| COMRADES CAPERS, POPPIES AT COLLEGE, CONQUERING CANCER |
Trust the fake news merchants to sow confusion about the remarkable Comrades Marathon feat closing out entries for the 2026 race in under 10 hours. A so-called release doing the rounds - clearly aimed at stirring controversy and not worth repeating - is a salutory lesson to trust official sources, such as the Comrades Marathon Association’s website.
Saturday is Armistice Day, now celebrated as Remembrance Day, in honour of men, women and animals who have served in wars, and those who have died in the line of duty. To this end, people are encouraged to wear poppies for the first fortnight in November, while a Remembrance Service will be held at Maritzburg College on Tuesday, 11 November at 10.30 am. All welcome.
Also on Tuesday, Con Malherbe will share his cancer recovery journey, as a Tuesday True Story, at the Coffeeberry outlet at The Avenues in Hilton.
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| WILLOWTON GROUP STRENGTHENS 32-YEAR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP |
(ltr) Community Chest Executive Director Richard Rangiah presents the Bronze Award to Fatima Badat (Commercial Manager) and Ishvar Hurbans (Marketing Manager) of the Willowton Group.
The Willowton Group continues its legacy of community upliftment through a generous 2024/25 donation to the Pietermaritzburg and District Community Chest. The funds helped the organisation honour pledges to its Community Impact Partners, who drive local development and provide essential services. This enduring 32-year partnership reflects Willowton’s deep trust in the Community Chest’s transparency and impact. As the Chest marks its 65th anniversary, it expressed heartfelt thanks to Willowton for its steadfast commitment to restoring hope and improving lives. Businesses wishing to contribute can contact Angie or Sma at (033 394) 1031 or 072 791 0311.
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| WOODGROVE VILLAGE FUND-RAISER TICKS HAPPINESS BOXES |
The annual Open Gardens initiative at Woodgrove Village not only raised funds, but also showcased products by residents.
The Open Gardens at Woodgrove Village last week drew a steady stream of visitors who enjoyed the beautiful gardens, homes on show, coffee shop, and market. The event raised over R3 000 and collected much-needed toiletries for Sunnyside Village residents. The organiser on behalf of Mowana Communities extended their heartfelt appreciation for the support of this meaningful fundraiser for older adults in need.
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1979: The South African team of Dale Hayes and Hugh Baiocchi were expelled from the World Cup men's team golf championship in Athens.
Elsewhere, in 1917: The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, ended the rule of the post-Tsarist provisional government.
Stress bunnies: For those who need a reminder, it’s International Stress Awareness Day.
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NEW DIGITAL DRIVING LICENCE TO BOOST TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT
South Africa has officially launched its first digital driving licence (DDL) - designed, developed, and deployed in just three months by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) in partnership with the Department of Transport. The new licence, accessible through the RTMC’s mobile app and online portal, allows motorists to store, view, and present a scannable digital version of their card. It syncs directly with the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) for real-time verification and updates.
The DDL aims to curb fraud, streamline renewals, and eliminate physical card shortages, with the physical smartcard upgrade expected to follow in 2026. Officials say over 1 million motorists are expected to adopt the system in its first phase, marking a major step toward a paperless, secure, and efficient transport administration system in South Africa. (SOURCE: News24)
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PIRATES SEIZE FUEL TANKER, SPARKING SHORTAGE FEARS
Armed pirates have hijacked a petroleum tanker en route to South Africa, raising fears of fuel supply disruptions. The vessel, believed to be carrying 50,000 tonnes of petrol, was seized in the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s most dangerous maritime zones. Authorities confirmed the ship lost contact with its operators late Tuesday. The South African Maritime Safety Authority said it is working with international naval forces to secure the crew’s release and recover the vessel. Maritime experts warn the incident could delay deliveries and drive up shipping insurance and fuel import costs. Investigations are ongoing. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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LOCAL INDUSTRY DEMANDS SHARE IN GRID EXPANSION
South Africa’s steel, power line, and manufacturing bodies have urged government to enforce local content quotas in the upcoming Independent Transmission Projects (ITPs). The R400 billion Transmission Development Plan includes 14 500 km of new lines and 133 000 MVA of transformer capacity by 2034. Industry groups warn that local manufacturers risk exclusion despite proven capability. They propose minimum local-equity requirements, domestic contractor inclusion, and sectoral industrialisation commitments. Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said concerns would be addressed before the 2026 request-for-proposals launch, adding that government may pay a premium for South African products to ensure jobs, growth, and long-term competitiveness. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS NERSA REGISTERS 181 NEW POWER FACILITIES NATIONALLY
