| CHINESE IMPORTS DELUGE TO STRAINS OF TRANSFORMATION KUMBAYA |
South Africa’s manufacturers are sinking in a flood of Chinese imports, largely in response to goods being redirected in response to US tariffs, while political noise around transformation threatens to drown out the urgent business of building competitive factories. Trade Minister Parks Tau calls localisation a R151 billion opportunity, yet local automotive content has slipped to 38.1%, against a 60% target for 2035. (See below). As pundits point out, transformation matters, but without decisive action on import competition, costs and competitiveness, there may be fewer factories left to transform.
See below: Eskom launches EV chargers in KZN with 20% discount |
| WESSA CELEBRATES CENTENARY WITH DOUBLE AWARD TRIUMPH |
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(ltr) WILDTRUST CEO Roelie Kloppers (left) and Kirsten Oliver congratulate Alwande Dube, recipient of WESSA’s Rising Star Award for engaging young people in Marine Protected Areas, at WESSA’s 100th anniversary celebration.
The Howick-based Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, better known by its WESSA acronym, has reinforced its position as a leading force in environmental education and responsible tourism, winning two honours at the 2026 Eco-Logic Awards.
The organisation took gold in the Eco-Community category, recognising its work in mobilising communities around environmental awareness and action, while its Green Key Programme earned silver in Eco-Hospitality and Tourism, highlighting efforts to promote more sustainable practices across the tourism and hospitality sectors. The recognition comes in WESSA’s centenary year, adding to celebrations of its longstanding contribution to conservation and environmental stewardship.
Also sharing the limelight was another Howick-based organisation, FreeMe Wildlife that secured national recognition, winning gold in Nature Conservation.
The Eco-Logic Awards recognise initiatives across 12 categories, spanning climate action, water conservation, waste innovation, eco-fashion and sustainable living. Other gold winners included FoodForward SA, Project 90 by 2030 and Reforest Fest by Greenpop. See here for all the winners. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
| GRADMATCH TO CONNECT GRADUATES WITH EMPLOYERS |
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) has launched GradMatch, a pilot initiative being rolled out in KwaZulu-Natal to connect unemployed graduates with local businesses seeking skills and potential interns.
The web-based platform at www.gradmatch.co.za offers separate registration portals for graduates and prospective employers or internship hosts. Graduates list their qualifications and experience, confirming monthly that they remain unemployed to keep their profiles active.
Businesses register their credentials for verification by the PMCB, enabling them to search for suitable candidates. Note that the PMCB cannot independently verify every graduate’s details; employers are responsible for checking qualifications, experience and other information before making recruitment decisions.
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1899: Boer forces besieged the small town of Mafikeng.
Elsewhere, in 1947, American Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager became the first human to fly faster than the speed of sound when he clocked Mach 1.07 in the experimental Bell X-1.
On a more pedestrian note, today is observed as World Standard Day. Co-ordinated Universal Time (abbreviated to UTC) is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is within about one second of mean solar time at 0° longitude and is not adjusted for daylight saving time. South Africa is two hours ahead of UTC. |
ESKOM LAUNCHES EV CHARGERS IN KZN WITH 20% DISCOUNT
Eskom has launched electric-vehicle (EV) charging facilities at Gateway and Pavilion shopping malls in Greater Durban, offering motorists a 20% introductory discount for the first six months. Eskom Distribution acting general manager for operations enablement Zuhdi Hamza said the installations would help build an accessible, connected electric-mobility network.
