| SAPPI PLOUGHS R372 MILLION INT0 942-SMME NETWORK |
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Transport entrepreneur Sanele Mkhize (back, 2nd left), who took ownership of three new Mercedes-Benz trucks valued at R11.6 million with staff and Sappi personnel.
Sappi Southern Africa is helping rewrite the SMME narrative by fueling micro-enterprise growth through strategic micro and small business support. From welders in Hlokozi to brickmakers in Winterton and foresters in Richmond, entrepreneurs are scaling their businesses with Sappi’s tools, training, and funding. In FY2024 alone, Sappi spent R372 million procuring from SMMEs, invested R900 000 in training, and enabled R332.6 million in payouts to over 4 100 small-scale timber suppliers.
A further R57 million went through subcontracted SMEs, creating over 1 500 jobs. With 942 SMMEs now in its value chain, and partnerships with entities like Ithala, Sappi is proving that values-led corporate backing can unlock shared opportunity, drive rural inclusion, and help local businesses thrive beyond survival - towards real, measurable growth. |
| ROTATIONAL ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AT AGM TOMORROW |
| Tomorrow evening, July 22, will see the hosting of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business annual general meeting that includes the election of seven directors to the board. The deadline for the submission of proxy votes has passed, and votes can only be cast in person at proceedings tomorrow. Nominations for members wishing to serve on Business Fighting Crime, the crime-fighting arm of the PMCB will be taken from the floor. For more information, contact Heidi on (033) 3452747 or at pmcb@pmcb.org.za |
1999: Comrades Marathon Top 10 finisher Sergio Motsoeneng admitted to cheating by switching places with his twin brother in a mobile toilet. They were caught after a photo showed them wearing watches on opposite wrists.
Elsewhere, in 1983, the lowest temperature ever measured on Earth was Vostok Station, a Russian station on Antarctica at −128.6 °F (−89.2 °C).
Today is dedicated to sustenance that is served in polystyrene and plastic, on Fast Food Day. |
DIGITAL PLATFORMS READY FOR TODAY'S START TO 2025 TAX SEASON
The 2025 tax season officialy opens today and runs until October 20, according to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Provisional taxpayers are given until January 19, 2026. SARS encourages use of digital platforms - eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, and online services - to avoid queues and benefit from near-instant assessments, often processed in under five seconds.
Refunds over R100 will be paid within 72 hours. To avoid penalties, taxpayers should verify details and pay any outstanding tax promptly. SARS say it will continue to enhance service through AI-driven systems and accessible support channels. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
... AS AUTO ASSESSMENTS PAY OUT R10.6 BILLION TO 5.8 MILLION TAXPAYERS
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has successfully auto-assessed 5.8 million taxpayers in 2025 - up from 5 million last year - streamlining compliance through artificial intelligence, machine learning, and third-party data integration. An impressive 99.6% of assessments required no changes, highlighting the system's accuracy and efficiency. Within 72 hours, SARS paid out R10.6 billion in refunds, fulfilling its promise to make tax filing effortless. Taxpayers needing to amend details can do so via eFiling or the MobiApp. With assessments issued in under five seconds, SARS also uses smart models to combat fraud while encouraging digital engagement over walk-in visits. (SOURCE: Biztech) |
JSE BULLS CHARGE TOWARDS 100 000-POINT MILESTONE
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) surged to a record 99 011 points this morning, driven by strong gains in mining and metals stocks. The index rose 1.37%, bringing its year-to-date return to 17.4%. Analysts believe the 100 000-point mark could be breached within a week. Sibanye, Valterra, and Implats each gained over 5%, while gold stocks like Harmony and Gold Fields added more than 3%. Positive retail and mining data boosted sentiment, alongside momentum in banking and telco shares. Integrity Asset Management’s Martin Rodgers called 2025 the JSE’s third-best year in two decades, marking strong investor confidence in the local bourse. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
FLYSAFAIR STRIKE
FlySafair will lock out its pilots from Monday in response to a one-day strike notice from trade union Solidarity, turning a short protest into a potential two-week standoff. The move follows a breakdown in wage negotiations, with nearly 90% of pilots supporting industrial action over salary disputes and working conditions. Solidarity accuses the airline of escalating the issue and ignoring mediation efforts. The pilots seek redress for COVID-era salary cuts and improved rest time. FlySafair, offering lower wage increases than demanded, says it’s prepared to limit disruption. The lockout could mirror previous industry strikes, impacting regional flight schedules significantly. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
