| N3 NORTHBOUND CLOSURE TOMORROW NIGHT |
Motorists are advised of a full overnight closure on the N3 northbound carriageway at the Market Road Overpass as part of ongoing upgrade works. The closure will take place tomorrow, 18 April, from 9 pm to 5 am on Sunday with a contingency date of Sunday in case of bad weather. The shutdown is required for installation of beams for the new Market Road bridge under the N3. Traffic will be diverted via the Market Road off-ramp, temporary link road and re-entry onto the N3. Motorists are advised to plan for delays or use the alternative route via Ashburton.
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| GOLFERS RALLY TO BOOST COMMUNITY CHEST COFFERS |
Community Chest patron Rakisha Maharaj is flanked by Charity Golf Day winners Ajay Bechan of Apex Gas (right) and Vinod Harry (Best Drive Allandale).
The Community Chest’s annual Charity Golf Day delivered a successful outing with teams vying for bragging rights in the 4-ball alliance format competition at the Victoria Country Club recently. The event is a key fund-raising endeavour and generated meaningful support for the Chest’s community initiatives. Lavish tribute was paid to long-time Chest supporter Sandy Govender for his role to ensure success of the event as well as The Witness for its support.
The Chest also called on businesses and corporates wishing to host an event and donate the proceeds to any of its causes to contact Angie or Sma on 033 394 1031.
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| TRUSTING CHATBOTS FOR MEDICAL ADVICE IS ASKING FOR TROUBLE |
1954: The Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) was founded.
Elsewhere, in 1964, the iconic Ford Mustang was unveiled at the World’s Fair in New York.
On a more literary note, today is the day of three liners, or International Haiku Poetry Day.
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END OF THE LINE FOR SPAM CALLS, UNSOLICITED MARKETING
Trade, industry & competition minister Parks Tau has moved to curb relentless spam calls and unsolicited marketing by tightening the Consumer Protection Act. Amendments introduce a strict opt-in system, requiring consumers to give explicit consent before being contacted. A national registry for direct marketers will also be established, enabling authorities to track and regulate industry players more effectively.
The National Consumer Commission warns companies could face hefty fines or outright bans for non-compliance. The reforms aim to protect consumers from intrusive practices while restoring trust in legitimate marketing. Businesses will need to overhaul databases and consent processes, signalling a major compliance shift across South Africa’s direct marketing sector. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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IDC THROWS TONGAAT HULETT R200 MILLION LIFE RAFT
Distressed Tongaat Hulett has secured a last-minute reprieve after the Industrial Development Corporation extended R200 million in funding, delaying a looming liquidation bid. The intervention buys the embattled sugar producer time to stabilise operations and continue business rescue efforts. The stay comes amid fresh turmoil, including the withdrawal of a prospective bidder who accused rescue practitioners of bias, deepening uncertainty around the group’s future. With mounting debt and operational strain, Tongaat’s survival remains precarious in the wake of an accounting scandal by its previous leadership. The IDC’s move signals state backing for a turnaround, but longer-term viability hinges on securing credible investors and restoring confidence. (SOURCE: GroundUp)
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... AS DISGRACED VBS AUDITOR BARRED FOR LIFE, FINED R10 MILLION
Former KPMG auditor Sipho Malaba has been struck off and fined R10m for misconduct linked to the collapse of VBS Mutual Bank. He was found guilty of serious breaches of auditing standards, including failures in oversight tied to the bank’s fraud. The sanctions include lifetime disqualification and an order to pay costs, underscoring the severity of the violations. Regulators say the decision reinforces accountability in the auditing profession following one of South Africa’s most damaging financial scandals, which saw billions looted and widespread losses among municipalities and depositors. (SOURCE: News24)
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WILL TREASURY CALL ON R12 BILLION FUEL-LEVY WARCHEST?
