| WARNING: TRUCK PROTEST TO DISRUPT N3, N2 ON SATURDAY |
Reports on social media are warning of possible transport and logistics disruptions in Pietermaritzburg, the N3 and N2, and across KZN by the All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa (ATDF-ASA) on Saturday, 30 May.The entity reportedly supports a nationwide truck shutdown planned for the day to protest the employment of foreign drivers and alleged wage non-compliance. The ATDF-ASA has also announced its own shutdown for 30 June. Past protests have disrupted freight corridors and caused traffic chaos on key highways. Businesses and motorists are advised to be vigilant and inform themselves of possible disruptions.
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| GLOBAL CIRCULAR ECONOMY HONOUR FOR JOLLY GOOD FELLOW |
Pietermaritzburg man Chris Whyte (pictured), well-known in business, environmental and waste mitigation circles, was appointed a Founding Fellow of the Circular Economy Institute (CEI) last month. With a CV the length of the globe's circumference, Whyte also boasts a deep involvement in the city’s affairs having served on the PCCI and its successor, the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, as well as chair of the now defunct Pietermaritzburg Tourism.
Whyte has been active in the Circular Economy Club since 2017 and joins fellow CEI members who are part of a global network advancing circular economy practices and supporting the transition from linear to circular economic models. The fellowship recognises leaders contributing to systems change and sustainable resource use. Through Africa Circular and related initiatives, Whyte hopes to continue promoting circular transition efforts across the continent. |
| READERS POLL: NOTHING CLEAN ABOUT GREEN RESOURCE MINING |
Yesterday’s poll about the conflict between the rights of communities facing upheaval in the quest for energy resources was a firm endorsement against the extraction of resources without transparent consultation. Respondents were unequivocal about the importance of community engagement, saying that if agreement can't be reached on a proposed project, it should be canned. Others pointed out that the extraction of minerals to power green energy is no less disruptive than mining so-called “dirty energy" resources. Thanks for voting!
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1963: Nelson Mandela arrived on Robben Island to serve his sentence for treason.
Elsewhere, in 1977, British punk band the Sex Pistols released God Save the Queen that was promptly banned by the BBC and other outlets in England.
Claws out today on World Otter Day. It's also World Marketing Day.
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TREASURY TARGETS STATE DEBT TO MUNICIPALITIES
National Treasury will begin deducting funds owed by national and provincial departments to municipalities, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has confirmed, in an effort to address mounting intergovernmental debt. Provincial departments owe municipalities about R14.9 billion, while national departments owe around R8.2 billion, according to Treasury figures. The move mirrors existing practice where municipal debts to the state are already deducted from allocations.
Godongwana said the decision aims to correct an “inconsistent application” of payment enforcement and improve municipal cash flow. The step forms part of broader local government reforms, including ring-fencing trading services and restructuring water infrastructure funding to improve maintenance and revenue recovery. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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RESERVE BANK LEADING INDICATOR UP 2.4% IN MARCH
The South African Reserve Bank’s leading indicator rose 7.5% year-on-year and 2.4% month-on-month i March signalling a modest improvement in economic activity. Gains were supported by stronger M1 money supply growth, a positive interest rate spread and firmer commodity prices. Economists say the data points to early-stage recovery in parts of the economy, alongside improving business sentiment and expectations of gradual growth. However, weak domestic demand and ongoing global uncertainty continue to weigh on the outlook. Policymakers are expected to monitor incoming data closely to assess whether the recovery momentum can be sustained in coming months. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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COURT PAVES WAY FOR PRIVATE FMD VACCINATIONS
The Pretoria High Court has granted interim relief allowing farmers and agribusinesses to privately procure and administer Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines without State veterinary involvement, and barred Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and senior officials from interfering in lawful import arrangements. The court found the State failed to mount a substantive defence and criticised delays and conduct that “calls for sanction,” ordering costs against the respondents. Under the ruling, livestock owners may source approved vaccines directly from importers or manufacturers and administer them under notification rules requiring advance and post-vaccination reporting. Existing State biosecurity and movement controls remain in force, but private vaccination is now permitted alongside government efforts. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS DOMESTIC VACCINE PLANT SECURES IDC, EU FUNDING
A Cape Town vaccine manufacturing project has secured hundreds of millions of rand in backing from the Industrial Development Corporation and the European Union to help develop vaccines locally from research stage through to production. The investment forms part of Africa’s broader drive to reduce dependence on imported vaccines after Covid-19 exposed global supply vulnerabilities. South Africa currently imports the majority of its vaccines despite having one of the continent’s most advanced pharmaceutical sectors. The facility is expected to create high-skilled biotechnology jobs, expand local manufacturing capacity and strengthen regional health security and pandemic preparedness. (SOURCE: News24)
