| OUT-OF-CONTROL ONLINE BETTING MORPHS INTO ADDICTION CRISIS |
South Africa's online betting industry has exploded, with wagers soaring from R30 billion in 2014 to R1.1 trillion in 2024/25, while casino gambling has remained below R300 billion. Calls to the National Gambling Helpline also surged from 65 000 in 2022/23 to more than one million in 2024/25, highlighting rising addiction concerns as punters increasingly fall victim to gambling myths. Aggressive marketing, AI-powered betting platforms and weak regulation see many vulnerable South Africans reportedly gambling SASSA grants and NSFAS allowances.
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| GEMMELL TAKES BEER-BREWING EXPERTISE TO BRAZIL |
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Megan Gemmell has added more arrows to her beer-brewing quiver by being appointed to two international judging panels.
Pietermaritzburg-based brewer and beer judge Megan Gemmell has been appointed to the judging panels of the Brazilian International Beer Awards (BBA) and the inaugural BBA ZERO International Alcohol-Free Beer Awards, reinforcing her growing international reputation in the brewing industry.
Gemmell, who holds a Master's degree in Microbiology from UKZN, has more than 17 years' brewing experience. She owns Clockwork Brewhouse, is a Beer Judge Certification Programme (BJCP) Certified Beer Judge, an internationally awarded brewer and a brewing educator. The competitions will be held in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, during the Bahia Beer Festival from November 2 to 6, with judging from November 2 to 5 and the awards ceremony on November 6. Organisers said her appointment enhances the credibility and technical excellence of the internationally recognised competitions.
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| CIRCULAR ECONOMY TALK OFFERS BUSINESS INSIGHTS |
Coffeeberry Cascades will host its next True Story Tuesday tomorrow, 28 July, at 6 pm, featuring globally-recognised circular economy leader Chris Whyte. Proudly Pietermaritzburg-rooted with global recognition, Whyte will share practical insights into one of the world's fastest-growing sustainability sectors. The presentation will explore how circular economy principles are creating opportunities for businesses, communities and the environment. Topics include innovative recycling, regenerative food systems, alternative building materials, critical raw materials, energy and water innovation, and turning waste into opportunity. To book, contact info@coffeeberry.co.za.
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1999: The Natal Law Society apologised posthumously to Mahatma Gandhi, 105 years after a racist decision barred the young lawyer from practising in the former colony of Natal.
Elsewhere, in 1949, the first jet-powered airline, a de Havilland Comet, took flight.
It’s International Safe Places to Work Day.
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RAMAPHOSA UNVEILS 5-POINT PLAN TO FIX WORSENING WATER WOES
The National Water Action Plan (NWAP) to tackle South Africa's worsening water crisis through infrastructure investment, governance reform and stronger municipal accountability was unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Developed by the newly established National Water Crisis Committee (WATERCOM), the plan focuses on five priority interventions that include improving municipal water services, attracting private-sector investment, reforming legislation and combating corruption.
Immediate measures include bringing at least three private-sector water infrastructure projects to market before year-end, ring-fencing municipal water revenues for maintenance and accelerating support to failing municipalities. Government says the plan aims to restore reliable, quality water supplies and strengthen long-term water security nationwide. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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TOUGHGER GLOBAL STANDARDS RISK GREYLIST EXIT
South Africa faces a renewed risk of greylisting as global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards become more demanding, despite its ongoing efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. Experts warn that international benchmarks are continuously evolving, requiring stronger enforcement, better investigations and more successful prosecutions rather than simply passing new laws. Businesses, banks and regulators will need to maintain high compliance standards to avoid future sanctions. Failure to keep pace could undermine investor confidence, increase the cost of cross-border transactions and damage South Africa's reputation as a trusted international financial centre. (SOURCE: News24)
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SMALL CLAIMS COURT'S R30 000 THRESHOLD EFFECTIVE 1 AUGUST
South Africans will soon be able to pursue larger civil claims through the Small Claims Court after the monetary limit increases by 50%, from R20 000 to R30 000, effective 1 August. The higher threshold expands access to affordable justice by allowing individuals and small businesses to recover larger debts without the cost of legal representation. Small Claims Courts provide a quick, simple process for disputes involving unpaid accounts, breach of contract, damaged property and defective goods. Legal experts say the increase will ease pressure on higher courts while enabling more consumers to enforce their rights through an accessible, low-cost legal system. (SOURCE: News24)
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GODONGWANA SCRAMBLES TO RESTORE PIC BOARD QUORUM
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is moving to reconstitute the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) board after a wave of resignations left it without the quorum needed to make legally binding decisions. The governance crisis deepened after six non-executive directors and board chair David Masondo stepped down, leaving the board unable to function. The turmoil follows the precautionary suspension of CEO Patrick Dlamini and a Financial Sector Conduct Authority investigation into governance concerns. Godongwana has confirmed he will appoint a new board to restore stability at Africa's largest asset manager, which manages more than R3 trillion in public sector investments. (SOURCE: News24)
