| READERS POLL: BROAD SUPPORT FOR REMOTE WORK BUT .... |
Yesterday’s survey in eBizBlitz shows broad support for working remotely, with 70% of respondents in favour, 15% opposed, and 15% unsure. Among supporters, 82% said remote work could save both fuel and time, while 24% cited fuel savings alone. Practicality was affirmed by 76% of respondents, though concerns remain. Comments highlighted that not all roles are suited to remote work, particularly junior, hands-on, client-facing positions, and manufacturing. Some respondents pointed out that companies resistant to remote policies may rely on excessive monitoring, while fairness, supervision, and financial security were also flagged as important considerations. Overall, remote work is supported, but its implementation requires role-specific flexibility and careful management. Thank you for voting!
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| VOLUNTEERS RISE TO FERNCLIFFE REWILDING CHALLENGE |
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Some of the volunteers at last Sunday's tree-planting exercise under the auspices of the Ferncliffe Forest Wilding project.
Volunteers turned out in force to support the Ferncliffe Forest Wilding (FFW) project in celebration of World Rewilding Day on Sunday, 22 March. The aim? To plant the first of many indigenous mistbelt forest trees on an overgrown farm that FFW has saved from development with financial commitments by supporters and the Pietermaritzburg community. One day, these trees will augment the remnants of forest left in neighbouring Ferncliffe Forest, said Connor Cullinan of FFW. Almost 40 trees and at least 25 species were planted, with bamboo tree guards to keep them from being browsed. “When older, the trees can provide seeds that will plant many more,” said Cullinan. “Then the forest can help itself to heal. Right now, there are too many invasive plants for young seedlings to survive to adulthood. When things are healthier, nature can do most of the work.” Volunteers included Operation Songamanzi (a student-run organisation that focuses on water and environmental management), a team from Mount Verde Estate and local residents.
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| WHY CRISIS-DRIVEN DECISIONS ARE DEATH TO INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS |
Thanks to the investment sentiments unleashed by the Middle East conflict, three unfashionable stocks are trading at 52-week highs on the JSE. Sasol’s resurgence - up 70% since the first attack on Iran - is an obvious response to rocketing Brent, while the popularity of Omnia and AECI is more nuanced. Fertiliser production is dependent on natural gas that is not only costing a lot more, but supplies are also being disrupted. However, chasing crisis-driven investment trends is not wise as long-term fundamentals matter more than short-term market reactions.
See below: Middle East war spurs global fertiliser supply crisis |
1994: SA was readmitted to the International Olympic Committee.
Two Boeing 747s, from Pan Am and KLM, collided on a runway in the Canary Islands, killing 582. |
RESERVE BANK HOLDS RATES AMID MIDDLE EAST OIL TURMOIL
The South African Reserve Bank yesterday kept its repo rate at 6.75%, leaving the prime lending rate at 10.25%, in a unanimous decision. Governor Lesetja Kganyago cited global uncertainty from the US–Israel war with Iran, with Brent crude above $100 a barrel.
Fuel prices in SA are expected to rise significantly, with speculation pointing to increases between R5 and R9 per litre in April, pushing headline inflation to 4% and fuel inflation above 18% in Q2 2026. GDP growth remains at 1.4%–1.9%, though downside risks persist. Prolonged conflict in the Middle East could push inflation above 5%, delaying the return to the 3% target until 2028. The Rand has weakened over 6% since the outbreak of hostilities, raising the spectre of rising inflation and potential future rate hikes. (SOURCE: Moneyweb/Reuters)
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AG IN DESPAIR AT R1.4 BILLION WASTEFUL EXPENDITURE
Auditor General Tsakani Maluleke has warned of “minimal progress” in audit outcomes, with only about 34% of audits achieving clean results. The report flags R1.4 billion in wasteful expenditure, alongside billions more in irregular spending. Weak controls and poor accountability persist, with over 60% of entities failing to fully implement prior audit recommendations. Municipalities remain a major concern as they drive much of the regression. Maluleke stressed that slow consequence management and leadership failures continue to undermine progress, warning that without urgent reform, financial mismanagement will keep eroding service delivery and public confidence. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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… AS DELAYS HINDER 72% OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Auditor General Tsakani Maluleke has warned that persistent infrastructure delays are crippling service delivery and undermining reform efforts led by Cyril Ramaphosa. Of 152 projects audited, 72% (109) were delayed, with average delays stretching to 41 months, up from 35 months previously. Some projects have stalled for nearly 10 years, while housing delays average 71 months. The projects, worth R47.4bn, span schools, roads, and water systems. Weak planning, contractor failures, and poor oversight are key drivers, raising concerns that the government’s R1trn infrastructure push may falter without improved execution capacity. (SOURCE: Daily Maverick)
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ELECTRICITY MARKET ROLL-OUT DELAYED ON POWER SUPPLY CONCERNS
South Africa has postponed the rollout of its new wholesale electricity market, initially scheduled for 2026, amid ongoing power supply challenges. Eskom and government regulators cited system readiness and infrastructure constraints as key factors behind the delay. The postponement affects trading of bulk electricity between generators and large industrial users, a move expected to improve market efficiency and reduce costs once implemented. Energy analysts warn that delays could slow investment in generation capacity and prolong load-shedding risks. Stakeholders now anticipate a revised launch date, with authorities emphasizing the need for stability, proper market systems, and alignment with national energy security objectives before proceeding. (SOURCE: News24)