Citigroup says South Africa’s Treasury can afford roughly R12 billion n to extend the temporary fuel levy cut for another two months, cushioning consumers from elevated oil prices. The relief would help offset rising transport and food costs, easing pressure on households and businesses. However, economists warn the measure would strain already tight public finances if prolonged. While feasible in the short term, continued support could complicate fiscal consolidation efforts. The proposal highlights the trade-off between immediate cost-of-living relief and longer-term budget discipline as global energy volatility persists. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS MIDDLE EAST TURMOIL RISKS WIDENING DEFICIT
A prolonged Middle East conflict could significantly widen South Africa’s current account deficit, warns Citigroup, as surging oil prices inflate the country’s import bill. As a net fuel importer, SA is highly exposed to supply shocks and price spikes. Economists caution that rising inflationary pressure may force the South African Reserve Bank to hike interest rates up to twice this year. Higher fuel costs are also expected to ripple through food and transport prices, squeezing households and businesses. The outlook points to tighter monetary policy and growing strain on an already fragile economy. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... AND KGANYAGO INVOKES RORKE'S DRIFT WARNING ON INFLATION
Lesetja Kganyago has warned that South Africa must act pre-emptively against inflation risks triggered by global oil shocks from the Iran conflict, signalling a possible earlier rate-hike stance. Speaking in Washington, he said policy makers should ensure shocks remain “transitory rather than persistent,” cautioning that delayed action in past crises forced more aggressive tightening later. He referenced the 1879 Battle of Rorke’s Drift as an analogy, arguing central banks cannot wait until inflation fully materialises before responding. With fuel prices rising and inflation pressures building, the South African Reserve Bank may be forced into a tighter policy path if global energy volatility continues. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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POLITICIANS SPARED IN R12 BILLION COST-CUTTING DRIVE
Finance minister Enoch Godongwana says no analysis has been conducted on cutting deputy ministers or trimming VIP protection, despite pressure to curb political spending. Treasury’s planned R12 billion in savings excludes these high-profile cost items. The focus remains on broader expenditure controls, including efforts to rein in the public wage bill. Critics argue the omission undermines credibility, as politically sensitive costs remain untouched while ordinary departments face cuts. Godongwana maintains decisions are driven by practicality, but the stance is likely to fuel debate over whether government is willing to make meaningful sacrifices. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
COURT CLEARS WAY FOR RAF TO PAY UNDOCUMENTED FOREIGNERS
The High Court has ruled that the Road Accident Fund must compensate undocumented foreign nationals who are injured in road accidents in South Africa. The judgment confirms that access to RAF benefits cannot be denied solely on the basis of immigration status. The case arose after claims were rejected on documentation grounds, prompting a legal challenge on constitutional and statutory interpretation. The court found that the RAF Act prioritises injury compensation over nationality or legal status. The ruling is expected to increase claims exposure for the fund, which is already under severe financial pressure and struggling with rising liabilities. (SOURCE: News24) |
VIC FALLS EXCHANGE SURGES ON R16.4 BILLION ECONET LISTING
Zimbabwe’s US Dollar-denominated Victoria Falls Stock Exchange has overtaken the long-established Zimbabwe Stock Exchange in market capitalisation after a record $1 billion (about R16.4 billion) listing by Econet InfraCo. The transaction, led by billionaire Strive Masiyiwa, has pushed VFEX’s valuation to about $3.79 billion, surpassing the ZSE’s $3.4 billion. Analysts say the shift reflects structural realignment rather than broad economic growth, with investors favouring hard-currency assets and easier dividend repatriation. VFEX is increasingly attracting foreign capital, while the ZSE remains more exposed to local currency volatility. Officials expect further listings this year, reinforcing VFEX’s growing role in Zimbabwe’s capital markets. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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FRACKING BACK ON RADAR AS ENERGY CRISIS DEEPENS
A new Wood Mackenzie report says global energy security concerns, intensified by Middle East conflict, are driving renewed interest in international shale exploration, also known as fracking, as countries seek to diversify supply and reduce import risk. The study highlights six key regions advancing unconventional resources, including Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Australia, Türkiye and Indonesia, each tailoring shale development to domestic energy goals. Algeria is positioned to support European supply diversification, while the UAE targets gas self-sufficiency by 2030. Despite past setbacks from regulatory barriers and cost pressures, the report notes improved technology and proven success in US shale basins are encouraging renewed global investment. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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WATER PLAN SETS 2030 DATE FOR 1 BILLION PEOPLE REDRESS
A new global initiative led by the World Bank Group aims to improve water security for one billion people by 2030, addressing rising scarcity and climate-driven shocks. The Water Forward platform, launched with multilateral development banks and development finance partners, seeks to align policy reforms, financing and infrastructure delivery across developing economies. The programme targets improved access to reliable water services, stronger utilities and investment-ready projects to attract private capital. With four-billion people already facing water stress, the initiative prioritises drought and flood resilience as essential for economic growth, job creation and long-term development outcomes in vulnerable regions. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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CHARITY SMILES ON LUCKY WINNER OF R16.6 PICASSO MASTERPIECE
A Paris art enthusiast has won a Pablo Picasso painting valued at about $1 million (about R16.4 million) after buying a $117 (about R1 900) charity raffle ticket organised at Christie’s auction house. Ari Hodara said he initially suspected a hoax when informed of his win, describing disbelief at the unexpected prize. The winning artwork, Head of a Woman, painted in 1941, was offered through the “1 Picasso for 100 Euros” lottery to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. All tickets sold globally generated about 12 million Euros (about R232 million), with proceeds supporting medical research and related charitable programmes. (SOURCE: AP) |
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Work ethic is important because, unlike intelligence, athleticism, charisma, or any other natural attribute, it's a choice.
Mike Rowe |
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