| TRUMP IGNORES APPEASEMENT, SLAPS SA WITH 30% BLANKET TARIFF |
| EZEMVELO JOINS FIGHT TO SAVE NATIONAL BIRD EXTINCTION |
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The Blue Crane, South Africa's national bird, is facing escalating risks to its survival. Pic courtesy of GroundUp.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has joined a national coalition working to halt the alarming decline of South Africa’s national bird, the Blue Crane, whose population has dropped to 49% since 2010. The bird’s status has now officially shifted from “Near Threatened” to “Vulnerable.”
As part of a new conservation strategy co-ordinated by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the International Crane Foundation, key partners including Eskom, BirdLife SA, and Cape Nature are implementing targeted interventions. These include reducing fence entanglements, improving power line visibility, limiting pesticide poisoning, and supporting farmers as biodiversity stewards.
Notwithstanding the fact that less than 10% of the national Blue Crane population is found in the high-lying grasslands of the Eastern Cape and KZN interior, Ezemvelo takes the plight of the Blue Crane as seriously as the endangered Bearded Vulture confined to the Drakensberg and Maluti mountains in KZN and Lesotho. |
| LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY FOR GRADE 6 LEARNERS |
| In what qualifies as one of the most forward-looking entrepreneurial initiatives in South Africa, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is targeting Grade 6 learners from financially disadvantaged homes. Academically strong candidates with an entrepreneurial mindset may gain access to top-performing schools, mentorship, leadership training, and entrepreneurial development. Scroll down to the NEWS YOU CAN USE section for a life-changing opportunity. |
1497: Vasco da Gama set off on a voyage to India that would see his four-ship fleet make several stops along the southern African coastline.
Elsewhere, in 1889, the first edition of the Wall Street Journal was published.
There’s no shortage of examples, dead and alive, to inspire the celebration of Fools Paradise Day! |
MEDUPI UNIT 4 ADDS 800 MW TO GRID, 8 MONTH AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
Eskom has returned Unit 4 of the Medupi power station to service, adding 800 MW to South Africa’s national grid. The unit, out of operation since August 2021 due to a generator stator explosion, was restored eight months ahead of schedule using a refurbished stator sourced from the Netherlands - avoiding delays tied to ordering a new one. With all six Medupi units operational, the plant now contributes up to 4,800 MW.
Eskom says this marks a key milestone in its plan to restore 2 500 MW of capacity and stabilise power supply. Medupi, a dry-cooled coal station with advanced emissions controls, remains central to long-term energy security and operational recovery efforts. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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RACIAL PROFILING BLIGHTS MEDICAL SCHEMES’ DETECTION SYSTEMS
A final investigative report has found that the fraud, waste and abuse (FWA) systems used by GEMS, Discovery Health and Medscheme discriminated against black healthcare providers. Risk ratios indicated black anaesthetists, psychiatrists and dental therapists were flagged as 650%, 350% and 300% more likely, respectively, to commit fraud. Chaired by Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, the panel stopped short of legal findings but urged oversight. It recommends ongoing monitoring to prevent future racial bias in medical governance and calls for systemic reform to ensure FWA systems comply with constitutional and equality legislation. The CMS initiated the probe in 2019. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
NO RESPITE FOR KZN AS FOOT-AND-MOUTH BANS LIFTED
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) restrictions have been lifted in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo following successful containment and over 167,000 vaccinations. However, KZN remains under strict protocols as active virus circulation continues. While 76 farms in the Eastern Cape remain under quarantine, milk from those sites may now be sold after single pasteurisation. Industry leaders, including Agri SA and RMIS, have urged continued biosecurity vigilance. RMIS has also appointed Dr Peter Evans to lead national FMD response planning, ahead of a key industry Imbizo later this month. The government warns KZN remains a hotspot needing heightened containment. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
COURT SMACKS DOWN ‘SECRECY’ AROUND TONGAAT RESCUE
A Durban high court has ordered the Robert Gumede-led Vision Group to disclose documents related to its acquisition of Tongaat Hulett’s lender claims, following a transparency challenge by rival bidder RGS. The court directed Vision to provide proof of a R1.51 billion. payment, details of a R2 billiob balance settlement, and the acquisition agreement. Acting Judge Zwane said there was “no reason” for secrecy. RGS, a Mozambican conglomerate and admitted creditor, argued the disclosures were critical for transparency under South African business rescue law. Vision said it would appeal, insisting Tongaat’s assets weren’t used as security and the ruling doesn’t affect the rescue plan. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
FRESH FISH, MOLLUSCS DRIVE R9 BILLION SEAFOOD EXPORTS