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RECALL FOR 920 JEEP CHEROKEES OVER SAFETY FEARS
The National Consumer Commission says Stellantis South Africa is recalling 920 Jeep Grand Cherokee WL vehicles sold between 2021 and 2023 due to a potential safety defect. The upper control arm pinch bolt may have been damaged during assembly, which could lead to breakage and loss of clamp load. This may cause the wheel to tilt outward, increasing crash risk without warning. Affected owners are urged to visit authorised Jeep dealerships for free inspection and repairs or replacement. The recall is precautionary, with no cost to consumers, and aims to prevent possible accidents linked to steering failure risks. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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INFLATION RISKS PORTEND $90 OIL PRICE FOR 2026
Research company BMI warns the US–Iran conflict could push oil prices to an average of $90 per barrel in 2026, sustaining elevated energy costs and driving inflation higher across emerging markets. Rising fuel prices are already feeding through globally, with inflation shifting from flat to about 5% year-on-year in many economies. Energy-importing countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa face the greatest pressure, with tighter monetary policy and potential interest rate hikes expected. Fiscal strain, weaker growth and reduced policy flexibility are likely outcomes, while fertiliser shortages and supply disruptions could deepen food inflation risks in vulnerable economies further ahead. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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FUNDERS PLEDGE R8.2 BILLION TO FIGHT DRC EBOLA OUTBREAK
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has triggered about $500 million (about R8.2 billion) in global funding pledges as health officials warn of wider regional spread. The commitments more than double earlier funding levels and now nearly cover the estimated $519 million response need. Major contributors include the World Bank, the United States and European partners. More than 900 suspected cases and over 200 deaths have been reported across multiple provinces, with Uganda also detecting cases. African leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, warn that weak health systems, conflict and porous borders are accelerating risk across the continent urgently. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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TAIWAN OVERTAKES INDIA STOCK MARKET ON MICROCHIP SURGE
Taiwan has overtaken India to become the world’s fifth-largest stock market, driven by a powerful rally in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which dominates the index. Market capitalisation reached about $4.95 trillion (about R81.2 trillion) narrowly ahead of India’s $4.92 trillion. AI-related chip demand has fuelled TSMC’s 49% surge this year, pushing Taiwan’s tech-heavy market higher. India has lagged due to foreign outflows, high valuations, and energy-driven inflation pressures. The US, through the NYSE and Nasdaq, is the world’s largest, followed by China (Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges), Japan, and Hong Kong. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS S&P 500 STREAKS TO RECORD ON MIDEAST PEACE HOPES
The S&P 500 hit a record high as optimism over a potential US–Iran peace deal lifted global risk sentiment. Chipmakers led gains, with Micron Technology briefly surpassing a $1 trillion (about R16.4 trillion) valuation. Treasury yields fell as inflation fears eased and traders scaled back expectations of near-term Federal Reserve rate hikes. Brent crude steadied near $100 after earlier volatility tied to Middle East tensions. Markets are pricing in reduced geopolitical risk, though uncertainty remains over ceasefire talks. Analysts warned progress is fragile, but say easing conflict would refocus investors on earnings, growth, and broader equity fundamentals. Consumer confidence dipped slightly. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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TRAINING - COMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACE
Effective communication is at the heart of every successful organisation.
TRAINER: Sandra Nel – Sandra Nel Coaching
OVERVIEW
This course equips participants with tools to improve clarity, active listening, and emotional intelligence in daily interactions. It addresses communication barriers, misunderstandings, and the importance of empathy and tone in fostering collaboration and trust.
OUTCOMES
Participants will enhance their ability to communicate confidently and respectfully, give and receive feedback constructively, and handle difficult conversations with professionalism.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Teams wanting to strengthen collaboration, reduce conflict, and create a culture of openness and respect.
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
DETAILS OF THE TRAINING
Date: 3 June 2026
Time: 08:30 – 12:30
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (excludes vat) PMCB Members: R680 p/p, R645 p/p for 3/more, R595 p/p for 5/more Non-members: R900 p/p, R885 p/p for 3/more, R850 p/p for 5/more
Please note: The company will be liable for payment unless CANCELLATION is received in writing 24 hours prior to the event. |
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Live out of your imagination, not your history.
Stephen R. Covey |
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