| WHY ARE CONSUMERS PUNISHED FOR BEING FRUGAL? |
A seemingly small detail about Sasol and BP seeking a tariff increase, all of 105%, for a joint Pretoria storage facility, points to future fuel increases because consumers have been using less fuel. Today’s main story under NEWS WORTH KNOWING explains that total consumption of petrol and diesel has shrunk by 5.8 billion litres since 2015, hence the call for higher tariffs to make up for the loss. And guess who is likely to foot the bill? In line with local retail convention, fuel storage and distribution costs are typically passed on to motorists, meaning frugal drivers could end up “paying the price” for their conservation.
Fuel-savvy consumers are not the only problem facing oil companies - Eskom is also on a path to great cost savings as it scales back its open-cycle gas turbine diesel usage. No cigars for guesing who are the poor hares caught in the headlights as tensions mount between shrinking demand and companies’ need to maintain operational profitability. Something is not right, just saying. - Derek Alberts (Editor)
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| MOTHER-AND-DAUGHTER DUO SPREADS JOY WITH SCHOOL GIFTS |
Valona Moodley and her daughter Kimeya from Epworth School flanked by Samu Madlala and Thembile Gule at the Selby Msimang Pre-School graduation late last year.
A mother and daughter duo, Valona and Kimeya Moodley, have brightened the start of 18 Grade 1s journey by supporting Community Chest’s “School Readiness Gift Pack” Project. The pair “adopted” children from Selby Msimang Pre-School in Edendale, providing backpacks filled with essentials to ensure a confident, happy start to the 2026 school year. Community Chest paid tribute to their spirit of giving and inspiring hope for academic success, along with the commitment of educators who nurture the children daily. “With over 3 000 children benefiting from nutritious breakfasts and quality early learning, acts of kindness like Valona and Kimeya’s make a tangible difference,” said the Community Chest.
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| COCA-COLA CALLS ON KZN DISTRIBUTION ENTREPRENEURS |
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa is calling for KZN–based entrepreneurs to apply as strategic distributors under its national expansion drive. The programme targets operators able to manage independent warehousing and distribution to strengthen Coca-Cola’s reach and service standards across KZN. The call is aimed at experienced entrepreneurs with in-depth knowledge of the KZN market, operating articulated trucks, ownership of at least five delivery trucks, and access to a 1 000m²+ warehouse. Click here for more information.
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1904: Violence escalated in German South West Africa (Namibia) during the Herero Revolt.
Elsewhere, in 1967, the Summer of Love was launched with the Human Be-In San Francisco, the epicenter of the Hippie Revolution.
Go fly a kite, on International Kite Day while you also celebrate World Logic Day. |
CALL FOR 105% TARIFF INCREASE HINTS AT FUTURE FUEL INCREASES
BP and Sasol are requesting a 105% tariff increase for their petroleum storage facility in Pretoria, citing a significant decline in fuel volumes since 2020. The companies report that throughput at the facility has fallen 30% over the past six years, driven by a long-term drop in petrol and diesel consumption, hybrid work patterns, higher fuel prices, and Covid-19 disruptions.
Diesel demand, partly supported by Eskom’s open-cycle gas turbines, is also expected to decline as grid stability improves. Energy department data shows petrol consumption dropped from 12 billion litres in 2015 to 8.7 billion litres in 2024, while diesel fell from 14 billion to 11.8 billion litres. The tariff adjustment is aimed at maintaining operational viability amid shrinking volumes, the companies said. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SOLAR INDUSTRY FRETS OVER GRID ACCESS IN ESKOM UNBUNDLING
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association has warned that Eskom’s revised unbundling plan could undermine investment in critical transmission infrastructure. Under the proposal, grid assets remain with an Eskom subsidiary while a separate transmission system operator operates without owning infrastructure. SAPVIA CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu says an asset-light operator will struggle to raise capital to fund the 14 500km of new lines South Africa needs, while dependence on Eskom risks biased grid access. The structure also leaves key assets on Eskom’s weak balance sheet. SAPVIA argues that transparent governance, full operational independence and credible timelines are vital to maintain investor confidence and prevent future supply risks. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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LISTED PROPERTY RIDING HIGH ON DIVIDEND GROWTH
South African Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) delivered robust returns in 2025, driven largely by dividend growth, outperforming both equities and bonds over three- and five-year periods. The sector’s steady income streams and resilience amid market volatility made it attractive to investors seeking stable yields. Analysts note that rental recoveries across retail, office, and industrial properties, coupled with disciplined cost management, supported distributions. Rising investor confidence has also encouraged capital inflows, strengthening REIT valuations. With continued focus on tenant retention and portfolio diversification, the sector is well-positioned to sustain long-term performance, offering an appealing combination of income and growth for South African and international investors alike. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS VENEZUALIAN FALL-OUT SET TO BOOST DOMESTIC PROSPECTS
