| RAND RIDES GLOBAL VOLATILITY TO TEST R16.25/$ |
The Rand is testing the R16.25/$ level in early-morning trade after weathering global market volatility yesterday and the weekend. Having traded as low as R16.16/$, and despite giving up some of its gains, the Rand is holding its ground against the Pound, around R21.90, and the Euro at around R18.70. The Rand has benefited from supportive commodity prices, particularly gold, while movements in the US Dollar and expectations around US monetary policy continue to influence sentiment, underscoring the currency's slow, but inexorable slide against other currencies.
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| BUILDING TRUST COUNTS FOR MORE THAN PRICING AND PRODUCTS |
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Presenter Jitesh Roy and the managing partner of Secure Strap believes that human connection is a critical business imperative. Pictrure by Lethiwe Zondi.
Company proprietors should recognise emotional intelligence as a powerful driver of sustainable growth, according to Jitesh Roy, the managing partner of Secure Strap. Speaking at the recent Small Business Forum at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, Roy's presentation on The Human Advantage explored how entrepreneurs can use self-awareness, empathy and stronger communication to build lasting business relationships.
The session highlighted practical ways to better understand customer behaviour, manage conflict, negotiate effectively and make sound decisions under pressure. Participants were encouraged to look beyond products, pricing and technology and recognise that trust and personal connections can provide a competitive advantage.
The presentation also emphasised that emotionally intelligent leadership can strengthen teams, partnerships and customer loyalty, helping small businesses create relationships that support long-term growth, resilience and prosperity.
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| PIETERMARITZBURG ARTERIAL ROADS SET FOR REHABILITATION |
Long-suffering motorists in Pietermaritzburg can look forward to improved roads, especially those carrying diverted N3 traffic, after the Msunduzi Municipality cleared the way for SANRAL to start work. The upgrades include CB Downes, Market and Cleland roads, as well as 1.5-km section of Wally Hayward Drive and 3.9-km stretch of Gladys Manzi Road. Also on the cards is upgrading the flood-prone Woodhouse Road causeway with a 75-metre bridge and upgrading 510 metres of roadway. The project, originally estimated above R100 million, is expected to cost less than R80 million, with the municipality contributing R30 million from its Municipal Infrastructure Grant. (SOURCE: The Witness)
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| HEART-FELT TRIBUTE TO MIDLANDS CULINARY PIONEER RICHARD POYNTON |
Chef Jackie Cameron has paid tribute to the late Richard Poynton, a culinary trailblazer whose passion and creativity helped put the Midlands on South Africa’s food map. Poynton championed local produce, inspired emerging chefs and strengthened the region’s culinary reputation, leaving an enduring legacy in KZN hospitality industry.
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1991: Ismael Mahomed became the first black judge appointed to the Supreme Court of South Africa.
Elsewhere, in 1948, the London Olympic Games was officially opened.
Hold the note, on World Steelpan Day honouring the instrument from Trinidad and Tobago, the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century.
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DA VOWS TO END CADRE DEPLOYMENT, RINGFENCING WATER, ELECTRICITY
DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has unveiled the party’s local government election manifesto, promising to end cadre deployment and strengthen accountability in municipalities. The party says municipalities should appoint officials based on competence rather than political connections, while improving service delivery and financial management.
The DA also proposes ring-fencing revenue collected from water and electricity services, ensuring funds are directed towards maintaining and upgrading infrastructure. The manifesto comes amid growing concern over municipal failures, deteriorating infrastructure and financial instability across South Africa. The party says better-run municipalities are essential for restoring public confidence, supporting businesses and improving economic growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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...AS 80% OF SPATIAL REFORMS REMAIN ELUSIVE
About 80% of government reforms aimed at tackling apartheid’s spatial legacy are off track, with housing, land reform and title deeds among the areas facing significant delays. Operation Vulindlela, established to accelerate structural reforms, has recorded progress in some areas but struggled to meet targets related to spatial transformation. Housing delivery has been slower than expected, while delays in issuing title deeds continue to limit households’ ability to unlock the value of their properties. The shortcomings highlight the difficulty of reversing deeply entrenched spatial inequalities, which continue to shape where South Africans live, work and access economic opportunities. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND EXPROPRIATION FIGHT TESTING COURT JURISDICTION
The Democratic Alliance’s legal challenge to the Expropriation Act faces an important preliminary hurdle, with the court considering whether it has jurisdiction to hear the party’s constitutional claims. The case is therefore not only about whether the legislation is constitutional, but also whether the DA has approached the correct court. The Act has triggered intense political and legal debate over land reform, property rights and compensation. The DA argues that provisions allowing expropriation without compensation in certain circumstances threaten constitutional protections. The government and other parties defend the legislation as necessary to address South Africa’s historic land inequalities and advance meaningful land reform. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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AI-SAVVY WOMEN ACCOUNT FOR 32% OF JOB SEEKERS
