| BEST WISHES FOR LATEST MOVE TO BRING ORDER TO MSUNDUZI |
The non-collection of domestic refuse, supposedly on Friday, is but one frustration accentuationg the scale of the Msunduzi Municipality’s service delivery and governance shortcomings. To those ends, the business community is hoping that ex-eThekwini Metro manager Mike Sutcliffe’s appointment to stabilise operations will make a difference. The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business is wishing him strength for the daunting task to untangle the municipality’s entrenched challenges. “We’re extending our offer of assistance to his endeavours and are hopeful that through united effort, stability and accountability, Pietermaritzburg will take its rightful place as one of the country’s most desirable cities,” said PMCB CEO Melanie Veness. |
| FLOWER POWER TO LIGHT UP SPRING CELEBRATION AT BOT GARDENS |
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(ltr) Sherree Hamblin (Muirheads Hiring), Indren Pillay (Save Hyper), Philisiwe Sibiya (Botanical Gardens), Lara Edmonds (KPCA Group) and Shashika Hunsram (Save Hyper) meet to plan a decadent Hot Pink High Tea for the Pietermaritzburg Ladies.
KPCA Group is co-hosting its inaugural Hot Pink High Tea at Pietermaritzburg's National Botanical Gardens, in partnership with Save Hyper, Muirheads Hiring, and Hamblin’s Catering, on Saturday, 30 August. The event celebrates both the advent of spring and Secretary’s Day, offering ladies a luxurious tea, inspirational talks, and a stroll through the newly-renovated Clivia Hall and gardens.
KPCA Executive Director Lara Edmonds highlighted the gardens’ green heritage and top-class amenities. Sponsors, including Fresh-line Flora, promise an abundance of flowers and delightful surprises. Themed Ladies, embrace your flower power!, the event aims to pamper attendees and showcase the city’s botanical beauty. Bookings can be made via info@kpca.co.za. |
| NEW-TECH WIFI ROUTERS WATCHING EVERY MOVE RAISE ALARM |
| Welcome to WiFi sensing, a technology set to transform every wireless device in your home into invisible surveillance systems, monitoring movements, breathing, and gestures, even through walls. While offering opportunities like child safety, elder monitoring, and smart-home control, it raises chilling privacy concerns. Without hardware changes, routers can track activities silently, creating rich personal data for commercial or malicious use. As adoption grows, consumers face a dual reality: convenience and unprecedented digital intrusion. |
1894: The Natal Indian Congress was formed.
Elsewhere, in 1851, the first First America’s Cup was held. The cup is awarded to the winner of a race between sailing yachts and is thought to be the oldest international sporting trophy.
Today is designated by the UN as International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
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MZANZI GOES CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EARLY TO BANK ONLINE DEALS
South Africans are beginning their festive shopping earlier each year, with activity starting as soon as August, according to KLA insights. FedEx’s Leon Bruwer notes shipping volumes now build steadily instead of spiking in December, as consumers seek deals, convenience, and avoid last-minute rushes.
Economic uncertainty is driving strategic spending, with many turning to mobile and online platforms for better value and global options. FedEx has adapted operations to manage this extended peak season, offering both priority and deferred shipping. Early planning is now essential for retailers to secure stock and meet shifting consumer expectations. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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SMALL BUSINESSES SECTOR SEES GREEN SHOOTS IN ARID ECONOMY
Caught in a vortex of uncertainty, South Africa’s small businesses are struggling for traction despite signs of cautious optimism, according to the latest Small Business Growth Index (SBGI). Out of 1 600 SMEs surveyed, only a quarter achieved moderate growth, while nearly half contracted and 9.2% risk closure. Encouragingly, distress levels are easing, with more firms expecting stability rather than collapse. Digital adoption has emerged as a key lifeline, with 35% reporting growth in online revenue. Yet rising costs, power disruptions and weak demand remain hurdles. Experts warn that policy stability, cheaper credit, and infrastructure reliability are essential to sustain momentum. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
ESKOM BRACES FOR COMPETITION SCRUTINY OVER SOLAR DEALS
Eskom's invitation to large power users to sign long-term solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) from its own sites, has prompted concerns of anti-competitive behaviour. The move directly challenges private electricity traders while Eskom remains a vertically integrated, state-subsidised utility. Industry bodies, including SA Independent Power Producers Association, are considering complaints to the Competition Commission. Critics warn the programme may inflate costs for some businesses, dilute renewable energy availability, and conflict with ongoing legal challenges against private trading licences. Approval of pricing and debt financing remains subject to Nersa and National Treasury oversight, highlighting tension between Eskom’s market dominance and energy-sector reforms. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
... AS DE LILLE FACES FIRESTORM FOR TOURISM BOARD AXING
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille’s decision to dissolve the South African Tourism (SAT) board has sparked strong backlash from industry stakeholders and civil society. Former board members deny the minister’s claims of an unauthorised meeting, calling her reasons “factually inaccurate.” Outa labelled the move political interference and warned of a possible court challenge, accusing De Lille of shielding SAT CEO Nombulelo Guliwe despite governance concerns. The Tourism Business Council of SA also expressed disappointment, arguing the board had restored stability and credibility. Outa has urged De Lille to reinstate the board or face legal action. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
