| LIFE-RIGHTS RETIREMENT RULES UNDER LEGAL SCRUTINY |
As the Midlands continues to emerge as a key retirement destination, retirees are being urged to take note of a recent High Court ruling with significant implications for life-rights housing schemes. The judgment, which involved a widower’s attempted eviction from a retirement development, has placed more than 1 000 schemes nationwide under scrutiny. The ruling highlights escalating legal risks in a rapidly growing sector driven by an ageing population and rising demand for secure housing.
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| DUAL-PURPOSE APP PUTS MIDLANDS MEANDER ON THE MAP |
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The Midlands Meander app is playing a leading role in marketing endeavours to raise the profile to South Africa’s original arts, culture and tourism route. Since its launch at the end of March 2026, the app has been downloaded 861 times, said Midlands Meander Manager Tegan Peacock.
At around 12 downloads per day, the uptake suggests a steady user uptake over the period, said Peacock who attributed the app’s reception to it being both a travel companion and community platform. "Designed as a single digital platform about the Midlands, it brings together everything that makes the region special," she said.
The app features a comprehensive directory of accommodation, activities, restaurants, cafés, shopping, art, adventure and boutique stays across the route to help visitors discover experiences all year round. “Users can also connect through interactive interest chat groups focused on topics such as hiking, birding and fantastic fungi, where travellers and locals can share recommendations, ask questions and engage with the Midlands community in real time,” said Peacock.
The App also features upcoming events, markets and festivals, specials and promotions from local businesses, local stories, blogs, inspiration and news updates. The Midlands Meander App can be downloaded free from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
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| APPLICANTS OPEN FOR 100 000 YOUTH JOBS |
The National Youth Development Agency has launched Phase V of the National Youth Service programme, creating 100 000 paid service opportunities for unemployed young people nationwide. Delivered with the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the initiative offers community service, work experience, skills training and civic participation across all nine provinces. The programme aims to build employability, promote social cohesion and support long-term economic inclusion. Young people, including those from marginalised groups, are encouraged to apply via the SAYouth.mobi portal.
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1982: 123 ministers and theologians of the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk categorically rejected apartheid on scriptural grounds.
Elsewhere, in 1949, George Orwell published Nineteen Eighty-Four. Orwell's nightmarish description of a totalitarian society is one of the most significant works of English literature.
Spare a thought for the ocean today, on World Oceans Day.
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FITCH UPGRADE NUDGES SA TOWARDS PRIZED INVESMENT GRADE
Fitch Ratings has upgraded South Africa’s sovereign credit rating by one notch from BB- to BB, citing “prudent fiscal management” and progress in debt stabilisation despite weak growth and global uncertainty.
The move marks the country’s first Fitch upgrade in over 20 years and places South Africa two notches below investment grade across all major agencies. Analysts say improved fiscal discipline, including tighter public-sector wage controls and reduced state bailouts, has strengthened confidence in government finances.
Debt is expected to stabilise near 80% of GDP over the next two years. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s reforms, alongside broader Treasury consolidation efforts, are credited with shifting sentiment after years of downgrades linked to weak governance and economic stagnation. (SOURCE: Daily Maverick) |
RAMAPHOSA GOES TO WAR ON IMMIGRATION CONTROLS
President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged decisive action against illegal immigration amid growing public concern and recent anti-immigration protests. Addressing the nation on Sunday evening, Ramaphosa announced measures aimed at strengthening border management, including relocating refugee reception centres closer to border posts, establishing dedicated immigration courts and phasing out the green barcoded ID book. He stressed that immigration laws must be enforced while rejecting violence, intimidation and vigilantism targeting foreign nationals. The government also plans to improve coordination between law-enforcement agencies and accelerate documentation processes. The intervention seeks to balance national security, economic stability and constitutional protections as tensions around migration continue to rise across parts of South Africa. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND BUSINESS GROUPS SOUND XENOPHOBIA ALARM
Business Unity South Africa (Business Unity South Africa) and Business Leadership South Africa (Business Leadership South Africa) have warned that rising tensions over illegal immigration could threaten national stability and cross-border trade corridors. The groups say escalating public frustration, if unmanaged, risks outbreaks of xenophobic violence that could damage South Africa’s economic reputation and disrupt regional operations. They have urged government to restore order, strengthen border management and address legitimate community concerns through lawful policy interventions. President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned against vigilantism while acknowledging pressure on public services. Business leaders stress that South Africa’s economy is closely tied to the continent and warn that hostility toward foreign nationals could undermine investment, trade relationships and long-term regional integration efforts. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS TRAFFIC REGISTRATION LOOPHOLE FUELS FRAUD CONCERNS
Government has warned of widespread abuse of traffic register number (TRN) authorisations, saying a loophole is being exploited to obtain vehicle registration documents fraudulently. Authorities told Parliament that illegally acquired TRNs are enabling some foreign nationals and criminal syndicates to purchase and register vehicles without meeting legal requirements. The practice is raising concerns about road safety, law enforcement and national security, as it hampers efforts to trace vehicle ownership and combat organised crime. The warning comes amid broader efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement, improve vehicle registration systems and close administrative gaps that facilitate fraud and illegal activity. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND E-TOLL FORAY FINALLY RUNS OUT OF ROAD
