrupting KZN’s rural economy, with more than 30 000 cattle movement restrictions imposed across affected districts. Communal farmers are losing an estimated R50 million to R80 million in forgone cattle sales, as vaccination delays block access to formal markets, according to Meat Naturally Africa that assists 180 communual farmers in KZN, Eastern Cape and Limpopo. Multiple livestock auctions across KZN have been cancelled or postponed, wiping out an estimated R15 million to R25 million in trading activity.
The Royal Agricultural Show in Pietermaritzburg has also been postponed, affecting an event that typically generates over R200 million in economic activity and attracts more than 100 000 visitors. Stakeholders warn the province’s livestock value chain is under severe strain, with urgent calls for accelerated vaccination and containment measures. (SOURCE:BDLive)
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RED FACES AS FAKE REFERENCES SINK AI DRAFT POLICY
The withdrawal of South Africa’s draft AI policy has triggered controversy, after officials conceded that fabricated references appeared in the document, raising serious questions about credibility and process. The setback has intensified scrutiny of how artificial intelligence is being used in policymaking, particularly within the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
Communications minister Solly Malatsi now faces pressure to explain how such errors passed initial checks and what safeguards will be implemented. Critics warn the episode highlights systemic gaps in oversight, verification, and accountability. As government revisits the policy, experts stress the need for stricter human review, transparent methodologies, and robust governance frameworks to ensure AI supports, rather than undermines, public sector decision-making. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... AS STANDARD BANK BREACH SPARKS CYBER-THREAT FEARS
A recent cyberattack involving Standard Bank has intensified calls for a centralised cybercrime intelligence hub as financial institutions face rising digital threats. The incident, which was contained after detection, has reinforced concerns about increasingly sophisticated attacks targeting South Africa’s banking sector. Regulators, including the Prudential Authority, confirmed the bank cooperated fully and implemented remedial action. Analysts say the breach highlights the urgent need for banks to share threat intelligence in real time to reduce systemic risk. With cyberattacks now a routine feature of business operations in 2026, industry stakeholders argue that coordinated defence mechanisms are essential to strengthen resilience and protect customers across the financial system. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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DURBAN TERMINAL'S 695 686 VEHICLE THROUGHPUT SETS RECORD
Transnet Port Terminals’s Durban Car Terminal has achieved a record-breaking throughput of 695 686 fully built vehicles in the financial year to March 2026, surpassing its previous peak of 621 000 units. The performance reflects a 12% year-on-year increase and exceeds the terminal’s installed capacity of 520 000 units, highlighting sustained operational strain amid rising demand. Industry-wide volumes across Durban, Gqeberha and KuGompo City (East London) are now nearing 1 million vehicles annually, with Durban handling over 75% of the total. Growth has been driven by increased imports, new market entrants, and strong OEM performance. Stakeholders credit 24-hour operations, digital systems, and logistics partnerships for the milestone achievement. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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RETAIL PROPERTY BREATHES CONFIDENCE INTO SECTOR
South Africa’s property sector is regaining momentum, with improving confidence lifting values across major segments. Retail portfolios now account for about 45% of listed property holdings, supported by rising foot traffic and tenant recovery, while industrial assets continue to deliver the strongest returns, averaging 12%–14% annually on the back of logistics demand. Overall sector valuations have edged up by roughly 3%–5% year on year. Analysts say improving occupancy rates, now nearing 90% in prime assets, are underpinning recovery. However, risks remain, with interest rates, consumer resilience, and economic growth still key to sustaining performance across the market. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... AS R2 BILLION INFLOW SETS BOOKBUILD PACE
South Africa’s listed property sector is showing renewed strength as Spear REIT and Fairvest Property Holdings raised nearly R2 billion combined in the year’s largest bookbuilds to date. The capital raise signals improving investor appetite for real estate despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Middle East conflict. Market participants say the strong demand reflects growing confidence in defensive, income-generating assets after a prolonged period of valuation pressure. The funds are expected to support portfolio expansion, debt reduction, and repositioning strategies. Analysts note that renewed dealmaking activity suggests the sector may be entering a more active phase, with liquidity returning and investor sentiment gradually strengthening across listed property counters. (SOURCE: Fin24)
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SA FARMERS EYE EXPORT BONANZA ON PISTACHIO PRICE SURGE
A global pistachio price shock is prompting South African farmers to expand production, as higher international demand improves export opportunities and profitability. Tight global supply has pushed benchmark pistachio prices from about $6/kg (about R100) to $10–$12/kg in some export markets, driven by strong consumption growth and constrained output from major producers. This price spike is encouraging new orchard development and expanded planting in suitable irrigation regions. Local farmers are targeting premium export returns as agricultural diversification accelerates. However, analysts caution that pistachios take 5–7 years to mature, and expansion is constrained by water availability, input costs, and competition from established producers such as the US and Iran. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
LIBSTAR HOPES FOR RED LION ROAR IN TOWNSHIP DRIVE
