| CHOIR OF CONFIDENCE, CONSUMER EXPERIENCE AND FESTIVE GREETINGS |
All things come to an end as we publish the final 2025 edition of eBizBlitz. The year has whizzed past in a blur as we wonder if next year will be another roller coaster ride. Given the vagaries of crystal-ball gazing, taking counsel from what is real is probably a safer bet. It’s no coincidence that today’s edition is a choir of largely positive news, from the Rand dipping below the R17/$ level, to more construction activity, another current account surprise, and new car sales at a 10-year high.
These quantifiable macro trends, in tandem with more localised developments, are bound by a single ineffable quality - confidence. It’s impossible to measure confidence as surveys of this sort are based on the shifting sands of sentiment. Perhaps a more accurate gauge is how people spend their money, a matter top of mind as the festive season swings into action.
But, as the story below about Liberty Midlands Mall’s artistic endeavours and KZN’s shopping centre successes show, it’s the consumer experience ringing the till. On that festive note, we wish our subscribers, readers and advertisers a jolly good break and quality time with your nearest and dearest. See you on 12 January 2026! Derek Alberts (Editor)
|
| YOUNG ARTISTS INITIATIVE TO ANCHOR MALL’S FESTIVE SEASON |
 |
The 7.5-metre Disney Chari-Tree, Father Christmas and a family-friendly shopping environment are highlights of this year’s festive season at Liberty Midlands Mall.
Liberty Midlands Mall is launching its 2025 festive season with The Festive Artspace – A Fresh Canvas, a vibrant initiative celebrating creativity and community. Running daily from 12–24 December, the programme invites children to transform black-and-white artworks into colourful creations, explore DIY sand bottles, drawstring-bag art, cloud dough, and oversized building blocks.
Free to enter, the space encourages young artists to express themselves while families enjoy hands-on activities. Complementing the initiative are festive photos with Santa, charity gift-wrapping for the Pietermaritzburg Community Chest, and a 7.5 metre Disney Chari-Tree supporting Reach for a Dream, creating a joyful, interactive, and socially conscious holiday experience for all visitors. Click here for more information.
|
| CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSURE, SPCA FUND-RAISER |
The offices of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business will close on Friday 12 December 2025 at 12 pm for the staff Christmas Lunch. The office will remain closed over the festive season and re-open on Monday, 5 January 2026.
The Pietermaritzburg SPCA invites all and sundry to its annual fundraising Christmas Market on Sunday, 14 December. The venue is the Ascot Wedding and Conference, from 10 am to 5 pm. The performances of SA Rockers and Parable 15 will add to the ambience for this important fund-raising effort. |
| GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF WELLNESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON |
| Even on holiday, many South Africans can’t fully disconnect, driven by the fear of falling behind. The “always-on” work culture sees professionals checking emails and projects, often working 50–65+ hours weekly. This constant connectivity erodes mental health, creativity, and relationships, making true rest elusive. With shrinking leave and growing workloads, managing boundaries and prioritising well-being has never been more critical. |
2013: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela passed away.
Elsewhere, in 2017, the International Olympic Committee banned Russia from the 2018 Winter Games after uncovering a Russian state-sponsored doping programme.
It’s a lengthy title, but today is known as International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development. It's also World Soil Day.
|
KZN SHOPPING CENTRES CASH IN ON CONSUMER EXPERIENCES
KZN retail property is gaining momentum as consumers increasingly prioritise experiences over goods, according to the Q3 2025 Clur Shopping Centre Index. KZN centres saw 3.8% year-on-year trading density growth, the highest expansion versus December 2024. Nationally, trading densities rose 5.5%, outperforming September CPI by 2.1%, with community and smaller centres leading at 6.6% and regional centres at 6.1%.
