| KZN'S ELECTED OPPORTUNISTS CAN’T HELP THEMSELVES |
The toxic mix of political opportunism and the fragility of coalition government is casting a cloud over the provincial unity government in KZN as the National Freedom Party, with its single seat in the 80-member legislature, is cosying up to the MK Party, ostensibly because of concerns about “transparency and clean government”. Nary a word from the voters who elected the lone represenative, of course. The irony is laughable. On a happier note, the Rand has broken through both the R23/Pound and R20/Euro levels and is currently trading at R20 to the US Dollar. |
| JESMONDENE ESTATE ANCHORS MODERN LIFESTYLE APPEAL |
A cycle and running track underpins the residential appeal of the Jesmondene Lifestyle Estate.
Jesmondene Lifestyle Estate - to be formally unveiled at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business banquet and business awards on 7 November, underscores the city's residential appeal with its blend of comfort, sustainability, and security features. The master-planned estate features about 355 units in contemporary two-storey buildings, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.
Residents will enjoy three themed clubhouses, landscaped green spaces, a cycle and running track, and a vibrant retail hub. A natural wetland, hybrid solar power, and on-site water backup highlight the estate’s eco-conscious design. With biometric access and CCTV ensuring peace of mind, Jesmondene presents strong investment value and an aspirational lifestyle - redefining urban living in the Midlands’ thriving residential corridor. |
| REACH TOP 700 BUSINESS ON 2026 PMCB WALL CALENDAR |
The Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business is preparing the 2026 edition of its popular A1 wall calendar, featuring details of key business events and PMCB forums. Exposure on the 1 000 calendars represents a high-visibility opportunity to reach over 700 local businesses over a full year. Only 20 advertising spaces are available, with only one advertiser per business type. Advertising is open to PMCB members only and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Ad spaces measure 100 mm x 60 mm, the cost is R4 150 (excl VAT). Contact Pri on (033) 3452747 or at communications2@pmcb.org.za.
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1992: Reggie Hadebe, ANC regional executive committee member in the KZN Natal Midlands region, was gunned down.
Elsewhere, in 1991, Turkmenistan in central Asia declared independence from the Soviet Union.
It’s World Day for Audiovisual Heritage.
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HIGH-SPEED JOZI-DURBAN RAIL PLAN BACK ON TRACK
The Department of Transport has revived ambitions for a 300km/h high-speed train between Johannesburg and Durban, part of a broader plan to modernise South Africa’s rail system. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy launched a Request for Information (RFI) inviting private partners to submit ideas by 15 December 2025. The initiative will begin with 120km/h regional trains linking Pretoria, Polokwane, Mbombela, Musina, and Durban on existing lines, with new 160–200km/h corridors to follow.
Creecy said such projects require build-operate-transfer partnerships, not full privatisation, given fiscal limits. The RFI also explores smart “tap-and-go” ticketing, upgrading Prasa depots, and monetising fibre-optic networks. Government aims to expand passenger journeys from 77 million to 600 million by 2030, boosting connectivity, jobs, and industrial growth. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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KZN FARMERS HEAD TO COURT OVER FOOT-AND-MOUTH CRISIS
Livestock farmers in KZN heading to court, accusing national red meat industry bodies of failing to contain the worsening foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak despite collecting millions in levies for prevention. Farmers pay R14.33 per slaughtered head, yet 274 outbreaks persist across KZN, Limpopo, Free State, North West, and Mpumalanga, crippling exports and driving up prices. Lawyer Ann-Suhet Marx says levy funds lack transparency and proper auditing. Government estimates R1.2 billion will be needed for vaccines in 2025/26, with a new plant due by March 2026. Producers demand urgent reform and private-sector expertise to restore South Africa’s export credibility. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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LOWER INFLATION TARGET MAY SAVE SA R900 BILLION IN DEBT COSTS
Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago noted that South Africa spends 22 cents of every Rand on debt repayment - a burden that crowds out funding for health, education, and infrastructure. Speaking at the release of the Monetary Policy Review in Pretoria, he said lowering the inflation target to 3% could save the government R900 billion in debt-service costs over 10 years, or R90 billion annually. The adjustment, shifting focus from the midpoint to the floor of the 3%–6% range, has already eased markets: 10-year bond yields have fallen 85 basis points to 8.95%, inflation expectations have declined, and the rand strengthened 4%. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to ratify the framework in November. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
... AS RAND BONDS OUTWEIGH US DEBT YIELDS
BlackRock is backing South African government bonds as investors seek alternatives to US Treasuries amid mounting US debt concerns. Yields on 2035 Rand bonds stand at 8.94%, about five percentage points higher than similar US debt, while inflation is projected to slow to 3% by 2027. The FTSE/JSE ALBI index has returned 27% in dollar terms this year, supported by R90 billion in foreign inflows. BlackRock strategist Ben Powell said South Africa offers strong real yields and growing stability under its coalition government. Improved power supply and Amazon’s local expansion are further boosting investor confidence and economic sentiment. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
... AND SOUTH AFRICA EXITS FATF GREY LIST
South Africa, along with Nigeria, Mozambique and Burkina Faso, has been deleted from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list” of jurisdictions under increased monitoring. The removal follows two years of intensive reforms after South Africa’s 2023 grey-listing over weaknesses in its anti-money-laundering and counter-terror-financing framework. Since then the country has bolstered beneficial-ownership transparency, increased prosecutions of complex financial crime and strengthened supervisory oversight. Analysts expect the move to improve investor confidence, ease cross-border transaction costs and support financial-sector growth.(SOURCE: Reuters).