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) registered 181 new generation facilities between July and September 2025, representing 1 401 MW of capacity and R30.78 billion in investment. Of these, 175 were solar PV, four wind, one biogas, and one battery storage facility. Gauteng led with 66 solar PV projects, while the Western Cape topped investment at R20.77 billion and 872 MW. Nearly half - 93 facilities - were connected to municipal grids, with the rest linked to Eskom. Since 2018, Nersa has registered 2 236 facilities totalling 16 040 MW and R328 billion in investments, highlighting South Africa’s accelerating private renewable energy expansion. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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ALARM AS ONLY 1% OF CARGO THROUGH DURBAN PORT SCANNED
An alarming 99% of cargo containers passing through the Port of Durban - Africa’s busiest port - are not scanned for contraband, raising major security and customs concerns. Officials say only a fraction undergo random checks due to limited scanning capacity and outdated technology. The port handles nearly 65% of South Africa’s container traffic, making it a prime gateway for smuggling and tax evasion. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has pledged to upgrade infrastructure and increase mobile scanner units. Analysts warn that weak port controls undermine border security, costing the state billions in lost revenue annually. (SOURCE: News24)
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INDIGENOUS PLANTS TO UNDERPIN R12 BILLION BIODIVERSITY PLAN
South Africa’s indigenous plants - including buchu, aloe vera, and rooibos - could soon receive special protection and investment status under a proposed biodiversity economy plan valued at R12 billion. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment aims to commercialise these high-value species sustainably, supporting local farmers and traditional harvesters. The plan targets job creation in rural areas, export growth, and formal recognition of traditional knowledge systems. South Africa hosts over 10% of the world’s plant diversity, and officials say developing this “green gold” industry could transform natural resource use into inclusive economic opportunity. (SOURCE: News24)
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JSE TO REDUCE SENS INFORMATION OVERLOAD
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) plans to streamline its Stock Exchange News Service (SENS) to address concerns of information overload among investors. Companies often issue multiple, lengthy statements, making it difficult for stakeholders to identify material disclosures. The JSE is reviewing Sens rules to improve clarity, relevance, and accessibility of announcements while maintaining transparency and compliance with listing requirements. Proposed measures include concise reporting formats, stricter disclosure criteria, and improved categorisation of news. The reforms aim to enhance market efficiency, restore investor confidence, and ensure that essential information reaches shareholders and analysts more effectively. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SAPPI TO SLASH CAPEX AND REIN IN R33.4 BILLION DEBT
Sappi reported adjusted Ebitda of $501 million ((about R8.7 billion) and a net loss of $177 million for the year ended September 30. The paper and packaging giant, with operations across three continents, generated R26.18 billion in South African revenue and $1.73 billion in North America. Net debt stands at $1.92 billion. CEO Steve Binnie said Sappi will reduce annual capex to below $300 million and focus on cost savings, operational efficiency, and debt reduction amid weak market conditions. (SOURCE: SENS)
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NIGERIAN BONDS FETCH R41 BILLION ON HIGHER RISK APPETITE
Nigeria has raised $2.35 billion (about R41 billion) from the sale of benchmark 10- and 20-year dollar bonds, taking advantage of easing global borrowing costs. The West African nation sold $1.25 billion in 2036 notes and $1.1 billion in 2046 bonds at yields of 8.625% and 9.125%, down from earlier guidance. The issue follows last month’s approval to raise $2.3 billion and refinance $1.1 billion in maturing debt. Investor demand reflects improved sentiment as African bond spreads over US Treasuries narrowed to 380 basis points. Nigeria joins Kenya, Angola, and Congo in tapping markets amid stronger global risk appetite. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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US COURT TO RULE ON R17.4 TRILLION TRUMP-TARIFF REFUNDS
President Donald Trump warned it would be “devastating” for the US and global economy if the Supreme Court overturns his sweeping global tariffs. The court’s justices questioned whether he exceeded his authority under emergency powers during a three-hour hearing. A ruling against Trump could trigger over $100 billion (about R17.4 trillion) in refunds and lift costs for US importers. Trump defended the tariffs as crucial to deterring China’s rare-earth restrictions and claimed they prevented a global depression. He called the case “one of the most important” in US history, insisting his trade measures protected the world’s economic stability. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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BITCOIN BEARS FEAR FRAGILITY AFTER R5.2 TRILLION WIPE-OUT
Bitcoin is enduring its steepest weekly drop since March, plunging 6.2% and briefly slipping below $100 000 (about R1.74 million) for the first time since June. The sell-off erased around $300 billion from crypto markets, driven by the collapse of $19 billion in leveraged positions. Galaxy Digital cut its year-end forecast to $120 000, warning of fragile confidence. Bitcoin’s fall below its 365-day moving average signals deeper losses, as investors pull $2 billion from US spot ETFs amid mounting caution. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.
H. G. Wells |
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| Dollar | R17.38 | - 0.02% | | Pound | R22.78 | - 0.22% | | Euro | R20.03 | + 0.09% | | Yen | 0.133161 |
| | Yuan | R2.44 | + 0.03% | | Bitcoin | $ 102 321.75
| + 1.28% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 553.28
| + 1.65% | | Gold | $ 3 997.33
| + 0.51% | | Oil | $ 63.86
| + 0.74% | | All Share | 110 101.58 | + 1.20% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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