| MINISTER PULLS PLUG ON INQUORATE INGONYAMA BOARD |
Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso dissolved the Pietermaritzburg-headquartered Ingonyama Trust Board after multiple resignations left only four members, below the quorum required for meetings. Nyhontso said the move ensures stable governance and continuity in administering 2.8 million hectares of trust land in KZN for the benefit of rural communities. An administrator will temporarily oversee daily operations under the Public Finance Management Act, while a process to reconstitute the board proceeds. KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli confirmed consultations with King MisuZulu ka Zwelithini and pledged provincial support for inclusive development, land management, and economic growth in trust areas. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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| TAKING MINUTES WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM AI |
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Christi Coetzee (5th left) with participants at the business skills training session on minute-taking with AI assistance. Picture by Lethiwe Zondi.
A training session led by Christi Coetzee of Green Door Consulting highlighted how AI can enhance, but not replace, human judgement in minute-taking. Participants were guided on governance, risk control and the importance of accurate records. Yesterday's course at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business explored safe AI use before, during and after meetings, while addressing risks such as privacy, bias and errors. Attendees also learned to structure agendas, tailor minutes to meeting types, and capture key decisions, actions and deadlines.
The session also covered managing hybrid meetings and proper storage of records in line with policy and legal requirements, targeting administrators and secretaries responsible for formal documentation. Click here for the updated business skills training programme.
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| READERS POLL: LITTLE APPETITE FOR ACTION ON FOOD COSTS |
While all respondents are feeling the pinch of rising food prices, almost 10% are not doing anything to reduce the costs. Yesterday’s poll in eBizBlitz shows that the majority (61%) put their faith in a food budget and 31% plan meals ahead. Only 8% of respondents are cutting back on the consumption of meat that has increased by about 12% over the past two months. None of the respondents practiced bulk-buying or growing their own food, although several suggested that home-grown produce and community sharing could help. Several called for supermarkets to resist price hikes and for authorities to monitor unfair pricing. It would seem that despite widespread concern, consumers are slow to implement proactive measures to cut the grocery bill. Thanks for voting!
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1996: The divorce of Nelson and Wninie Mandela was finalised.
1999: Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones became the first aviators to circumnavigate the globe non-stop by balloon.
Listen up, it's International Read To Me Day! |
INFLATION COOLS, BUT RATE CUT HOPES DIM
South Africa’s inflation eased to 3% in February, down from 3.5%, according to Statistics South Africa, slightly below expectations. Despite hitting the South African Reserve Bank’s target, policymakers are unlikely to cut rates at the March 26 meeting, keeping the benchmark at 6.75%.
Governor Lesetja Kganyago has warned that currency weakness, not just oil, is driving inflation risks. Oil prices have surged over 40% amid the US-Israel war on Iran, while a weaker Rand adds pressure. Food inflation, particularly meat affected by Foot-and-Mouth Disease, and rising fuel costs remain key concerns, reinforcing a cautious policy stance despite cooling headline inflation. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS MOTORISTS PIN HOPES ON TEMPORARY APRIL RELIEF
Motorists are hoping for a temporary fuel levy reprieve ahead of April hikes, as global tensions once again drive oil prices higher. The surge echoes 2022, when the Russian invasion of Ukraine pushed crude above $120 a barrel, prompting the National Treasury to cut the fuel levy by R1.50 per litre. Currently, renewed volatility linked to the US-Israel war on Iran and a weaker Rand has reignited calls for similar relief. While April increases remain on the table, pressure is mounting for a delay or partial cut. Any intervention, however, is likely to be short-term given constrained public finance. (SOURCE: BDLive/Bloomberg)
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... AND TREASURY PUNT GOLD EXPORTS TO OFFSET OIL
National Treasury said rising gold prices could help cushion the impact of soaring oil costs after the Middle East war. Director-General Duncan Pieterse noted that higher gold export earnings benefit the mining sector and could partially offset fuel import shocks expected in April. While South Africa maintains some fiscal buffers, Pieterse warned the balance depends on export performance and disciplined spending. Inflation may rise, prompting monetary caution, and the government will monitor developments before acting on consumer relief or fiscal measures. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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JSE TUMBLES AS OIL SURGES ABOVE $113
The JSE All Share Index fell below the114 000-mark, closing at 113 710 yesterday, down more than 3% and 4.3% over the past month. Escalating Middle East tensions pushed oil above $113 a barrel, prompting investors to flee to safe-haven assets. Mining stocks led losses, with Sibanye Stillwater down 9% and Gold Fields dropping 8%. Retailer Truworths and tech giant Prosus fell around 7%. Gains were limited to Thungela Resources, up 6%, as the rand traded at R16.79 to the Dollar. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
See below: Gold dips below $5 000 on global inflation fears |
ESKOM SOUNDS ALARM AT MUNICIPAL DEBT TRIPLING TO R358 BILLION
Eskom has warned that municipal debt could surge to R358 billion by 2031 if left unchecked, up from a projected R116.2 billion by March 2026. Executives told Parliament the debt is rising rapidly, increasing by R15.9 billion in just nine months, largely driven by non-metro municipalities. CEO Dan Marokane said the growing burden threatens the utility’s financial stability and complicates plans to unbundle its distribution business. Efforts to curb the debt include a National Treasury relief programme, though compliance remains low. Eskom is also pursuing legal action and new distribution agreements to improve revenue collection and service delivery. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... AND URGENT INFRASTRUCTURE REFORMS KEY TO GROWTH