South African women are rapidly increasing their adoption of artificial intelligence skills, according to Pnet’s August 2026 Job Market Trends Report. Women now account for 32% of jobseekers listing AI capabilities, up from 25% three years ago. The report analysed 1.5 million candidate profiles and found particularly strong female participation in generative AI for design, media and content creation. Women represent about 70% of candidates listing design and media AI tools, while 60% of those citing ChatGPT proficiency are female. Female representation in robotic process automation has also risen from 27% to 39%. Pnet says the trend reflects women responding to rapidly changing workplace skills requirements. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
RETAILERS UPPING THE ANTE AS GLUTEN-FREE FOODS FIND FAVOUR
South Africa’s gluten-free food market is moving from niche to mainstream as demand rises and supermarkets expand their ranges. Specialist businesses such as Off the Gluten Path and Gluten Free Whisk have emerged from families’ experiences with coeliac disease and gluten sensitivities, producing breads, baked goods, snacks and other familiar foods. Shoprite Checkers reports gluten-free sales value up 30% year-on-year, with repeat purchases increasing 26%. Pick n Pay has also seen significant demand growth, particularly for gluten-free carbohydrate products. However, higher production costs remain a challenge as retailers balance expanding ranges with increasingly price-conscious consumers. Local producers are also focusing on quality, safety and greater accessibility. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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BALANCING AFFORADBLE DRUGS WITH EMPLOYMENT GOALS
The health department is defending its medicine procurement approach amid tensions with local pharmaceutical manufacturers over job losses and industrial policy. Industry body Pharmisa says the department’s emphasis on securing the lowest prices is squeezing local drugmakers out of important tenders, threatening jobs and domestic manufacturing capacity. The department maintains that procurement must ensure affordable, quality medicines for patients while meeting budget constraints. The dispute highlights a policy tension between reducing healthcare costs and supporting local pharmaceutical production. Manufacturers argue that tender rules should better accommodate local suppliers, while government faces pressure to balance medicine affordability, supply security, employment and broader industrial development objectives. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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RAMOKGOPA FIGHTS COURT BLOCK ON COAL POWER
Electricity and energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is challenging a court ruling that prevents government from approving new coal-fired power stations. The legal battle pits the state’s energy security plans against environmental groups seeking to limit further coal development. The Pretoria High Court previously blocked approvals for new coal stations, citing environmental concerns. African Climate Alliance, Vukani Environmental Justice Movement In Action and Groundwork Trust are opposing the state’s challenge. The case highlights tensions between South Africa’s electricity security needs, coal-dependent power system and commitments to reduce emissions. Its outcome could influence future energy planning and investment in the country’s electricity sector. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SOUTH AFRICA LANDS 200 000-TON SOYBEAN DEAL WITH CHINA
South Africa is set to export about 200 000 tons of soybeans to China in November, strengthening its position in the Asian market. The deal, secured by a multinational trading member of the South African Cereals and Oilseeds Trade Association, follows China’s removal of import tariffs on African agricultural products. The move gives South African soybeans a price advantage over South American competitors, reinforced by lower freight costs. Despite logistical constraints at Durban’s port, SACOTA estimates soybean exports could reach 510 000 tons this season. The country is benefiting from a record 2.8million-ton soybean crop forecast for 2025/26. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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VICTORIA FALLS EXCHANGE TARGETS 25% GROWTH
Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) aims to increase its market value by 25% to $5 billion (about R82 billion) within the next year as it expands its product offering and attracts new listings. CEO Justin Bgoni said the US Dollar-denominated bourse, currently valued at about $4 billion, is targeting equities, real estate investment trusts and exchange-traded funds. The exchange plans to launch a venture board to provide capital-raising opportunities for junior mining and exploration companies, particularly in natural resources. VFEX has added four of six targeted new listings this year, including Old Mutual. The exchange also sees potential for international ETFs, infrastructure bonds and a growing wealth-management industry. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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EL NIÑO ON COURSE TO CATAPULT 274 MILLION INTO ACUTE HUNGER
The United Nations has warned that a potentially record-strength El Niño could push at least 49 million additional people into acute hunger by the end of 2027. The World Food Programme said Latin America and the Caribbean face the sharpest increases in food insecurity, following an assessment of 45 vulnerable countries. Across those countries, the number of people unable to meet daily food needs could rise from 225 million to 274 million. Extreme and unpredictable weather, including droughts and floods, is expected to damage harvests and reduce agricultural production. Poorer nations already facing high energy costs and supply disruptions are particularly vulnerable. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Our only gift to the future is giving everything we have to the present - our lives, lived.
Maria Popova |
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| Dollar | R16.24 | - 0.27% | | Pound | R21.93 | - 0.25% | | Euro | R18.73
| - 0.22% | | Yen | 0.101952 |
| | Yuan | R2.41
| - 0.30% | | Bitcoin | $ 63 864.98
| - 0.11% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 747.80
| - 0.92% | | Gold | $ 4 364.26 | - 0.58% | | Oil | $ 89.20 | + 2.01% | | All Share | 117 518.31 | + 1.92% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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