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MULTICHOICE COMPELLED TO REVEAL ICASA SUBMISSIONS
The Supreme Court of Appeal has ordered MultiChoice to fully disclose its submissions to Icasa in an ongoing pay-TV market probe, dealing a blow to the broadcaster. The ruling comes as MultiChoice faces mounting pressure from declining subscribers, with losses exceeding 1 million customers in recent periods. The inquiry is examining competition and market dynamics in the sector, including pricing and access. Forced transparency could expose strategic positions and internal data, potentially weakening MultiChoice’s stance as it navigates intensifying competition from streaming platforms and regulatory scrutiny. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS SUPREME COURT DEALS SEKUNJALO R458 MILLION DEBT BLOW
The Supreme Court has ordered Sekunjalo Independent Media to repay at least R458.6m to Sactwu Investment Group, stemming from a R150m loan advanced in 2013 to fund the purchase of Independent Media. The court found a key subordination agreement invalid due to lack of proper authority, clearing the way for recovery. It also upheld the in duplum rule, capping interest despite years of non-payment. Attempts to settle the debt via a failed Sagarmatha listing collapsed, while no interest was serviced over seven years, deepening liabilities and intensifying financial strain on entities linked to Iqbal Survé. (SOURCE: Daily Maverick) |
FRANCE WITHDRAWS SA G7 INVITE AMID TENSIONS
France has rescinded South Africa’s invitation to the upcoming G7 summit, signalling rising geopolitical strain. Cyril Ramaphosa’s government cited external pressure, particularly linked to deteriorating ties with the US over foreign policy positions. The decision follows months of diplomatic friction, with SA’s stance on global conflicts drawing scrutiny from Western allies. The snub risks weakening Pretoria’s influence in key global forums and could impact trade and investment sentiment. While Emmanuel Macron has previously engaged Ramaphosa, the move highlights shifting alliances as geopolitical divisions deepen. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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CROSS-BORDER RUSH FOR CHEAPER BOTSWANA FUEL
South Africans are heading to Botswana to buy cheaper fuel as local petrol and diesel prices surge, with April hikes expected between R5 and R9 per litre. Cross-border traffic has increased at border posts, particularly in Gaborone and surrounding towns. Traders and commuters are stocking up ahead of the anticipated spike, while regional authorities monitor queues and traffic flow. The trend highlights growing frustration over domestic fuel costs and inflationary pressures. Analysts warn that unless government intervenes with subsidies or price mitigation measures, cross-border fuel shopping may intensify, putting strain on infrastructure and supply chains in both countries. (SOURCE: News24)
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GLOBAL REFORM ON AGENDA AT TRADE MINISTER TALKS
Trade ministers convene in Yaounde, Cameroon, for four days of high-stakes World Trade Organization reform talks amid deep divisions. With the US–Israeli war on Iran disrupting energy and food supplies, global trade faces heightened risks. The US resists a detailed reform roadmap, while the EU, Britain, and China back one. Disagreements over extending the moratorium on digital customs duties pit the US against India. Failure to reach consensus could push nations to create alternative trade rules, risking WTO relevance. Analysts warn that without agreement, global trade fragmentation and industrial crises may accelerate, threatening economic stability worldwide. (SOURCE: Reuter)
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MIDDLE EAST WAR SPURS GLOBAL FERTILISER SUPPLY CRISIS
Governments are scrambling to secure critical fertilisers as the Middle East war disrupts shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global food production. Prices of urea and phosphate have surged, while China and Russia limit exports. India, Brazil, and the US are seeking alternative sources and subsidies to protect farmers, while poorer nations face mounting hunger risks. Delays and shortages are hitting spring planting cycles, raising concerns of a broader food-price crisis. Analysts warn that unless the conflict eases soon, global crop yields and food security could be severely impacted, with millions at risk in vulnerable regions. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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META, GOOGLE STARING DOWN BIG TOBACCO-LIKE LEGAL RISKS
Meta Platforms and Google face a potential $6 million (about R102 million) verdict in Los Angeles, the first of thousands of lawsuits claiming their platforms are addictive and harmful to teens. The ruling could force changes to Instagram and YouTube, threatening the companies’ lucrative advertising model. Similar cases, including a $375 million New Mexico verdict, target school districts and state attorneys general, pushing for better age verification, push notification limits, and parental controls. Legal experts warn these product-liability trials could redefine social media accountability, likening the situation to Big Tobacco and opioids, with regulatory and reputational impacts far outweighing the immediate financial damages. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Desktop 3D Printing — Your Next Move |
We’ve spent seven weeks showing you what’s possible with desktop 3D printing.
Not hype. Not pressure. Just an honest look at what the technology can and can’t do for businesses like yours.
If something we’ve shared resonated - if you’ve thought about a specific problem this might solve - we’d welcome a conversation.
No obligation. No sales pitch. Just a straightforward discussion about whether desktop 3D printing makes sense for your situation.
We’re engineers talking to engineers. Based in KwaZulu-Natal, supporting clients across South Africa. We understand local manufacturing realities because we live them.
If it turns out a Bambu Lab printer fits your needs, we’ll help you get started. If it doesn’t, we’ll tell you that too.
The door is open. Come through when you’re ready.
Contact Rapid 3D for application-specific guidance.
Start the conversation: rapid3d.co.za |
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Our opinions become fixed at the point where we stop thinking.
Ernes Renan |
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