| KPCA GROUP ROLLS UP SLEEVES FOR DOUBLE WHAMMY |
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The participation of volunteers, supporters and sponsors is key to the KPCA Group’s rejuvenation success.
The KPCA Group behind the city’s rejuvenation drive is celebrating World Clean-Up and Recycling Week with a double whammy - two clean-up campaigns in Mayors Walk on Wednesday, and the lower Burger Street area on Thursday with the support of sponsors. To this end, Pietermaritzburg businesses, schools, clubs, and places of worship are invited to join Rock Your Block Clean endeavours from today until Friday.
KPCA will host cleaning stations to underpin the efforts - at Mayor’s Walk Spar on Wednesday from 9 am to 2 pm, and on Thursday, at the Duzi Fields in Burger Street. Volunteers and businesses are encouraged to join the efforts by donating, supporting, or organising the clean up efforts. Sponsors include Plastics/SA, Recycle M, PrintnetSA, Save Hyper, and Mayors Walk Spar. To book a slot, or for more information about the project, click here. |
| TALISMAN HIRE GOES DEEPER WITH MINI EXCAVATORS |
The addition of mini excavators has expanded Talisman Hire’s equipment offerings to customers.
Talisman Hire, Pietermaritzburg’s leading equipment hire company, has strengthened its small plant offering with the acquisition of two mini excavators. Filling a key gap in the PMB and Midlands market, the machines are ideal for home renovations, landscaping, and light industrial projects. Breakers will also be available, ensuring added versatility and convenience for customers tackling compact jobs. Owner Justin Griffin says this milestone marks only the beginning of bigger achievements for the business. “This is a small step toward what’s to come. We’re excited to grow and keep making work easier for our community,” he said. |
| BOOK LAUNCH REMINDER, WILLOWTON BURSARIES INVITE |
Readers are reminded of Pietermaritzburg-born author Charlotte Otter’s launch of her book on business leadership in modern South Africa on Thursday, 18 September at the Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business. For further information email dviney4@gmail.com.
The Willowton Group, in association with the faith-based organisation SANZAF has invited bursary applications for the 2026 academic year. Open to financially needy South African students across all fields of study, this bursary covers registration, tuition, textbooks - and may also include a laptop and stipend. For more about the opportunity, scroll down to the NEWS YOU CAN USE section. |
1910: General Louis Botha became the first prime minister of the Union of South Africa.
2008: Lehman Brothers file for bankruptcy protection, the largest bankruptcy in US history that is generally considered to be the start of the 2009 financial crisis.
Today is observed as both International Day of Democracy and Greenpeace Day.
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TWO-THIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICANS WITHOUT WILLS
A Sanlam Legacy 2025 survey reveals that 66% of South Africans do not have wills, despite 70% acknowledging their importance. Only 34% have drafted one, down from 39% in 2024. Barriers include the misconception that wills are only for the wealthy (43%), unemployment (30%), and procrastination (27%). Key life events - such as having a child, marriage, or a family member dying intestate - prompt action. Cost, cultural perceptions, and mistrust of legal systems also deter drafting wills.
