| OCEAN PIONEERS TO HEAD DOUBLE BILLING AT WOMEN'S LUNCH |
The popular Women in Business Luncheon on Friday, 31 July, will be headlined by an exciting double-header that features ocean pioneers Captain Londy Ngcobo and Guinness World Record-holder Sarah Ferguson. Ferguson, an extreme endurance swimmer and environmental advocate, has completed world-first open-water swims of up to 760 km and is currently tackling a 1 500km staged swim from Mozambique to Cape Town. She joins Ngcobo, Africa's first female Dredge Master, to share inspiring stories of resilience, leadership and breaking barriers. The event not only promises powerful insights from two pioneering women at one of the most popular events on the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business calendar, but also an afternoon of fun and frivolity, not to mention networking opportunities. To book and for more information, contact Heidi on (033) 345 2747 or at pmcb@pmcb.org.za.
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| NDABA TO LEAD CHAMBER IN VOTE OF CONTINUITY, EXPERIENCE |
Bonga Ndaba was handed the presidential chain by outgoing president Dr John Buyers who had completed his two-year tenure. .
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business elected an experienced leadership team at its annual general meeting last night. Elected to the board were Jennifer Reddy, Mark Gutridge, Ali Engelbrecht, Thirusha Govender (Treasurer), Raj Seeparsad, Themba Ndhlovu and Sharryn Middleton. They join existing board members Dr John Buyers, Harry Shaw, David Poole, Dr Janet Channing, Kervin Budram, Mzi Thyokolo and Bonga Ndaba.
Ndaba was appointed President and Engelbrecht elected First Deputy President. The new board will guide the PMCB's strategic priorities, business advocacy and regional economic development initiatives for the coming term.
The AGM also resolved to disband Business Fighting Crime and for any funds to be donated to the PMCB and ring fenced for crime-related matters.
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| PETITION URGES URGENT ACTION TO SAVE ALBERT FALLS |
A public petition is calling for urgent government intervention to halt worsening sewage pollution at Albert Falls Dam. Launched by the DA, the Saving Albert Falls campaign warns that continued contamination threatens drinking water, agriculture, tourism, biodiversity and KZN's long-term water security, following a recent report exposing severe failures in wastewater infrastructure. Click here for the link.
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1894: The world’s first competitive motor race, for horseless carriages, was run from Paris to Rouen.
Pie anyone? Today is Pi Approximation Day, celebrating the fraction 22/7. |
AI-DRIVEN ROAD PLAN TO TARGET KZN INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES
The KZN Transport Department plans to harness artificial intelligence to modernise road management, improve maintenance planning and speed up infrastructure delivery as part of its 2026/27 budget strategy. AI will analyse traffic volumes, weather patterns and structural risks to identify road problems before they worsen, enabling faster, data-driven interventions.
The department received a R13.94 billion budget, including R9.2 billion for transport infrastructure. MEC Siboniso Duma also pledged to accelerate pothole repairs, shift more freight from road to rail, complete stalled projects and blacklist underperforming contractors. Despite a R2 billion reduction in the Provincial Roads Maintenance Grant over the MTEF, the department aims to reduce roads in poor condition from 57% to 45% over five years. (SOURCE: Lead2Business)
See below: Power supply at root of AI's 4% African growth promise |
... AS KZN'S 3 626 STATE HOMES FACE OWNERSHIP PROBE
KwaZulu-Natal is at the centre of a national review of State-owned housing after Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson ordered an investigation into 6 238 government-owned residential properties, of which 3 626 are in the province. The 30-day probe will assess whether the properties are still required, who occupies them and whether allocations comply with government regulations. The department also plans to identify surplus homes for possible sale to reduce maintenance costs and generate revenue. During 2025/26, R39.6 million was spent maintaining just 108 properties, highlighting concerns over accountability and the cost of underutilised state assets. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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... AND 420 000 GRANT BENEFICIARIES UNDER SASSA REVIEW
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has flagged more than 420 000 grant beneficiaries for review as part of a nationwide verification drive aimed at preventing fraud and ensuring only eligible recipients receive social assistance. Social Development Minister Dina Pule said the exercise is expected to save the state about R1.5 billion by identifying irregular or ineligible claims. The review forms part of broader efforts to strengthen oversight of South Africa's social grant system, which supports millions of vulnerable citizens. Beneficiaries selected for review will be required to verify their personal and financial information. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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MASS BOARD EXODUS DEEPENS PIC GOVERNANCE CRISIS