Eskom has deployed 104 charging stations across 68 of its own and partner sites, alongside 92 electric vehicles. Of these facilities, 19 publicly accessible chargers operate across 14 sites. A further 84 potential public charging locations have been identified, with discussions involving property owners at various stages. Eskom says the initiative aims to improve affordability and accessibility while addressing charging-availability concerns among current and prospective EV owners. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AND BACKS 6 000MW CLEAN ENERGY, 1 500MW PUPMED STORAGE PLANS
Eskom Green is seeking strategic partners for renewable energy projects totalling 6 000MW and the 1 500MW Tubatse pumped-storage scheme in Limpopo. The storage project, planned near Roossenekal, could generate electricity for up to 14 hours, storing surplus renewable power for evening peaks. Eskom will contribute at least 2 000MW of solar photovoltaic projects and 1 000MW of battery storage to its renewables pipeline. Energy analyst Robert Futter welcomes the strategy but questions Eskom’s flexibility and ability to compete with independent power producers on price. Responses for Tubatse are due by 30 November. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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TAU FLAGS STALLED AUTOMOTIVE LOCALISATION TARGETS
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has acknowledged mounting pressure on South Africa’s automotive component manufacturers from imports, energy and logistics costs, and weak demand. Local content in vehicles manufactured domestically stood at 38.1% in 2025, well short of the Automotive Master Plan’s 60% target for 2035. Vehicle manufacturers imported R151bn in original-equipment components last year. Tau said government would prioritise keeping the component manufacturing base viable, while reviewing the Automotive Production and Development Programme to reward local manufacturing rather than assembly alone. He also highlighted the need to bring black-owned suppliers into automotive supply chains and develop African component suppliers through regional cooperation. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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PRESSURE MOUNTS TO DISBURSE R10 BILLION FUEL RELIEF
The South African government faces intense public pressure to convert its proposed R10 billion fuel intervention into immediate pump-price relief before December. In October, inland petrol prices breached a record R30 per litre, driven largely by volatility stemming from the Middle East conflict. The Second Special Appropriation Bill aims to channel this R10 billion to the Equalisation Fund under the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. However, Minister Gwede Mantashe has cautioned that funding this fiscal relief via the National Revenue Fund creates heavy trade-offs that reduce the budget for other critical government programs. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS CREECY REJECTS RAF BID FOR 33% FUEL LEVY HIKE
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has ruled out increasing the Road Accident Fund (RAF) fuel levy from R2.25 to R3 a litre, rejecting a proposed 33.3% hike. The fund’s 2025/26 annual report reveals liabilities exceeding assets by R439.5bn, up from R293.8bn a year earlier, with claims liabilities reaching R449.1bn. The RAF says its current funding model is unsustainable and has proposed a higher levy alongside Treasury support. Government is considering alternative funding, including a hybrid model and possible third-party vehicle insurance. Creecy says research and financial modelling are under way, taking electric vehicles into account. Outa argues the existing levy should be retained while the RAF is reformed. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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MOODY’S SETS FISCAL TEST FOR SOUTH AFRICAN UPGRADE
Moody’s says South Africa’s upcoming medium-term budget and next year’s budget will test whether improving public finances can secure a sovereign credit-rating upgrade. The agency affirmed the country’s Ba2 rating but revised its outlook to positive in May. Government debt is expected to peak at about 87% of GDP in 2025/26, declining gradually to 84% by 2030. An upgrade requires sustained primary budget surpluses, falling debt-servicing costs and a credible reduction in debt relative to GDP. Continued structural reforms and stronger economic growth are also essential. Moody’s expects growth to approach 2% by 2028, helping improve revenue collection and debt affordability. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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PNG, IRON, COAL LEAD 12.7% MINING OUTPUT PLUNGE
South African mining production fell 12.7% year-on-year in August, worsening from July’s 7% decline, according to Statistics South Africa. Platinum group metals, coal and iron ore were the biggest contributors to the contraction, while gold, copper, nickel and diamonds also performed poorly. Chromium and manganese ore recorded gains. Mineral sales fell 15.1% year-on-year, with gold sales plunging 48.6%. Stats SA said August’s production decline was the steepest since October 2022, when output contracted 13.4%, highlighting mounting pressure on the mining sector. (SOURCE: EWN)
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R7-A-PACK HIGHLIGHT ILLICIT TOBACCO CALAMITY
Almost 75% of cigarettes sold in South Africa are reportedly illicit, up from 27% in 2022, according to an Ipsos study commissioned by British American Tobacco South Africa. Some packs sell for as little as R7, against a minimum collectable tax price of R27.12 - comprising R23.58 excise duty and R3.54 VAT on excise. This is a tax benchmark, not the full legal retail price. The study estimates annual tax losses at R30 billion. The wider illicit economy costs R280bn, displaces more than R190bn in legitimate production and threatens 87 500 jobs. Legal tobacco volumes have fallen 53% since Covid-19. Industry proposals include tougher enforcement and a R38 minimum retail price. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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IOCO EARNINGS SOAR 42% ON RESTRUCTURE