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STANDARD BANK EYES HYBRID LOANS FOR R900 BILLION TOWNSHIP ECONOMY
Standard Bank is developing hybrid loan products to unlock opportunities in South Africa's township economy, estimated to be worth about R900 billion. The bank says the sector remains largely underserved, with 80% of township businesses unregistered, 57% self-funded and fewer than 9% able to access bank loans. The new financing model aims to support purchases such as untitled homes and second-hand vehicles, using more flexible lending criteria than conventional loans. Standard Bank believes tailored financial products could improve access to credit, stimulate entrepreneurship, create jobs and help more township businesses enter the formal economy. (news24.com)
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SAPPI URGES 'MISSING LINK' INVESTMENT IN TEXTILE CONVERSION
Sappi has urged greater investment in South Africa's textile value chain, warning that a critical gap in fibre conversion is limiting the country's ability to compete globally and create jobs. While Sappi produces 95% of South Africa’s dissolving wood pulp, it currently exports the product to processing facilities in Asia and Europe as it lacks the technology to convert it into textile fibres such as viscose and lyocell before being un into yarn. The company says bridging this "missing link" would enable more value-added manufacturing, strengthen local supply chains and boost exports. Developing domestic fibre conversion capacity could unlock significant employment opportunities while positioning South Africa as a more competitive player in the global sustainable textile industry. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS OLD SCHOOL BRAND RUNS GAUNTLET OVER INDIAN MANUFACTURE
South African footwear brand Old School has come under scrutiny after confirming that its shoes are designed in Stellenbosch but manufactured in India, raising questions about support for local manufacturing. The disclosure comes as government intensifies efforts to boost domestic production, create jobs and expand industrialisation through localisation policies. Critics argue that outsourcing production undermines these objectives, particularly in labour-intensive sectors such as clothing and footwear. Old School maintains that overseas manufacturing allows it to meet quality, scale and pricing requirements while retaining product design, branding and business operations in South Africa. The debate highlights the tension between global competitiveness and local job creation. (SOURCE: News24)
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DANGOTE PICKS LONDON ABOVE DUBAI FOR SECOND LISTING
Dangote Cement plans to pursue a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange, saying it offers a faster route to international investors than Dubai. Board member Mariya Dangote said a Dubai listing could have taken years, prompting the company to favour London instead. The move revives plans first announced in 2011 and forms part of the wider expansion strategy of the Dangote Group, controlled by Africa's richest businessman, Aliko Dangote. The group is also preparing to list shares in its oil refinery as it expands its interests across cement, energy, fertiliser and other industrial sectors. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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MIDEAST CONFLICT CUTS CITRUS EXPORTS OVER LONGER ROUTES
South Africa's citrus exports to the Middle East have dropped sharply as conflict disrupts shipping through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, forcing vessels onto the longer Cape route. The diversion adds 10 to 15 days to transit times and significantly increases freight and insurance costs. The Middle East accounts for about 9% of South Africa's citrus exports, making it an important market. Despite the setback, exporters remain optimistic, citing strong global demand after shipping disruptions ease. South Africa exported a record 203.4 million cartons of citrus in 2025, with the industry expecting another strong season despite current logistical challenges. (SOURCE: News24)
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...AS SUEZ DETOURS DRIVE UP GLOBAL OIL SHIPPING COSTS
Escalating conflict in the Middle East is forcing many oil tankers to avoid the Red Sea and Suez Canal, opting instead for the much longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. The diversion adds about 10 to 15 days to a typical voyage between the Middle East and Europe, increasing fuel consumption, crew costs, insurance premiums and vessel charter rates. Analysts estimate the additional expense can exceed US$1 million per tanker, depending on ship size and freight rates. The longer journeys are tightening tanker availability, disrupting global supply chains and adding upward pressure on crude oil and refined fuel prices worldwide (SOURCE: Reuters).
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... AND OIL PRICE TAKES A COLD BATH ON FRESH DIPLOMATIC BID
Global oil prices tumbled this morning after the US paused its two-week bombing campaign against Iran, raising hopes that a diplomatic breakthrough could avert a prolonged Middle East conflict. Brent crude fell more than 10% to below $90 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate dropped about 5%, easing fears of major supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also indicated it would halt attacks if the US maintained its pause, following China-backed peace efforts involving Pakistan. The sharp decline lifted global markets, weakened the US Dollar and reduced inflation concerns, offering welcome relief for energy-importing countries. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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If you don't use your experience, your past is wasted, and you are betraying yourself.
Alan Shepard |
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| Dollar | R16.66 | + 1.0% | | Pound | R22.25
| + 0.70% | | Euro | R19.01 | + 0.66% | | Yen | 0.100203 |
| | Yuan | R2.46
| + 0.96% | | Bitcoin | $ 65 469.63
| + 2.14% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 636.70
| + 2.94% | | Gold | $ 4 097.76
| + 1.13% | | Oil | $ 86.56
| - 12.45% | | All Share | 109 398.76 | + 0.98% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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