| MAKING EVERY DROP OF FUEL IN THE TANK COUNT |
With the cost of fuel top-of-mind as the new regime of prices takes effect today, on April Fool’s Day, it’s time to consider some of the most overlooked ways to make every litre in the tank go further. Maintaining regular service intervals, correcting tyre pressure, even checking wheel alignment are usually cited as means to cut fuel consumption. But there are other ways to conserve fuel as well, not least how you drive, and avoiding some silly mistakes that may actually add to your fuel bill.
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| ROUND-THE-CLOCK VOW TO REIN IN EASTER ROAD CARNAGE |
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The KZN Department of Transport has vowed a zero-tolerance approach to reckless and drunk drivers on the province's roads over the Easter weekend.
Picture courtesy of Arrive Alive.
The cost of fuel may have increased, but is unlikely to have dimmed the love South Africans have for hitting the road over Easter. With KZN a favourite destination, authorities have issued a strong warning against reckless and drunk driving ahead of the Easter weekend that officially starts on Friday. Judging by a renewed commitment to rid the roads of dangerous drivers, and a series of high-profile drink-and-drive clampdowns, complete with live footage on facebook, motorists better be on their best behaviour or face arrest.
The KZN Department of Transport will deploy 3 483 law enforcement officers in a 24/7 operation, supported by 148 roadblocks and 118 speed checks in high-risk areas. Over 80 roadblocks will target drunk driving, while unroadworthy vehicles will be removed. In what is a first road safety measure, drunk pedestrians posing a hazard will be arrested.
Officials stress offenders risk criminal records and detention. The campaign aims for a 10% reduction in fatalities, building on last year’s improved figures. Drivers are urged to prioritise safety and even better, adopt defensive driving techniques for their sake and other road users. Derek Alberts (editor)
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| UNLOCKING THE POWER OF AFRICA'S COMMUNITY SAVINGS |
Africa has significant untapped private savings, but most remain informal or outside banks due to high costs and low trust. Even formal savings rarely fund development, as banks see lending as risky. Community savings models, like South Africa’s stokvels, show how collective, trusted pooling of funds can mobilise capital. Adopting frameworks such as France’s Caisse de dépôt, which channels public funds into long-term investments, could bridge savings and economic development.
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1961: Robben Island was officially turned into a jail for political prisoners.
Elsewhere, in 2004, Google launched Gmail.
It’s the day of practical jokes, on April Fools’ Day. |
LAST-MINUTE RELIEF BLUNTS APRIL FUEL-PRICE SHOCK
South Africa’s Cabinet is weighing further fuel relief after announcing a R3/litre cut across all grades, including 93 and 95 octane petrol and 50ppm diesel, yesterday to cushion consumers from steep price hikes. The relief came hours before hefty increases for April - R4.74 /l for petrol and R7.83/l for diesel took effect. The cut primarily targets the general fuel levy, with partial relief also applied to the Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy, which together make up a significant portion of pump prices. While the move will ease immediate pressure on households and transport costs, economists warn it is temporary, with fiscal constraints limiting long-term relief options. (SOURCE: BDLive/Bloomberg)
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R475 BILLION PRIVATE INVESTMENT SENDS RENEWAL MESSAGE
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed R475 billion in new private investment, highlighting emerging “green shoots” in the economy. The pledges span energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, telecommunications, and agriculture, aimed at creating jobs and boosting growth. Key contributions include billions for renewable energy, grid expansion, port and rail upgrades, factory expansion, and food-processing capacity. Major companies involved are Sasol (R60 billion), Toyota (R10.4 billion), Valterra Platinum, South32 (R3.9 billion), Actom (R250 million), and Teleperformance (R145 million). Global investors, including The Coca‑Cola Company (R17.6 billion), also pledged funds, signaling renewed confidence in South Africa’s investment climate. (SOURCE: News24/Bloomberg)
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… AS CHERY GEARS UP FOR EX-NISSAN PLANT RETOOL
Chinese automotive giant Chery International plans a multi-billion-rand investment to re-commission the old Nissan plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, with production starting mid-2027. The move, confirmed at the SA Investment Conference 2026, marks Chery’s transition from importer to committed local manufacturer. The upgrade will modernise facilities, retain existing employees, and create new jobs, supporting South Africa’s automotive sector amid international import pressures. Chery sells around 50 000 vehicles annually in SA through 150 dealers.. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
… AND US DATA CENTRE GIANT BUDGETS R900 MILLION SPEND