Experts stress that wills address not only assets but administrative matters, safeguarding personal wishes and preventing lengthy, costly intestate processes. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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TREASURY ON TRACK TO MEET BUDGET-DEFICIT TARGET
South Africa is set to meet or possibly beat the National Treasury’s 4.6% of GDP budget-deficit forecast for 2025–26, BNP Paribas reports. Strong tax collections and restrained spending, despite delays from late budget approvals, have constrained the fiscal gap. A smaller deficit reduces borrowing pressures, freeing funds for health and education. However, long-term fiscal consolidation faces challenges from slow economic growth, logistics bottlenecks, collapsing infrastructure, and a 30% tariff on certain US exports. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will present the medium-term budget update on November 12, offering clarity on future fiscal strategy amid coalition government constraints. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
... AS AUDIT-GENERAL CRACKS WHIP ON R1.8 BILLION AUDIT DEBT
South Africa’s auditor-general (AGSA) is owed R1.83 billion in unpaid audit fees, mainly by municipalities (R437 m) and state-owned entities (R644 m), parliament heard. Top defaulters include Denel (R82 m), Post Office (R63 m), and SA Express (R21 m). National Treasury has invoked constitutional powers to withhold equitable share funds until proof of payment is provided, recovering R460 m since December 2024. While effective, the strategy risks undermining service delivery. Lawmakers urged systemic reforms to improve budgeting and protect AGSA’s independence. Treasury also flagged AGSA’s under-projected surpluses, recommending better forecasting and affordable audit fee models to sustain public sector accountability. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... AND CREDIT ACT U-TURN UPSETS BANKING SECTOR
The Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) has criticised Parks Tau’s sudden reversal on proposed National Credit Act reforms, warning it sets a “dangerous precedent.” The U-turn, influenced by political pressure and misinformation, undermines legislative trust and jeopardises efforts to close South Africa’s persistent SME credit gap. Business lobby groups argue that without regulatory certainty, lenders may hesitate to extend credit to small businesses, worsening financing challenges. BASA stressed that predictable, evidence-based policy is critical to building confidence in the financial system, attracting investment, and driving inclusive economic growth, especially in a fragile business and consumer environment. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... AND UIF BLASTED FOR GHOST WORKERS, RECORD FAILINGS
A recent Auditor-General report slammed the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for poor record-keeping that has left vast sums untraceable and enabled “ghost workers” to siphon public funds. The fund continues to pay phantom employees, raising alarms over internal controls and financial governance. MPs criticised outdated manual systems and lack of oversight, warning that the UIF is betraying its mandate to support vulnerable South Africans. Calls are mounting for urgent reforms: digital verification, reconciled records, and firmer consequence management to protect public money and restore trust in this critical social security entity. (SOURCE: News24)) |
E-COMMERCE SURGES PAST R130BN IN 2025
South Africa’s e-commerce market is projected to exceed R130 billion in 2025, nearly 10% of total retail sales, according to World Wide Worx’s latest report. Online retail grew 35% in 2024 to R96 billion and continues to expand at 38% annually, far outpacing physical retail. Growth spans groceries, fashion, health, beauty, and value retail, with Checkers Sixty60, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, TFG, and Truworths reporting strong online performance. Payments innovation from players like Mastercard underpins this boom, while Amazon, Shein, and Temu reshape competition. The sector is entering maturity, with trust, logistics, and consumer experience driving long-term sustainability. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
MANUFACTURING OUTPUT SLIPS 0.7% IN JULY
South Africa’s manufacturing production fell by 0.7% year-on-year in July 2025, reversing a 1.9% gain in June, according to Statistics South Africa (Engineering News). The largest drag came from the metals and machinery sector, down 3.3%, which shaved 0.7 percentage points off overall growth, while the wood, paper, printing and publishing division fell 1.8%, subtracting a further 0.2 points (Engineering News). On a month-on-month basis, seasonally adjusted production declined 0.5% in July, following a 0.4% rise in June. However, over the three months ending July, manufacturing output rose by 2.5% compared to the prior quarter, with strong contributions from food & beverages, chemicals, rubber & plastic, and motor vehicles segments. (SOURCE: Engineering News). |
CREDIT ACT U-TURN UPSETS BANKING SECTOR
The Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) has criticised Parks Tau’s sudden reversal on proposed National Credit Act reforms, warning it sets a “dangerous precedent.” The U-turn, influenced by political pressure and misinformation, undermines legislative trust and jeopardises efforts to close South Africa’s persistent SME credit gap. Business lobby groups argue that without regulatory certainty, lenders may hesitate to extend credit to small businesses, worsening financing challenges. BASA stressed that predictable, evidence-based policy is critical to building confidence in the financial system, attracting investment, and driving inclusive economic growth, especially in a fragile business and consumer environment. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