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51 000 DEPORTATIONS UNDERSCORE DRIVE TO PROTECT JOBS
South Africa is intensifying efforts to deport undocumented migrants amid rising competition for scarce jobs, with unemployment at 33.2% - affecting 8.4 million people. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the country deported 51 000 foreigners in the past year, surpassing totals from France and Germany combined. Many migrants arrive from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi, seeking work in Africa’s most industrialised economy. Schreiber warned the situation is becoming “a real tinderbox,” citing past xenophobic violence that killed 60 people in 2008 and resurfaced in 2015 and 2019. He said deportations are conducted under the rule of law to preserve social cohesion and stability. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
ADCOCK TO CALL JSE QUITS AFTER 56 YEARS
Adcock Ingram will delist from the JSE on November 11 after its R7.3 billion acquisition by India’s Natco Pharma became unconditional. The deal gives Natco full control of South Africa’s second-largest pharmaceutical company, strengthening its footprint in the African healthcare market. Adcock shareholders overwhelmingly supported the buyout, which offers them R82.50 per share. The transaction aligns with Natco’s global expansion strategy and Adcock’s aim to enhance competitiveness and innovation in generics and over-the-counter medicines. The delisting marks the end of Adcock’s 56-year presence on the Johannesburg bourse and signals growing Indian investment in South Africa’s pharmaceutical sector. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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MTN RINGS UP 300 MILLION CUSTOMERS ON BACK OF DIGITAL DRIVE
MTN Group has surpassed the 300 million customer milestone across its African and Middle Eastern markets, marking a major achievement in its digital inclusion journey. The company credited this success partly to its Y’ello Care campaign - an annual employee volunteerism initiative promoting digital literacy, education, and financial inclusion. Through Y’ello Care, thousands of MTN employees dedicate time and resources to empower communities with technology-driven opportunities. MTN said the milestone reflects its commitment to connecting people and bridging socio-economic gaps through affordable connectivity and mobile finance solutions, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for inclusive growth across the continent. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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WANTED: R1.72 BILLION TO REV UP FORMULA 1 AT KYALAMI
South Africa’s government is in talks with at least six companies to raise R1.72 billion to bring Formula 1 racing back to Kyalami by 2027. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has approached firms to fund hosting fees over three years, aiming to secure Treasury support and satisfy Formula One Management’s conditions. Competing with Rwanda and Morocco, South Africa hopes to revive F1 on the continent for the first time since 1993. A successful bid would boost tourism, jobs, and global exposure, leveraging the country’s proven infrastructure from the 2010 World Cup. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.
Oprah Winfey |
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| Dollar | R17.19 | + 0.43% | | Pound | R22.91 | + 0.28% | | Euro | R19.97 | + 0.47% | | Yen | 0.112471 |
| | Yuan | R2.42 | + 0.46% | | Bitcoin | $ 115 555.10
| + 4.05% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 619.11
| + 2.38% | | Gold | $ 4 080.51
| - 0.73% | | Oil | $ 65.55
| - 0.46% | | All Share | 110 444.29 | - 0.27% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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