Global data‑centre provider Equinix, listed on the Nasdaq, is spending about R890 million to buy land in Cape Town and Johannesburg for new data centres, as part of a broader R7.5 billion expansion plan in South Africa. The company already opened its first SA facility in Germiston in 2024 and has secured 327 000 m² of land for future capacity totalling 160 megawatts. The investment aims to capitalise on growing demand for cloud, AI and digital infrastructure across the continent. Microsoft and Amazon have also announced significant cloud and AI infrastructure investments in the country, reflecting strong confidence in SA’s digital market. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
GNU REFORMS SPARK RERATING OF DOMESTIC ASSETS
Former JSE CEO Leila Fourie has credited South Africa’s government of national unity (GNU) for a sustained rerating of local assets, boosting investor confidence. She says reforms at the exchange and improved policy direction have made Johannesburg one of the most accessible emerging market venues. The JSE has reflected this optimism, with equities performing strongly and investor inflows improving. Fourie notes that regulatory enhancements and market accessibility have strengthened competitiveness. However, she cautions that maintaining momentum will depend on continued reform, policy certainty, and economic stability to attract long-term investment. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS TRUMP TARIFFS SMACK AT LEAST 10% US EXPORTS
The South African Reserve Bank says tariffs introduced under Donald Trump have significantly cut South Africa’s exports to the US, with some categories declining by double digits. Vehicle and transport equipment exports have dropped by more than 20%, while chemicals and prepared foodstuffs also recorded notable contractions. Overall exports to the US have fallen by an estimated 10%–15%, weighing on manufacturing output. Economists warn reduced demand and higher trade barriers are eroding competitiveness, forcing firms to seek new markets, with risks to jobs, investment and long-term export growth. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
ILLEGAL ONLINE GAMBLING ROLLS DICE ON 62% MARKET SHARE
Illegal platforms now account for about 62% of South Africa’s online gambling market, according to the South African Bookmakers Association, raising serious regulatory and consumer protection concerns. Most of these operators lack local licences, exposing users to fraud risks and limiting recourse in disputes. The sector continues to grow rapidly, with thousands of licences issued annually, yet enforcement struggles to keep pace. Authorities warn the rise in unregulated gambling is also straining household finances and increasing credit risk. Industry players are calling for tighter controls, improved oversight and stronger enforcement to curb illegal activity and protect consumers. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
INVESTORS DEMAND TRANSPARENCY IN JOBURG DEBT BLOW
Johannesburg faces rising pressure from investors as the city struggles to access the debt market amid a R12.5 billion budget shortfall. Analysts warn that a lack of financial transparency and delayed reporting have eroded confidence, forcing lenders to demand stricter disclosure before committing funds. The city’s borrowing options are limited, with only R2.3 billion in short-term loans approved for 2026, pushing interest costs higher. Municipal authorities say reforms are underway to improve governance, audit compliance, and expenditure management. However, investors remain cautious, stressing the need for clear fiscal strategies. Failure to restore trust could delay key infrastructure projects and social services. (SOURCE: News24) |
FIZZY TWIZZA CHANGES HANDS IN IN R2.1 BILLION DEAL
India‑based Varun Beverages has completed the R2.1 billion acquisition of South African soft‑drink maker Twizza, marking a major deal in the local FMCG sector. The transaction, facilitated by Standard Bank after regulatory approvals, brings Twizza - known for carbonated drinks, energy drinks and mixers - into one of the world’s largest PepsiCo franchise bottling networks.. Founded in 2003 in Queenstown, Twizza operates facilities in Komani, Middelburg and Cape Town and serves markets including Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana and Namibia. The acquisition provides Varun with expanded production capacity and distribution reach across Southern Africa, signalling strong investor confidence in the region’s consumer market. (SOURCE: News24) |
… AND RCL FOODS BANKS ON R695 MILLION ON PET FOOD BUY
RCL Foods is entering the high-growth pet care market with a R695 million acquisition of Martin & Martin, expanding beyond its core dry food portfolio. The deal brings brands including Husky, Pamper, Beeno, and Bob Martin, covering wet dog and cat food, treats, biscuits, and specialised care products. CEO Paul Cruickshank says the move taps into the “humanisation of pets” trend. Local manufacturing will be supported, and no job losses are expected. The acquisition is subject to competition approval. Martin & Martin gains access to RCL’s resources, driving innovation and expanding market reach in South Africa’s rapidly growing pet sector. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
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If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up.
J.M. Power |
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