Government has formally ended the controversial e-toll system, with the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) ceasing all e-toll collections on Gauteng freeways.Outstanding e-toll debt of about R29 billion will be written off, bringing closure to a scheme that faced years of public resistance, low compliance and political debate. While motorists who ignored e-toll bills will no longer be pursued for payment, those who previously settled their accounts will not receive refunds. The decision is expected to provide relief to road users and remove an administrative burden, although questions remain over how road infrastructure funding will be secured in future as transport authorities explore alternative financing models. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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20% TAX HIKE ON BEER TO BOOST BLACK MARKET, WARNS SAB
South African Breweries has warned that a proposed 20% tax increase on higher-alcohol beers could accelerate the growth of South Africa’s illicit alcohol market. The brewer argues that significantly higher excise duties may push consumers toward cheaper, unregulated products, undermining legitimate producers and reducing tax revenues. Treasury is considering the measure as part of efforts to encourage consumption of lower-alcohol beverages and address harmful drinking. SAB says the industry is already battling a thriving black market and believes additional tax burdens could worsen the problem. The company has called for stronger enforcement against illegal alcohol trading and a balanced approach to regulation and public health objectives. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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GLPI-1 WEIGHTLOSS MEDICINE BATTLE HEADS TO COURT
South Africa’s growing market for GLP-1 weight-loss medicines is heading into a legal battle as disputes over copycat and compounded versions reach court. Pharmaceutical firms and compounding pharmacies are clashing over whether cheaper alternatives infringe on intellectual property rights and safety standards. The case could reshape how pharmacies prepare and dispense these high-demand treatments. Industry players warn that stricter enforcement may force closures or major losses for some pharmacies reliant on compounded sales. Regulators are under pressure to balance affordability, patient access and drug safety as demand for GLP-1 therapies continues to surge across private healthcare markets nationwide system wide. (SOURCE: News24)
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FOSHINI TO CLOSE 400 STORES AS ONLINE SHOPPING RISES
The Foschini Group plans to close up to 400 stores as shifting consumer behaviour accelerates the move toward online shopping. The retailer says digital retail growth is increasingly outpacing in-store sales, forcing a rethink of its physical footprint. While some outlets will be shuttered, TFG is expected to expand its online platforms and invest in logistics and digital capabilities to capture e-commerce demand. The group’s strategy reflects broader retail sector pressures as high costs, weak consumer spending and changing shopping habits reshape traditional brick-and-mortar operations across South Africa’s competitive retail landscape. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS TFG PROFITS PLUNGE AND COSTS SURGE
The Foschini Group reported a steep decline in full-year earnings, with headline earnings per share falling 33.5% to 675.4 cents for the year ended March 2026. Basic earnings per share dropped 58.1%, reflecting brand impairments and weaker trading conditions in the second half. Despite revenue growth of 7.2%, rising costs and a 120 basis point margin contraction weighed heavily on profitability. The retailer cut its final dividend by 39.1% to 140 cents per share. TFG said deteriorating trading conditions across all regions and operational pressures drove the earnings slump, underscoring a challenging year for the group’s global retail portfolio. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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MR PRICE JOINS ONLINE GAMBLING CHORUS ON HOUSEHOLDS
Mr Price Group has become the latest major retailer to raise concerns about the growing impact of online gambling on household spending. Despite reporting stronger profits and continued sales growth, the fashion retailer warned that consumers remain under financial pressure and are increasingly directing disposable income toward online betting platforms. The company joins a growing number of businesses and industry stakeholders who argue that rapid growth in digital gambling is competing with traditional retail spending. Concerns have also been raised about the broader social and economic effects of online betting, particularly among lower-income households, as retailers battle for a share of increasingly constrained consumer wallets. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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TOYOTA RECALLS 6 525 LEXUS, PRADO, RAV4S OVER SOFTWARE GLITSCH
Toyota South Africa Motors and Lexus South Africa Motors have recalled 6,525 vehicles in South Africa after a rear-view camera software fault that may freeze or fail when reversing. The issue affects Toyota Crown, Land Cruiser 300, Land Cruiser Prado, RAV4 and bZ4X models, along with Lexus ES, GX, LC500, LX500/700, LX600/500d, NX, RX, RZ and UX models sold between 2021 and 2025. The National Consumer Commission warned the defect increases collision risk due to reduced visibility. Owners are urged to visit authorised dealerships for free inspections and software updates as part of the safety recall campaign. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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OIL SURGES AS ISRAEL SHATTERS MIDEAST PEACE HOPES
Oil prices surged after Israel struck military targets in Iran following renewed missile attacks, heightening fears that a fragile Middle East ceasefire could collapse. Brent crude rose as much as 4.4% to $97.15 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate briefly climbed above $94 before easing. The escalation follows tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Iran, alongside continued unrest involving Lebanon and regional militias. Markets reacted to growing risks of supply disruption through key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn prolonged conflict could choke global energy flows, with further volatility expected as diplomatic efforts struggle to contain the widening confrontation across the region and its strategic oil shipping corridors. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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You don't have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.
Dan Millman |
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| Dollar | R16.64
| - 0.53% | | Pound | R22.17
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 762.70 | - 0.83% | | Gold | $ 4 299.27
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