Consumers favour emotionally engaging, interactive retail, combining wellness, entertainment, and community connection. Centres offering memorable experiences are outperforming traditional models, suggesting strategic opportunities for developers to integrate physical presence, cultural relevance, and curated experiences, while leveraging stable economic indicators to boost long-term growth across KZN and South Africa. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
|
... AS SAVVY CONSUMERS PIVOT TOWARDS VALUE SPEND AND SAVINGS
South Africans are reimagining their spending as economic pressures persist, with KLA–YouGov Profiles+ research of 39 000 respondents revealing 83% plan to save more in 2025 and 68% expect household finances to improve. Value-seeking dominates: 84% hunt for special offers, 83% use coupons, and over 90% used discounts recently, mainly gift vouchers (57%), promos (52%) and online codes (52%). Price comparisons focus on high-value items like mobile phones (52%) and electronics (40%), less on groceries (29%). Savings strategies diversify: 73% bank accounts, 37% TFSAs, 27% fixed deposits, 25% retirement annuities, and 18% stokvels. Leading value retailers are Checkers (48%), Shoprite (47%) and Pick n Pay (47%), showing that quality and consistency drive loyalty. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
|
... AND COMPETITION WATCHDOG SNARLS AT SHEIN, TEMU
South Africa’s National Consumer Commission (NCC) has opened investigations into e-commerce platforms Temu and Shein over potential breaches of consumer-protection laws. The probes could result in fines of up to 10% of annual turnover if violations are confirmed. The watchdog is examining practices related to product quality, returns, marketing claims, and compliance with local regulations. Both platforms operate extensively online, offering affordable fashion and goods, attracting large South African consumer bases. The NCC’s move signals increasing regulatory scrutiny of international e-commerce in South Africa, emphasising accountability, consumer rights protection, and adherence to local trade standards, amid growing online shopping trends. (SOURCE: News24)
|
CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT CATCHES MARKET BY SURPRISE
South Africa’s current account deficit unexpectedly narrowed to 0.7% of GDP (R57 billion) in Q3 2025, down from a revised 1% in Q2, beating the 1.2% estimate of economists. The improvement reflects better terms of trade, including gold, and a smaller shortfall in services, income, and current transfers, which fell to R235.3 billion from R259.4 billion. While the trade surplus slipped to R178.3 billion due to higher imports of petroleum and mining products, the narrowing deficit signals improving external balances. This marks the eighth consecutive current-account deficit, the longest since 2019, highlighting cautious optimism amid global trade volatility. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
|
NEW VEHICLE SALES HIT DECADE-HIGH ON CHINESE IMPORTS
South Africa’s automotive market surged in Q3 2025, with new passenger vehicle sales rising 23.4% year-on-year to 111 697 units, marking the strongest quarterly performance in over a decade, TransUnion reports. Chinese brands - JAC, GWM and Chery - expanded nearly nine times faster than the overall market, increasing their combined market share to 15% from 4% in 2021. Premium marques like BMW also thrived, posting 27% growth. Lower new-car inflation (1.5%) and a stronger rand boosted affordability, especially for younger buyers. Exports rose 4.1%, while connected-car adoption and electrification interest among Gen Z and high-income households signal a structural shift in South Africa’s vehicle market. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
|
SARB SIGNALS END OF JIBAR A YEAR FROM NOW
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has announced that the Johannesburg Interbank Average Rate (Jibar) will be permanently discontinued after December 31, 2026. All Jibar tenors will cease and be non-representative. Structural weaknesses and declining market activity made the benchmark unsustainable. Since 2022, the SARB and Market Practitioners Group (MPG) have endorsed the South African Rand Overnight Index Average (Zaronia) as Jibar’s successor. The MPG has provided transition guidance, including market conventions, fallback language, and a transition plan. Market participants are urged to incorporate Zaronia in contracts and reduce reliance on Jibar, with regulators offering continued support to ensure a smooth, orderly transition. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
|
190 000 LICENCES CANCELLED IN ENATIS CRACKDOWN