Momentum Investments says fallout from U.S. actions in Venezuela could indirectly benefit South African assets by reshaping global investor behaviour. While Venezuela accounts for roughly 0.1% of global GDP and 1% of oil output, the episode highlights rising geopolitical risk, prompting investors to seek alternatives to traditional U.S. safe havens. This dynamic could see increased interest in gold and precious metals - sectors where South Africa is a major producer - and diversification into non‑U.S. equities and bonds. Elevated gold prices and precious metals flows may support the rand and local markets, with emerging markets like South Africa well placed to attract capital in a weaker dollar environment as global portfolios adjust to heightened geopolitical uncertainty. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND SOUTH AFRICA REMOVED FROM EU HIGH-RISK LIST
South Africa has been removed from the European Union’s High-Risk Third Country list, easing financial friction with its largest trading bloc after its 2025 exit from the FATF grey list. SA was placed on the EU list in August 2023, triggering enhanced due diligence on all SA-linked transactions. Treasury said the move reduces compliance costs that had slowed trade, payments and investment. The EU confirmed SA addressed key AML/CFT deficiencies flagged by the FATF, alongside five African countries. However, authorities warned scrutiny will continue as SA prepares for its next FATF evaluation, with a final report due in October 2027. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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CAPE TOWN AIRPORT HITS RECORD PASSENGER NUMBERS
Cape Town International Airport recorded a historic high of 11.1 million two-way passengers in 2025, cementing the city’s status as a global tourism hub. Airports Company South Africa data shows 3.3 million international passengers passed through the airport, up 7% year-on-year, while domestic travel reached 7.8 million, also a 7% increase. December alone saw nearly 364 000 international travellers, 10% more than a year earlier. Cargo volumes rose 42% in the first 10 months of 2025. Wesgro’s Cape Town Air Access initiative has driven growth through new routes, improved connectivity and expanded airline frequencies, supporting jobs and economic growth. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS WESTERN CAPE SEEKS DISASTER STATUS AMID DROUGHT
Western Cape authorities have asked the National Disaster Management Centre to declare the province a disaster area as severe drought and wildfires intensify. About 100 000 acres of rural land have been devastated, placing pressure on farming, tourism and public services. Knysna has been particularly hard hit, with its main water-supply dam only 15% full, leaving the town with a 10-day water buffer. Provincial environmental affairs minister Anton Bredell said disaster status would allow funds to be shifted to priority relief. Plans include drawing water from springs, refurbishing boreholes and accessing private supplies, while firefighting costs have already exhausted the province’s R17 million budget. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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PORT OF MAPUTO POSTS 17% SURGE IN 2025 VOLUMES
The Port of Maputo achieved record cargo volumes in 2025, reinforcing its position as a key Southern African logistics hub. Growth was driven by a 17% surge in rail volumes, largely moving cargo from South Africa’s Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, as well as Eswatini and Zimbabwe. Key commodities included coal, chrome ore, magnetite, ferrochrome, agricultural products, fuel and containerised goods. Improved rail efficiency has strengthened Maputo’s appeal as an alternative export route to congested South African ports, particularly for mining and agricultural exporters. Port authorities said continued investment in rail and terminal infrastructure is enhancing turnaround times, supply-chain reliability and the port’s competitiveness in regional trade. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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M-PESA, ABU DHABI STABLECOIN DRIVE TARGETS 200 MILLION UNBANKED
M-Pesa and Abu Dhabi-based ADI Foundation are launching a stablecoin to serve 50 million users across Africa, enabling up to $2 billion (about R33 billion) in annual transactions. Using ADI’s blockchain, payments will be secure, near-instant, and 30% cheaper than current mobile-money transfers. The rollout will cover Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, integrating with M-Pesa’s ecosystem of over 42 million active accounts. The initiative aims to reach 200 million unbanked Africans, improve cross-border remittances, and support small businesses. ADI plans to scale blockchain infrastructure across the continent, positioning the partnership as a major driver of digital financial inclusion in 2026 and beyond. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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GLOBAL ECONOMY HOLDS FIRM DESPITE POLICY UNCERTAINTY
The global economy is showing greater resilience than expected despite trade tensions and policy uncertainty, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report. Global growth is forecast to ease to 2.6% this year before rising slightly to 2.7% in 2027, supported by stronger-than-expected performance in the US. However, the 2020s are set to be the weakest growth decade since the 1960s. Sluggish growth is widening income gaps between advanced and developing economies, even as inflation cools to 2.6%. The World Bank warns that high debt levels and weak investment threaten long-term growth, urging reforms to boost productivity, trade and private investment. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.
Unknown |
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