'HOME OF POLO' TOASTS 2024 PRODUCTION MILESTONES
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) achieved a production milestone in 2024, building 167 084 vehicles at its Kariega plant in Gqeberha, with 131 485 Polos destined for export and 35 599 Polos and Polo Vivos for the local market. The Polo was South Africa’s most exported vehicle last year and topped local sales with 12 253 units. Since becoming the sole global exporter of Polos in July 2024, VWGA has shipped 119 336 units to 38 countries - mainly Germany, France, and the UK. VWGA aims to build on this success with continued output and new models like the upcoming Tengo. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
... AS FORD GEARS UP FOR R900 000 MILLION DEALER UPGRADE
Ford’s Southern Africa dealership network is set for a R900-million-plus revamp over the next three years, with investments driven by partners like Motus, NMI, and Super Group. The upgrade aligns with Ford’s new retail design language, focused on customer experience, lifestyle, and transparency over transactions. Twenty dealership projects worth R292 million will begin in 2025, followed by 18 in 2026 and 19 in 2027. Ford says upgraded dealerships can boost new-vehicle sales by 26% and profit by 27%. With 118 dealers and over 527 000 vehicles on the road locally, Ford aims to stay competitive amid rising imports and global industry shifts impacting South Africa’s manufacturing base. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
ORION SETS CHRISTMAS 2026 DATE FOR MAIDEN PRODUCTION
Orion Minerals is targeting first production from its Prieska Copper-Zinc Mine by Christmas 2026, marking its transition from explorer to producer. CEO Tony Lennox confirmed the Northern Cape project, last mined in 1991, holds a 31-million tonne resource and is fully permitted. A March DFS outlines a two-phase development. Orion is finalising funding, supported by South Africa’s IDC and Canada’s Triple Flag. Meanwhile, optimisation continues at the Okiep copper tenements. Orion also secured R67-million through a share placement to support early Prieska development. With Prieska, Okiep, and its future Jacomynspan project, Orion aims to become a leading base metals producer in South Africa’s mineral-rich Northern Cape. (SOURCE: Mining News) |
G20 CONSENSUS SKIRTS DIVISIVE TRADE POLICIES
Finance ministers and central bank chiefs from the Group of 20 reached a rare consensus in Durban, agreeing on a communique that underscores the need for strengthened international co-operation amid rising geopolitical and economic turbulence. The five-page document, adopted on Friday, stressed multilateral coordination to tackle climate change, debt relief, tax transparency, and financial stability - without directly referencing divisive trade disputes. It affirmed the role of independent central banks and acknowledged the mounting risks posed by extreme weather and natural disasters. Despite simmering tensions, particularly around US trade policy, South Africa’s G20 presidency was hailed for brokering a collective statement seen as a win for global economic diplomacy and multilateralism. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
IRON, STEEL PRICES SURGE ON CHINESE DEMAND
Iron ore jumped 2.8% to $103.60 a ton, hitting a four-month high, as China’s $167 billion (about R3 billion) mega dam project in Tibet boosted demand prospects. Steel futures in Shanghai also surged over 2%, with rebar and hot-rolled coil reaching highs not seen since March. The five-dam hydropower initiative, launched by Premier Li Qiang, is expected to stimulate demand for metals, cement, and glass. The move aligns with Beijing’s efforts to curb steel overcapacity and improve mill margins. Copper, zinc, and aluminium also rose on the London Metal Exchange. Iron ore is now on track for its first monthly gain since January. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
... AS RARE-EARTH MINERALS EXPORTS RISE 158%
China’s rare-earth magnet exports surged 158% in June to 3 188 tons, including 353 tons to the US, following a trade truce that eased earlier curbs. The spike came after Beijing’s export restrictions in April disrupted global supply chains, threatening industries from electric vehicles to defence. While volumes remain below pre-curb levels - only two-thirds of last year’s monthly average - the rebound signals partial recovery. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
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Silence is one of the great arts of conversation.
Marcus Tullius Cicero |
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| Dollar | R17.68 | + 0.24% | | Pound | R23.75 | + 0.08% | | Euro | R20.58 | + 0.15% | | Yen | 0.119416 | + 0.25% | | Yuan | R2.46 | + 0.25% | | Bitcoin | $119 084.00
| +1.17% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 433.00
| - 0.24% | | Gold | $ 3 368.27
| + 0.56% | | Oil | $ 69.20
| + 0.03% | | All Share | 98 687.22
| + 1.37% | | Repo | 7.25 | | | Prime | 10.75 | |
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