Libstar is accelerating its township strategy through the expansion of its Red Lion brand, signalling a focused response to ongoing consumer financial pressure. The move reflects a broader shift among food producers adapting to constrained household budgets and changing buying patterns. By strengthening its presence in township markets, Libstar aims to capture value-conscious consumers seeking affordable, accessible products. Red Lion’s value proposition lies in trusted staples, competitive pricing, flexible pack sizes, and strong informal trade distribution. The strategy underscores growing competition in lower-income segments, where demand remains resilient. Success will hinge on pricing discipline, reach, and brand relevance across South Africa’s retail landscape. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SIBANYE DEPLOYS TECH AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING NETWORKS
Sibanye-Stillwater is rolling out a high-tech surveillance system to combat illegal mining syndicates across its operations, intensifying efforts to protect assets and personnel. The initiative combines polygraph testing, behavioural profiling, biometric screening, and advanced monitoring technologies to identify internal and external security threats. The company says the strategy is part of a broader crackdown on organised criminal networks infiltrating the mining value chain. Industry analysts note that illegal mining costs South Africa billions annually in lost output, security damage, and production delays. Sibanye’s approach reflects a growing shift toward intelligence-led security, as mining houses adopt more sophisticated tools to counter escalating criminal activity in deep-level and surface operations nationwide. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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WHITE HOUSE EXTENDS SHIPPING WAIVER UNTIL AUGUST
The White House has extended a shipping waiver until mid-August to allow foreign-flagged vessels to transport oil, fuel, fertiliser and other critical goods between US ports. The 90-day extension aims to stabilise supply chains disrupted by the Iran war and the partial closure of key global shipping routes. About 659 product categories remain covered, including crude oil, gasoline, ammonia and ethanol, with cargoes already moving through ports such as California, Florida and Pennsylvania. Officials say the move supports energy security and price stability amid elevated global fuel costs, while critics argue it risks weakening domestic shipbuilding and maritime competitiveness. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
BATTLE OF BILLIONAIRES IN OPENAI SCRAMBLE
The legal battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman is set to expose deep divisions over control, governance, and the future direction of OpenAI. Musk, a co-founder of the organisation, has accused its leadership of drifting from its original non-profit mission, while Altman defends its hybrid commercial model and rapid scaling. The trial is expected to reveal internal tensions over partnerships, funding structures, and AI safety priorities. Analysts say the dispute underscores a broader global contest over artificial intelligence dominance, ethics, and commercialisation. The outcome could influence how frontier AI companies balance profit motives with public-interest obligations in an increasingly competitive technology landscape. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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TRAINING - EMPLOYMENT EQUITY MANAGEMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA
Employment Equity Management (EEM) in South Africa is an integral component of the country's legislative and corporate landscape, aimed at creating a fair, equitable, and inclusive work environment for all citizens.
The Department of Employment & Labour has established clear boundaries to effectively monitor progress made by designated employers in achieving equitable representation of designated persons across all occupational levels. This landmark development marks a significant shift in South Africa's transformation journey, with all designated employers now facing mandatory Ministerial targets that must be achieved by 2030. Only justifiable reasons will be accepted for not meeting the targets. Non-compliance could include fines of up to R1.5 million or 2% of annual turnover.
Designated Employers have five months to prepare for the first round of reporting to the DOEL under the new amendments.
In order to build a representative workforce, EEM focuses on the equitable promotion of designated groups across all employment levels, with specific emphasis on middle and senior management positions.
TRAINER: Raj Seeparsad – HR & Labour Consultant
Will address this & explain why companies are expected to:
• Develop Clear Promotion Pathways: Companies should create transparent pathways for promotion, aligned with merit-based criteria but inclusive of targeted opportunities for employees from underrepresented groups. This approach helps to ensure that promotions are both equitable and aligned with broader EEM goals.
• Establish Fair Performance Appraisal Systems: Performance management systems need to be designed to evaluate employees based on fair and consistent criteria. Biases should be identified and mitigated to prevent discrimination in promotions, performance-based rewards, and salary increments.
• Monitor and Report Progress: The EEA mandates that employers submit annual reports to the Department of Employment and Labour, detailing their progress toward employment equity goals. Employers must set targets for diversity in each occupational level and monitor their achievements.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
HR/IR Managers, HR executives, HR business partners, Management and Business decision makers, EE committee.
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 5 May 2026
Time: 08:00 – 13:00
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (excludes vat) PMCB Members: R680 p/p, R645 p/p for 3/more, R595 p/p for 5/more Non-members: R900 p/p, R885 p/p for 3/more, R850 p/p for 5/more
Please note: The company will be liable for payment unless CANCELLATION is received in writing 24 hours prior to the event. |
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I often find myself in situations where it seems to me like everyone else has read the instruction book.
Jeff Lindsay |
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