RESERVE BANK MODELING CAUGHT IN CLIMATE-RISK CONUNDRUM
New research published by the South African Reserve Bank warns that traditional monetary tools may be inadequate without factoring in climate risks. Scenario tests over 50 years show droughts, floods, and supply disruptions drive up production costs, interest rates, and inflation expectations while weakening growth, jobs, and investment. With unemployment already at 33.2%, climate shocks amplify economic instability. Authors urge SARB to adopt climate-informed interest-rate policies, integrating forecasts and stress-testing into models. Complementary fiscal and agricultural policies, including investment in resilient infrastructure and sustainable farming, are also recommended to mitigate climate-driven inflationary pressures on the economy. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
CAXTON WEIGHS OPTIONS AFTER MEDIA24 COURT BLOW
Caxton is weighing its next move after the Constitutional Court dismissed its final bid to halt Media24’s exit from print. While the ruling ends Caxton’s appeal avenues, the Competition Appeal Court still must decide on the substantive merits of the case, already argued. Media24’s R43 million sale of On the Dot and community papers to Novus, alongside closure of flagship titles, marks a major shift to digital. Caxton argues the deal undermines competition and media diversity, particularly in smaller towns. Chair Paul Jenkins says Caxton remains committed to defending the print sector’s role in South Africa’s democracy. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
PROSUS TARGETS R35.4 BILLION IN ASSET SALES
Prosus NV plans to raise $2 billion (R35.4 billion) through asset sales as CEO Fabricio Bloisi trims its vast portfolio to focus on key growth areas. The Amsterdam-listed subsidiary of Naspers has already secured $780 million from disposals, including part of its stake in Meituan. Prosus aims to evolve from a tech investor to a lifestyle e-commerce leader in Latin America, Europe, and India. With shares up 65% in the past year, the group targets doubling market value by 2028, supported by new IPOs, portfolio consolidation, and its massive Tencent-linked share buyback programme. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
FIRST NEW GOLD MINE TO BREAK GROUND AFTER 15 YEARS
South Africa will open its first new underground gold mine in 15 years, with West Wits Mining launching the $90 million Qala Shallows project near Johannesburg in 2026. The mine, reaching a depth of 850 m, is expected to produce 70 000 ounces annually over 17 years, generating $2.7 billion. Funded partly by IDC and Absa, ore will be processed at Sibanye’s plant. The project revives a sector that has seen production fall 70% over two decades and employment shrink to under 90 000. Rising bullion prices - up 27% this year - have boosted investment, offering rare optimism for South Africa’s declining gold industry. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
10% DUMPING DUTIES MOOTED TO SAVE LOCAL STEEL SECTOR
South Africa’s International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) has proposed emergency import duties of at least 10% on steel products to shield the struggling local industry from surging imports, mainly from China. Imports account for about 35% of domestic consumption, threatening producers like ArcelorMittal South Africa and thousands of jobs. Citing WTO provisions, Itac argued the situation qualifies as an “unprecedented emergency.” Global restrictions by the EU, UK and US have heightened risks of dumping into South Africa. Itac’s preliminary findings will undergo public consultation before finalisation, with over 150 submissions already received from industry stakeholders. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
RAMAPHOSA URGES JAPAN TARIFF RELIEF TO BOOST R132 BILLION TRADE
President Cyril Ramaphosa urged Japan to support tariff cooperation that would ease South African goods' access to Japanese markets at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development.. Pretoria is seeking alternatives to escalating trade barriers with the US. He positioned South Africa as a continental gateway for Japanese firms to expand exports across Africa. Emphasising deepening bilateral economic ties, Ramaphosa highlighted SA’s strong trade with Japan - valued at R132 billion in 2024, with a R52 billion surplus - underpinned by Japanese investments and collaborations in renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, and technology. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
MUSK FACES FRAUD LAWSUIT OVER ELECTION LOTTERY
A US federal judge has ruled Elon Musk must face a fraud lawsuit linked to his $1 million (about R17.7 million) election sweepstakes run through America PAC before the 2024 presidential election. Arizona voter Jacqueline McAferty alleges she was misled into signing the petition and providing personal data, believing winners would be chosen randomly. Instead, participants were handpicked as PAC spokespeople for Donald Trump’s campaign. Judge Robert Pitman allowed fraud and breach of contract claims to proceed but dismissed a deceptive trade practices claim. Musk’s PAC reportedly spent hundreds of millions supporting Trump and Republican candidates in 2024. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
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Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.
Unknown |
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| Dollar | R17.73 | - 0.13% | | Pound | R23.76 | - 0.09% | | Euro | R20.56 | - 0.08% | | Yen | 0.119227 |
| | Yuan | R2.47 | - 0.06% | | Bitcoin | $ 112 891.00 | + 0.28% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 340.70 | - 0.28% | | Gold | $ 3 325.82 | - 0.38% | | Oil | $ 67.72 | + 0.25% | | All Share | 101 750.61
| + 0.69% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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