| FLIPPING THE SCRIPT ON TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE FOR SAFER ROADS |
Back in the day of long road trips and speed-trapping cameras manned by cops hiding in the bushes, flashing your lights at oncoming traffic was an unlawful but socially acceptable warning. Since then, the script has been flipped. Unlawful road behaviour has become the norm and previously taboo interventions are gaining currency. Think of Cape Town looking to deploy cameras to nab drivers on cell phones and not wearing seatbelts. The knee-jerk reaction is Big Brother fearmongering, that is, until you’re smashed into by a driver careening through a red light because his eyes are glued to the cell phone screen.
Or driving back from Durban on the newly-opened section of the N3 and dodging three heavy trucks overtaking each other in three of the four lanes? What about yesterday’s accident involving a truck and minibus taxi claiming 11 lives in Isipingo?
The posturing by ministers, officials and the like will not bring back the dead, but decisive action, especially visible policing and enforcement, may rein in the mayhem. If that’s too much to ask, then install cameras on those fancy lights lining parts of the N3, and any other infrastructure, and hold all kamikaze drivers to account. I mean, if you're not breaking the law, you've got nothing to worry about, right? Derek Alberts (Editor)
|
| A SALUTE TO GENEROSITY FOR THE GREATER GOOD |
The Cascades Lifestyle Centre team (ltr) Lache Gobey, Sifundo Buthelezi, Marche Naude, Sanele Dlamini, and Noxolo Mngadi with Christian Dlamini (Community Chest) in front.
The Pietermaritzburg and District Community Chest expressed its appreciation to the Cascades Lifestyle Centre for being included in the recent Lucky Draw Charity Win. “We’re thrilled to have won twice, a testament to the generosity of the centre and its customers,” said Executive Director Richard Rangiah. He said the gesture greatly boosted the Chest’s fundraising efforts and helped it to continue supporting vulnerable individuals and families through other registered charities and community initiatives.
|
| CALL TO JOIN FULLY-FUNDED CLIMATE READINESS PILOT |
Climate change is upon us, and to help mitigate some of its impacts, industry body Seifsa has called on metals, engineering and related manufacturers to apply for a fully funded 2026 Climate Readiness Pilot Programme aimed at boosting climate compliance and competitiveness. The initiative will help companies map their greenhouse-gas emissions, build internal capability and prepare for tightening global climate rules. Based on the South African-developed Climate Fit Tool, the initiative is funded by Danish Industry in partnership with Seifsa. The programme requires firms to submit an expression of interest, attend an information session and undergo a readiness assessment before final selection. Here's the link.
|
1948: Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu zealot.
Elsewhere, in 1933, Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany to mark the end of the Weimar Republic and the beginning of the Third Reich.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles gave their last public performance, on the rooftop of the Apple Corps building in London.
|
RESERVE BANK OPTS FOR STEADY RATES IN CHOPPY WATERS
The Reserve Bank opted to hold the repo rate at 6.75% yesterday, keeping the prime rate at 10.25%, signaling caution amid heightened global uncertainty. Despite a strong rand and benign inflation, the Monetary Policy Committee chose to pause further cuts after November’s 25-basis-point reduction. Governor Lesetja Kganyago highlighted elevated geopolitical tensions, record global imbalances, rising government debt, and potential AI-driven market volatility as reasons for the wait-and-see approach.
The vote was split, with two members favouring a cut and four preferring to hold. Economists anticipate that any further reduction is likely only in March, reflecting the SARB’s prudence in volatile times. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
|
ONLINE GAMBLING EATS INTO GROCERY BUDGETS
South Africans are increasingly diverting money meant for groceries and household essentials to online gambling, raising concerns about food security and consumer welfare. Research by KZN–based firm Trade Intelligence found that groceries were the most affected spending category among more than 700 online gamblers surveyed in late 2025. The findings suggest gambling is no longer displacing discretionary spending but cutting into basic needs. This comes as consumers face high food prices and weak economic growth. The National Gambling Board reported total bets surged to about R1.5 trillion in 2024/25, driven largely by online platforms, intensifying pressure on household finances. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
TAU REWORKS BEE INCENTIVE WITH 3% AFTER-TAX PROFIT TWEAK
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has amended South Africa’s broad-based black economic empowerment (BEE) codes to introduce an incentive linked to contributions to the proposed Transformation Fund, expected to mobilise up to R100 billion. Companies will be able to earn BEE points by contributing cash equivalent to 3% of annual net profit after tax, offering an alternative to traditional ownership requirements. The fund is intended to support black-owned businesses, skills development and industrial expansion at scale. While government argues the change will unlock private-sector funding for transformation, business groups are assessing potential cost and compliance implications. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
SA PINS HOPES ON 'MODERATE' IMPACT OF US TRADE-PACT
South Africa is awaiting a US Senate vote on renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), with economists saying the impact of possible exclusion would be modest. The pact, which expired in September, allows more than 1 800 products from 32 African countries duty-free access to the US. While Washington has signalled it may remove South Africa, analysts note that about half of SA’s exports to the US are precious metals, already duty-free. Duties saved under Agoa amount to roughly R2 billion a year. The US remains SA’s second-largest trading partner after China. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
|
THUMBS-UP FOR 35% FERROCHROME SMELTER TARIFF LIFELINE