South Africa’s seafood exports jumped 8.6% in 2024, reaching R9 billion - well ahead of inflation - thanks to strong demand for fresh fish and molluscs. Key markets include Spain, Italy, and the US, which alone consumes 60% of SA’s fresh whole fish exports. Locally, sushi’s popularity continues to soar, driving demand for Norwegian salmon and influencing grocery offerings. While Sea Harvest posted strong growth, Oceana and I&J reported weaker earnings. Tinned fish remains vital, with two-thirds of South Africans buying it monthly. Despite mixed performance in the broader fishing sector, SA’s seafood economy remains globally competitive and increasingly driven by changing local tastes. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
SURGING CAPITEC AT R412 BILLION CHASING DOWN TOP DOG STATUS
Capitec Bank has surged 348% in market value over five years, reaching R412 billion - just R4 billion shy of FirstRand, Africa’s most valuable lender at R416bn. This growth outpaces rivals like Standard Bank (up 121%), Absa (120%), Nedbank (137%), and Investec (294%). Capitec has leapfrogged Standard Bank to become South Africa’s second most valuable bank. Its rise aligns with the JSE’s broader rally under the government of national unity. Ratings agency S&P remains bullish on Capitec, expecting continued above-peer profitability amid sector-wide lending growth and improving economic conditions. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
MTN CRIES FOUL OVER CELL C CLAIMS
The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) has ruled that Cell C’s claim of being “now on SA’s best network” is misleading, following a complaint by MTN. The ARB found the phrasing created a false impression that Cell C operates the country’s top network, when in fact it relies on roaming agreements with MTN and Vodacom. MTN pointed to independent reports ranking its own network as South Africa’s best. Although Cell C isn’t an ARB member, the regulator has instructed affiliated media not to publish the disputed claim, saying the advert distorts facts and misleads consumers with implications of a network upgrade that never occurred. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
BRICS MISSES TRICK TO CHALLENGE DOLLAR DOMINANCE
A decade after first proposing it, Brics has again failed to advance its cross-border payments system, despite renewed urgency amid global Dollar instability driven by President Donald Trump’s trade policies. While Brics leaders reaffirmed support for local currency trade and financial cooperation at their summit in Brazil, technical and political hurdles persist - including non-convertible currencies, sanctions, and readiness gaps. Talks on a proposed investment platform and multilateral guarantee scheme also remain stalled. Meanwhile, China continues pushing the Yuan globally, highlighting Brics' missed opportunity to reduce reliance on the Dollar in a shifting economic landscape. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
TESLA INVESTORS BUCKLE UP A ROCKY MUSK-TRUMP RIDE
Elon Musk’s surprise launch of the “America Party” has rattled investors and intensified a growing feud with President Donald Trump, who dismissed the move as “ridiculous.” With Tesla shares already down 20% this year, the political distraction has raised concerns over Musk’s leadership focus. Analysts warn his deepening political ambitions could further strain Tesla’s performance, especially as global EV sales slide and competition intensifies. Trump’s new budget, which cuts EV subsidies, adds to the tension. As Tesla faces mounting business headwinds in China and Europe, some suggest its board may intervene if Musk’s political gamble threatens shareholder interests. (SOURCE: Bloomberg |
NEWS YOU CAN USE
LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY FOR WANNABE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation has opened applications for its 2025 High School Scholarship Programme, focused on developing entrepreneurial potential in young South Africans. Targeting Grade 6 learners aged 11–12 from financially disadvantaged homes, the initiative supports academically strong candidates who show entrepreneurial thinking. Successful applicants gain access to top-performing schools, mentorship, leadership training, and entrepreneurial development. The goal: to nurture socially responsible, confident future leaders who will drive change. Applications close on 15 September 2025. Click here for more information. |
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TRADE COMPLIANCE AND EXPORT CONTROL FREE SEMINAR
Speaker: Elwyn Pitt - Managing Director - Global Maritime Learning Solutions Empowered (Pty) Ltd
OVERVIEW
With ever-changing rules and requirements, navigating the complexities of global trade regulations can be challenging. Our aim is to provide clear and current information to help businesses avoid costly mistakes when importing and exporting. Whether you're a seasoned exporter or new to the world of international trade, our approach will provide the guidance you need to ensure compliant and successful global operations. Ignoring or non-compliance with trade regulations can result in consequences ranging from financial penalties to operational disruptions and even reputational damage.
MAIN TOPICS
· Who Has to Comply with Trade Compliance?
· Who is Responsible for Trade Compliance?
· What are the Consequences of Not Complying with Trade Regulations?
· Is Trade Compliance the Same as Customs Compliance?
WHO IS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
• Senior Management
• Staff involved in International Trade
Date: Tuesday, 15 July 2025
Time: 10h00 - 12h30
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
No Charge
Light breakfast will be served. |
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Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.
Eleanor Roosevelt |
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