The Bureau for Economic Research (BER) has warned that South Africa’s growth prospects depend on urgent infrastructure reform, with unemployment above 32% highlighting the scale of the crisis. In a note led by Johan Fourie, the BER said the government of national unity must prioritise energy, water and logistics to unlock investment. Drawing on countries such as Poland and Germany, the study showed how sustained reforms sharply reduced unemployment and lifted growth. The BER also stressed the need to protect institutions like the National Treasury and build coalition coherence, warning that without visible progress, reform momentum and investor confidence could falter. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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ENERGY DEMAND SPARKS LITHIUM-BATTERY PLANT PLANS
A new feasibility study by the Localisation Support Fund, advised by Ernst & Young Advisory Services, shows South Africa could economically support a 5–10 GWh/y lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell gigafactory. Strong regional demand for battery energy storage systems (BESS) is projected at 55 GWh by 2034, driven by grid stabilisation and renewable integration. Atlantis and Coega SEZs are top locations, offering tax incentives and infrastructure. Local refining of LFP precursors could cut costs to $68–72/kWh by 2030. The project may create 560 direct jobs and support 25 000 green economy positions, boosting industrial growth and skills development. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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DIS-CHEM HEIRS CASH IN R640 MILLION SHARES
Two sons of Ivan Saltzman, Mark and Dan, sold R640 million worth of Dis-Chem Pharmacies shares across January and February, reducing the family’s holding further. The disposal concerned 17.64 million shares, following Ivan’s June gift of a 25% stake, worth R6.8 billion, to his sons via Ivlyn Holdings. Each brother now owns a 12.62% stake, down from a combined 29.31% previously held by the founders. Ivan plans to retire as executive director in June, remaining deputy chair. Shares closed at R33.48, down over 5% year-to-date. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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GOLD DIPS UNDER $5 000 ON GLOBAL INFLATION FEARS
Gold fell below the $5 000 an ounce level, hitting its weakest point in over a month and extending a run of losses. The decline marked a sharp pullback from recent highs above $5 000, with prices slipping into the roughly $4 850–$4 950 range. The move was driven by a firmer Dollar and rising bond yields, which reduced demand for non-yielding bullion. Investors also pared back safe-haven positions despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. Analysts said expectations of prolonged elevated interest rates continued to weigh on prices, with global markets now watching inflation data and central bank signals for the next direction. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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FED HOLDS RATES IN SEA OF UNCERTAINTY
The US Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at 3.5 - 3.75% in an 11-1 vote, with Fed Governor Stephen Miran the sole dissenter calling for an immediate quarter-point cut. Officials cited uncertainty from the US-Israel war on Iran and rising oil prices, though they still expect one rate reduction later in 2026.
The Fed raised its 2026 growth and inflation forecasts to 2.4% and 2.7%, with unemployment projected at 4.4%. Markets reacted with a lower S&P 500 and retreating Treasury yields amid heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty. (SOURCE: Bloomberg).
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Desktop 3D Printing Questions We Hear Every Week |
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“Is the quality good enough for real work?” At 0.1mm layer height, Bambu Lab printers produce parts that hold up in our Akhani 3D ISO9001:2015 certified production environment in Howick. We can show you samples.
“What materials can I actually use?” PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, and carbon/glass-filled composites such as PA6-CF, PPS-CF. The range covers prototyping through to functional end-use parts for many applications.
“How long does it take to learn?” Depends on your CAD experience. Bambu’s software handles the complexity - slicer settings, calibration, material profiles - so you focus on your design.
“What about reliability?” These machines run daily in our Howick ISO 9001:2015 certified facility. Bambu Lab’s closed-loop control catches problems before they ruin prints.
“Will it work with our power situation?” Standard 220V, no special requirements. We recommend a UPS for mid-print power interruptions.
“Is it really strong enough?” Depends on the application. For jigs, fixtures, housings, and many functional parts - yes. For high-temperature or extreme-load applications, we’ll tell you honestly if it won’t work.
Your questions are valid. We’d rather give straight answers than oversell capabilities.
Contact Rapid 3D for application-specific guidance.
More questions? Email: david@rapid3d.co.za |
PMCB INDUSTRY NETWORKING MEETING
The PMCB Team invites you to an INDUSTRY NETWORKING MEETING At
ANDERSON ENGINEERING
DATE: 26 March 2026
THE MEETING STARTS AT 15h00 – 17h00 pm
NB: Please note the following for the factory tour.
• No short pants allowed
• Long pants are required (for ladies, preferably no dresses)
• Closed leather shoes must be worn
• Safety boots are preferred, but not mandatory
• Hearing protection will be issued on site
VENUE: 5 Willowton Rd, Willowton, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Due to limited space, a maximum of two people per company will be permitted to attend. |
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A wise man makes his own decisions. An ignorant man follows the public opinion.
Chinese Proverb |
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| Dollar | R16.99 | - 0.20% | | Pound | R22.53 | - 0.35% | | Euro | R19.48 | - 0.28% | | Yen | 0.106376 |
| | Yuan | R2.46
| + 0.22% | | Bitcoin | $ 70 839.54 | - 0.61% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 987.10 | - 0.74% | | Gold | $ 4 832.45
| + 0.27% | | Oil | $ 113.04
| + 3.53% | | All Share | 113 710.61
| - 3.02% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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