Energy regulator Nersa has approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for two ferrochrome smelters, granting temporary relief to an industry under severe pressure. The discounted tariffs will apply for 12 months and follow Eskom’s application aimed at preventing smelter closures and job losses. South Africa’s ferrochrome sector has struggled with high power costs, weak global demand and rising operational expenses, forcing several plants to curtail production. Nersa said the decision balances the need to support energy-intensive industries while safeguarding Eskom’s financial sustainability. The approval is expected to stabilise operations at the affected smelters and preserve downstream economic activity in mining-dependent regions. (SOURCE: News24)
|
BONITAS NAMES MOMENTUM HEALTH AS ADMINISTRATOR
Bonitas Medical Fund has appointed Momentum Health as its new administrator, marking a significant shift for one of South Africa’s largest open medical schemes. The change follows a strategic review aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, member service delivery and long-term sustainability. Momentum Health brings extensive experience in medical scheme administration, technology platforms and data-driven healthcare management. Bonitas said the transition will be carefully managed to ensure continuity of benefits, claims processing and service levels for members and healthcare providers.(SOURCE: News24)
|
PREMIER-RFG MERGER GETS THE NOD, WITH CONDITIONS
The Competition Commission has recommended approval of Premier Group’s proposed acquisition of RFG, subject to conditions protecting jobs and supporting suppliers. Announced in October, the share-swap deal will create one of South Africa’s largest food producers, with annual revenue of nearly R30bn, bringing Premier closer to FMCG leader Tiger Brands. The commission found no significant competition concerns but imposed public-interest measures. Both companies have committed to no merger-related retrenchments for three years and to increased enterprise and supplier development spending. RFG will be delisted from the JSE once the R5.8bn transaction is finalised. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
... AS EXXARO CLEARS KEY HURDLES IN MANGANESE DEAL
Exxaro Resources has moved closer to completing its acquisition of key manganese assets in the Northern Cape after major components of the transaction became unconditional. Once concluded, Exxaro will own 100% of Ntsimbintle Mining, including the Tshipi Borwa mine. The proposed acquisition of a 51% stake in the Mokala manganese asset remains subject to outstanding conditions, with a final deadline of February 2027. (SOURCE: SENS)
|
SA RUGBY SCRUMS DOWN WITH LOCAL-IS-LEKKER GOODNESS
SA Rugby has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with wellness company Biogen, the first home-grown vitamins and nutrition brand to partner with SA Rugby. The deal includes banned substance testing, manufacturer audits and the scrutiny of product formulas. Established in 2004, Biogen has become a respected provider of nutritional supplements in South Africa. It has worked with top sporting teams and unions, including the Hollywoodbets Sharks Rugby, the DHL Stormers, Mamelodi Sundowns, SA Rowing as well as the Titans, Lions and Knights cricket franchises. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
|
TOTALENERGIES REVIVES MOZAMBIQUE LNG AFTER SECURITY PAUSE
TotalEnergies SE has formally restarted its $20 billion (about R318 billion) Mozambique LNG project, almost five years after suspending operations due to Islamic State-linked violence in Cabo Delgado. According to state-owned newspaper Noticias, the project’s revival is expected to restore Mozambique’s standing in the global liquefied natural gas market and provide a significant economic boost. President Daniel Chapo will lead a ceremony marking the restart, alongside TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné. The LNG plant, with capacity of 13.1 million tonnes a year, is expected to begin exports in 2029, coinciding with a surge in new LNG supply from the US and Qatar. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
|
GOLD SLIPS AS DOLLAR STRENGTHENS ON FED-NOMINATION TALK
Gold retreated sharply as the US Dollar strengthened following reports that President Donald Trump is preparing to nominate Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair. Bullion fell as much as 4.8% before trading 3.1% lower at $5 207.70 an ounce in Singapore, ending a near two-week rally. The Dollar rose up to 0.5%, pressuring precious metals. Analysts said the move reflected overdue profit-taking after rapid gains. Despite the pullback, gold remains up more than 20% year to date, supported by geopolitical tensions, tariff threats and uncertainty over US monetary policy. Silver, platinum and palladium also declined. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
|
 |
TECH TALKS FORUM
This forum is designed to keep you up to-date with latest technology trends and offers a deeper understanding of the tools you already use. Expert speakers address key technologies.
4 TECH PILLARS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR BUSINESS IN 2026
Is your business getting the most value and security from the technology you already use?
Please join us for our upcoming Tech Talk, where we break down the four essential technology pillars to help you streamline operations, secure your data, and enhance communication in 2026.
We'll provide practical insights on:
1. AI in Our Day-to-Day: Moving beyond the hype to practical tools that can save time and boost productivity.
2. Managing Communication: Optimising the mix of VoIP, WhatsApp, Email, and Teams for better customer and team connections.
3. Security Fundamentals: A clear approach to protecting your MS 365 Tenant, Email, Endpoints, and Network.
4. Automation Essentials: Leveraging tools like Power Automate, Forms, and Chatbots to automate routine tasks.
This session is designed to give Pietermaritzburg business leaders actionable strategies to evaluate and optimise their current tech stack for the year ahead.
Presenter : Noel Thompson - Altostratus Tech
Date: 6 February 2026
Time: 10:00
Venue: PMCB Offices - 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
Cost: Free - PMCB members, R60 (incl. vat) non PMCB members |
|
|
Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.
Jean-Paul Sartre |
|
|
|
| Dollar | R15.89 | - 0.98% | | Pound | R21.88
| - 0.65% | | Euro | R18.97 | - 0.70% | | Yen | 0.103263 |
| | Yuan | R2.29
| - 1.12% | | Bitcoin | $ 82 087.49
| - 2.85% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 442.60 | - 7.59% | | Gold | $ 5 164.27
| - 3.83% | | Oil | $ 68.37
| - 1.71% | | All Share | 125 249.23
| + 0.14% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
|
|
|
|
|