The governance crisis at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has deepened after six board directors resigned within a week, escalating pressure on Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo to intervene. Four additional resignations followed the earlier departure of two directors, raising concerns about board stability at the state-owned asset manager responsible for overseeing more than R3 trillion in public funds. The turmoil has reignited debate over governance, accountability and political influence at the PIC. Opposition parties have called for urgent reforms, warning that prolonged instability could undermine investor confidence and the corporation's ability to safeguard government employees’ pension investments. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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PEPFAR CUTS DEPRIVES 30 880 CHILDREN OF HIV CARE
Thousands of South African children have lost access to life-saving HIV treatment following cuts to US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding, according to a new study. Researchers estimate 30 880 fewer children are receiving antiretroviral therapy after the withdrawal of US support, raising concerns about treatment interruptions and long-term health outcomes. Health experts warn the funding reductions threaten years of progress in combating paediatric HIV and could increase illness and mortality if alternative resources are not secured. South Africa has the world's largest HIV treatment programme, with about 7.8 million people living with HIV. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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DELIVERY APPS RESHAPING R220 BILLION LIQUOR LANDSCAPE
South Africa's liquor retail market is rapidly shifting online as consumers increasingly choose delivery apps over traditional store visits. A Trade Intelligence report shows Checkers Sixty60 leads the online liquor segment, with digital alcohol sales growing strongly as convenience drives purchasing behaviour. The report notes South Africa's liquor market is worth about R220 billion annually, while online sales still account for a relatively small but fast-growing share. Consumers are making more spontaneous purchases linked to social occasions rather than planned shopping trips. Analysts say retailers investing in rapid delivery, digital platforms and personalised promotions are best positioned to capture future market growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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BETTER DISEASE MANAGEMENT SEES 25% PORK-PRICE RELIEF
South African pork prices have fallen by about 25% following a dramatic improvement in the country's animal disease situation, bringing relief to consumers and food manufacturers. The decline follows easing concerns over outbreaks that had previously disrupted supply, allowing producers to increase market availability. Improved herd health and more stable production have helped restore confidence across the pork value chain, with wholesale prices retreating from earlier highs. Industry analysts say the lower prices should gradually filter through to retailers and consumers, although feed costs, transport expenses and overall inflation will continue influencing final shelf prices. (SOURCE: News24)
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AFRICAN CENTRAL BANKS TURN CAUTIOUS ON RATES
African central banks are expected to keep monetary policy tight as rising oil prices and renewed Middle East tensions fuel inflation concerns. At least 11 central banks will announce interest-rate decisions over the next three weeks, with South Africa widely expected to increase the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.25%. Nigeria is forecast to hold at 26.5%, while Ghana is expected to keep rates at 14%. The renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up fuel and fertiliser costs, prompting policymakers to prioritise inflation control and currency stability over further interest-rate cuts. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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POWER SUPPLY AT ROOT OF A1'S 4% AFRICAN GROWTH PROMISE
Artificial intelligence could boost Sub-Saharan Africa's economy by about 4% over the next decade if countries improve electricity supply, internet access and digital skills, according to the International Monetary Fund. Without these reforms, growth gains could be as little as 0.2%. Around 50% of the region's population still lacks reliable electricity, while only 38% used the internet in 2024, compared with 68% globally. Africa has about 160 data centres, just 5.5% of the world's total, although major investments are underway, including $1.7 billion in AI infrastructure projects across the continent. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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EMERGENCY OIL STOCKS HOLD STRONG AT 1 BILLION BARRELS
The International Energy Agency (IEA) says member countries still hold more than one billion barrels of emergency oil despite releasing a record 290 million barrels since March to stabilise global energy markets. The coordinated release forms part of a planned 400-million-barrel intervention following oil price spikes triggered by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. While Gulf oil exports remain below late-June levels, they have recovered significantly from earlier disruptions. Oil prices edged higher amid renewed geopolitical tensions, although weaker demand from China, where June crude imports fell 41.3%, has helped temper further price increases. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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Courage and grace is a formidable mixture.
Marlene Dietrich |
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| Dollar | R16.47 | - 0.03% | | Pound | R22.05
| - 0.11% | | Euro | R18.80
| - 0.17% | | Yen | 0.101103 |
| | Yuan | R2.43 | + 0.01% | | Bitcoin | $ 65 848.89
| - 0.72% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 666.60
| + 2.21% | | Gold | $ 4 115.18
| + 1.03% | | Oil | $ 93.24
| + 1.82% | | All Share | 109 027.35
| + 0.04% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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