Authorities have recovered R15 million and cancelled 190 000 driving licences in a major crackdown on corruption linked to the eNaTIS system. The initiative targeted fraudulent licence applications, irregular renewals, and bribery within provincial traffic departments. Investigations revealed systemic weaknesses allowing corrupt practices to flourish, prompting tighter oversight and enhanced verification processes. Officials emphasised the move as part of broader efforts to restore integrity in the national licensing system and protect road safety. Law enforcement continues to pursue individuals and syndicates involved, while affected citizens are required to reapply under proper procedures, ensuring that future licences reflect legitimate, verifiable credentials. (SOURCE: News24)
|
DOWN UNDER FIRM OPENS FIRST NEW MINE IN 15 YEARS
Australia’s Evolution Mining has opened Qala Shallows, South Africa’s first new underground gold mine in 15 years. The R1.5 billion project, on the western outskirts of Johannesburg, will deliver about 70 000 ounces of gold annually, offering a rare boost for a sector facing years of declining investment. While modest in scale, Qala Shallows signals renewed confidence in SA’s mining potential and adds much-needed production capacity. The mine forms part of Evolution’s broader strategy to expand its global portfolio and leverage high-grade ore bodies. Its launch also brings job opportunities and fresh momentum to a traditionally hard-pressed industry looking for stability and long-term growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
SAPPI SHARES SURGE IN WAKE OF FINNISH JOINT VENTURE DEAL
Sappi’s share price jumped after announcing a major joint venture with Finnish pulp and paper producer Metsä Spring, combining selected paper assets to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and support long-term demand stability. The partnership aims to streamline production, optimise fibre use and enhance competitiveness in weak global paper markets. Sappi says the deal will help rebalance supply and demand, protect margins and strengthen cash generation. The agreement also positions both companies to accelerate innovation in sustainable packaging and speciality papers, areas showing stronger growth potential as traditional paper demand declines. SOURCE: BDLive)
|
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES DEBT RISES TO 50-YEAR HIGH
Developing nations paid $741 billion (about R12.6 trillion) more in external debt than they received in new financing between 2022 and 2024, the largest gap in 50 years, the World Bank reports. Low- and middle-income countries’ combined external debt hit $8.9-trillion, with $1.2-trillion owed by IDA-eligible nations. Interest costs reached record highs, with $415-billion paid in 2024 alone. While $90-billion of debt was restructured and bond investors added $80-billion, financing costs averaged 10%. Multilateral banks, including the World Bank, provided critical support, delivering $18.3-billion in net financing and $7.5-billion in grants. Policymakers are urged to manage fiscal risk and avoid over-reliance on domestic debt. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
|
GLOBAL HEALTH CUTS RISK THE LIVES OF 200 000 CHILDREN
Bill Gates has warned that cuts to global health funding, including reductions proposed by former US President Donald Trump, could result in the deaths of 200 000 small children. Speaking on the urgent need to protect immunisation and nutrition programmes, Gates highlighted that reduced support for vaccines, malaria prevention, and maternal care disproportionately threatens the most vulnerable. He urged governments and philanthropists to maintain or increase funding to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. The warning comes amid broader concerns about underinvestment in global health, with experts stressing that even modest cuts can reverse decades of progress in reducing child mortality worldwide. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
|
The AARTO National Rollout has Been Delayed – But Beware of Scams! |
The national rollout of AARTO has again been postponed, this time to July 2026. Speculation is that we now won’t see the demerit system implemented before the middle of 2027, but both dates remain provisional until gazetted. None of this should stop us from sharing with our families, friends, colleagues and staff this warning: Scammers don’t care about the delayed rollout date, they’re too busy stealing from harried motorists.
We share a list of the most common scams, with some tips on how to avoid falling prey to them.
To read more click here.
For more information please contact: Austen Smith Inc T: +27 33 392 0500 E: mail@austensmith.co.za Website: www.austensmith.co.za |
|
|
If you show people the problems, and you show people the solutions, they will be moved to act.
Bill Gates |
|
|
|
| Dollar | R16.95 | + 0.24% | | Pound | R22.63
| - 0.03% | | Euro | R19.76
| + 0.09% | | Yen | 0.109659 |
| | Yuan | R2.40
| + 0.19% | | Bitcoin | $ 92 246.24
| + 0.12% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 666.20
| + 1.39% | | Gold | $ 4 225.01
| + 0.39% | | Oil | $ 63.16
| - 0.16% | | All Share | 111 486.44
| + 0.51% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
|
|
|
|
|