UIF BLASTED FOR GHOST WORKERS AND RECORD FAILINGS
A recent Auditor-General report slammed the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for poor record-keeping that has left vast sums untraceable and enabled “ghost workers” to siphon public funds. The fund continues to pay phantom employees, raising alarms over internal controls and financial governance. MPs criticised outdated manual systems and lack of oversight, warning that the UIF is betraying its mandate to support vulnerable South Africans. Calls are mounting for urgent reforms: digital verification, reconciled records, and firmer consequence management to protect public money and restore trust in this critical social security entity. (SOURCE: News24) |
FORD RECALLS ANOTHER 5 676 RANGERS
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has recalled certain 2025 and 2026 Ranger vehicles due to brake safety concerns. Affected vehicles may experience a loss of brake boost, increasing pedal effort and stopping distances, with ABS, ESC, and brake warnings triggered, along with audible alerts. The recall affects 5 676 vehicles across Southern Africa, including 5 387 in South Africa. FMCSA is contacting owners to schedule inspections and implement a free software update. Previous recalls included Ranger, Everest, Puma, and EcoSport models. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
DOMESTIC TYRE MANUFACTURERS CRY FOUL OVER IMPORTS
South Africa's remaining tyre manufacturers are urgently seeking protection against the surge of dumped imports, particularly from Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. These imports, often rerouted from China to evade anti-dumping duties, have led to the imposition of provisional duties of 41.47% by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) from May to November 2025. The South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) warns that this influx threatens local jobs and the survival of domestic producers. Despite these measures, industry leaders call for stronger enforcement and comprehensive safeguards to ensure fair competition and protect the local economy. (SOURCE: News24) |
CONCOURT TO HEAR SHELL WILD COAST CASE
The Constitutional Court will hear arguments on 16 September over Shell’s contested Wild Coast oil exploration rights, originally granted in 2014 without proper consultation. While the Supreme Court of Appeal upheld a High Court finding that the rights were unlawful, it controversially suspended invalidity, allowing Shell to apply for a third renewal. Communities and environmental groups say this perpetuates illegality, undermines constitutional rights, and ignores cultural, spiritual, and livelihood concerns. Shell argues it invested over R1 billion in good faith and that a total invalidation could chill future investment. The court’s ruling will set a national precedent. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
... AS MINISTER CANS HIGH-VALUE TROPHY HUNTS
South Africa’s environment minister, Dion George, has paused approvals for trophy hunting quotas of black rhinos, elephants, and leopards, pending a court ruling. Wildlife Ranching South Africa filed a case demanding quota allocations, citing a five-year hiatus that has cost the hunting industry R2.25 billion and damaged its international reputation. Hunting permits can fetch up to $350 000 (about R6 million) for a rhino, $100 000 for an elephant, and $40 000 for a leopard. The freeze contrasts with prior policies promoting sustainable use of biodiversity. The UN allows South Africa limited hunting of these species, but activist opposition and legal uncertainty continue to stall operations. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
DISASTERS WREAK HAVOC ON AFRICAN INFRASTRUCTURE
Africa loses an average of $12.7 billion (about R220 billion) annually in infrastructure damage caused by natural disasters, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure reports. Floods account for 70% of destruction, while less frequent but severe earthquakes cause 28%. Climate change is expected to increase losses by 27%, adding another $2.4 billion per year. Eastern Africa suffers the most at $5.5 billion, followed by northern and southern Africa at $2.3 billion each. Country-level losses are highest in South Africa ($1.7 billion), Nigeria ($1.1 billion), and Algeria ($1 billion). Smaller economies face proportionally higher impacts, with annual losses exceeding 1% of GDP in nations like Lesotho, Mauritius, and Comoros. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
NEWS YOU CAN USE
APPLY FOR WILLOWTON SANZAF BURSARY BEFORE 30 SEPTEMBER
Students are invited to apply for the Willowton Group and SANZAF Bursary for the 2026 academic year. Open to financially needy South African students across all fields of study, this bursary covers registration, tuition, textbooks - and may also include a laptop and stipend. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria including 65% academic performance, proof of financial need, and prior NSFAS applications. Click here to submit an online application by 30 September 2025. |
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It's not all about talent. It's about dependability, consistency, and being able to improve. If you work hard and you're coachable, and you understand what you need to do, you can improve.
Bill Belichick |
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