IT services group iOCO delivered a strong financial performance, with headline earnings per share rising 42% to 57 cents and profit after tax increasing 39% to R357-million. The results reflect progress in executing its cost-cutting and decentralisation strategy. Management expects the momentum to continue, forecasting core profits of at least R680-million for the 2027 financial year. The outlook signals confidence in sustaining improved profitability following the group’s operational restructuring and focus on efficiency. (SOURCE: SENS)
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LESOTHO DAM PROJECT GEARS UP FOR FEEDER ROADS STAGE
The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) will launch a major feeder roads and bridges programme in the coming months as part of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, centred on the new Polihali Dam. The works include 100 km of paved and gravel roads, three vehicle bridges and five pedestrian bridges. Contracts will encourage Lesotho- and South African firms to participate as joint venture partners, subcontractors, suppliers and employees. The programme aims to restore and improve access for communities affected by the dam’s inundation of upstream valleys. One vehicle bridge will span 435.5 m, while two pedestrian suspension bridges will each extend 805m. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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MAURITIUS BUCKLE UNDER WORST RIOTS SINCE 1999
Mauritius has been rocked by its worst riots since 1999, as water shortages, rising living costs and anger over a police shooting fuelled unrest. Protests began on 7 October amid drought-related water restrictions and higher fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Violence escalated after police shot and injured a 27-year-old woman on 9 October. A police station was later set alight and roads blocked. The unrest challenges the stability of an island economy heavily reliant on tourism and financial services. Analysts say prolonged disruption could threaten investor and tourism confidence, although Mauritius retains its reputation as a business-friendly destination. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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RWANDA STEALS MARCH ON RACE FOR F1 RETURN TO AFRICA
Rwanda has secured a 10-year deal to bring Formula One back to Africa from the early 2030s, ending the continent’s absence from the championship since 1993. The last African Grand Prix was held at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit. Rwanda plans a purpose-built track near Bugesera’s new international airport, about 40 km south of Kigali. Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali said the agreement would deliver economic and social benefits through tourism and investment. President Paul Kagame expects the project to create jobs, develop skills and stimulate regional business. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has championed an African race. South Africa remains interested in hosting one, potentially at Kyalami or in Cape Town. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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UNPACKING EMERGING EU & BUYER ESG REQUIREMENTS FOR KZN
𝑪𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆?
European buyers, financiers, and global supply chains are increasingly looking beyond product quality and price. They want to understand how businesses manage Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) topics across their operations and supply chains.
For many South African exporters, the foundations are already there. The challenge is understanding how existing good business practices align with evolving market expectations and emerging sustainability requirements.
𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐒𝐆 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐔𝐧𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐔 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐒𝐆 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐙𝐍 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.
📅 21 October 2026
🕣 08:30 – 15:30
📍 PMCB Trade Hub, 51 Macleroy Road, Pietermaritzburg
📌 Places are limited to 15 companies, and selected SMEs can participate free of charge.
This highly interactive workshop is designed for KwaZulu-Natal exporters and SMEs looking to strengthen their market position, improve ESG readiness, and prepare for future requirements.
Participants will gain:
✅ Insights into emerging ESG regulations and buyer expectations
✅ Practical tools to assess and improve ESG performance
✅ A tailored first-action roadmap for their business
✅ Opportunities to connect with peers and sustainability support organisations
Through expert input, peer learning, group exercises, and practical frameworks, participants will explore how sustainability can become a driver of business resilience and growth.
Spaces are limited to 15 companies to ensure a focused and interactive experience. Participation is free of charge for selected SMEs. |
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The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.
Dolly Parton |
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 660.00 | + 0.20% | | Gold | $ 4 164.90 | + 0.23% | | Oil | $ 106.14 | + 0.41% | | All Share | 109 408.15 | + 0.60% | | Repo | 7.25 | | | Prime | 10.75 | |
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