| AI'S BARNSTORMING ADVANCES ARE COMING FOR YOUR DEVICES |
Artificial intelligence is moving beyond chatbots and into physical devices that can see, hear and interact with people. OpenAI's hardware ambitions, alongside Apple's industrial espionage lawsuit, highlight the challenges ahead. Experts warn AI's rapid evolution demands stronger safeguards as intelligent devices become more personal, raising fresh concerns over privacy, intellectual property and public trust.
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| EMERIS GOLFERS FLY FLAG FOR CITY CAMPUS IN TIGHT FINISH |
The golf teams from the three Emeris campuses in KZN are in a tight scramble for bragging rights.
Emeris' annual KZN Intercampus Golf Day Tournament continued with an exciting second round at Maritzburg Golf Club, where Durban North claimed top honours with 92 points in the four-ball scramble competition. The Pietermaritzburg team finished close behind on 89 points, while Westville scored 84.
Beyond the friendly rivalry, the tournament strengthened camaraderie, teamwork and sportsmanship as students proudly represented their campuses. The final round will be played at Durban Royal Golf Course on August 4, where the three campuses will compete for the overall championship title. The annual event continues to foster lasting friendships and healthy competition among Emeris students.
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| FINAL CALL FOR LUCKY DRAW PRIZES AT WOMEN IN BUSINESS PARTY |
| The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business is appealing for lucky draw prizes, valued at a minimum of R1 000, for the Women in Business Luncheon on Friday, 31 July. Businesses wishing to support the event are invited to sponsor prizes. To contribute, contact Kay Reddy at chamber@pmcb.org.za. Limited space is still available and interested parties are advised to book their seats soonest by contacting Heidi on (033) 3452747 or at pmcb@pmcb.org.za. |
1863: The Alabama, a Confederate warship during the American Civil War, arrived in Saldanha Bay for provisions.
Elsewhere, in 2008, the United States Congress apologised for slavery and the segregationist Jim Crow laws.
It’s Global Tiger Day, honouring the world’s largest cat species. |
N3 UPGRADE LEADS KZN ENGINEERING AWARDS QUEST
The R4.7 billion N3 Cato Ridge-to-Dardanelles Upgrade Project is spearheading KZN's strong showing among finalists in the 2026 CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards. The Sanral megaproject, designed by Nyeleti Consulting, is joined by the Toyota South Africa Motors Parts Warehouse in Prospecton, Durban (Atana), the Maritime School of Excellence in Durban (MPAMOT Africa), and Phase 1 emergency repairs to the Mbokodweni River Bridge south of Durban (Naidu Consulting).
KZN professionals also earned recognition, with Pren Moodley (ROMH Consulting) and Prinell Naicker (Knight Piésold) shortlisted for Young Engineer of the Year. Finalists nationally span transport, water, energy, mining and social infrastructure to highlight engineering innovation in projects ranging from under R50 million to more than R1 billion. Winners will be announced on August 20 at Vodacom World in Midrand. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS SANRAL PULLS PLUG ON 'INDEFENSIBLE' PROCUREMENT SYSTEM
The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has scrapped its controversial panel procurement system and will return to an open tender process for routine road maintenance and engineering consultants after adverse court rulings. The Pretoria High Court found the award of 20 contractors from 61 qualifying bidders unconstitutional, ruling that race had become the determining selection factor. Existing maintenance contractors may remain until 30 November while new tenders are issued. Sanral admitted its procurement processes were "indefensible" and has begun consequence management investigations into alleged irregularities, including possible fraud involving R9.5 billion in historic contracts.
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SARB LEADING INDICATOR SLIDES ON OIL SHOCKS
The South African Reserve Bank's composite leading business cycle indicator fell to 118.5 in May, from 119.8 in April, a 1.1-point (0.9%) decline, signalling weaker economic momentum. The decrease reflected lower export commodity prices, softer business confidence and disruptions caused by the US-Iran conflict, which drove oil prices higher and increased transport and production costs. Higher fuel prices weighed on manufacturing, trade and logistics, raising concerns about growth prospects. Economists warned that continued geopolitical tensions and elevated energy costs could further slow South Africa's economy, with GDP growth forecast at about 1% in 2026. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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TAX CRIME UNIT NETS R320 BILLION IN COMPLIANCE REVENUE
The South African Revenue Service's (SARS) specialised tax crime unit has generated nearly R320 billion in compliance revenue since its establishment, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana told Parliament. He said organisational restructuring has significantly strengthened SARS' ability to detect and disrupt tax evasion, illicit financial flows and customs fraud. Enhanced data analytics, investigative capacity and inter-agency cooperation have boosted enforcement and improved tax compliance. Godongwana said the strengthened approach is helping protect the country's revenue base while ensuring greater fairness in the tax system. SARS continues to target high-risk taxpayers, organised crime networks and customs-related offences. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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TREASURY DOES U-TURN ON R7.1 BILLION MUNICIPAL FUNDING FREEZE
National Treasury has reversed its decision to withhold R7.1 billion from municipalities that repeatedly breached the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), citing the need to protect essential services for residents. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said the funds would be released despite continued governance failures, following concerns over the impact on water, sanitation and other basic services. The move follows an earlier decision to freeze allocations to 69 municipalities over financial mismanagement. Critics argue the reversal weakens accountability and reduces pressure on municipalities to improve governance, while supporters say it prevents vulnerable communities from bearing the consequences of administrative failures. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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LEADERLESS PIC GOES PRIVATE IN BID TO RESET CULTURE
The Public Investment Corporation (PIC), which manages about R3.7 trillion in public pension assets, is seeking private service providers to rebuild trust and transform its workplace culture after a governance crisis left it without a chairperson, board or permanent CEO. The five-year programme will focus on psychological safety, employee healing and restoring confidence following suspensions and resignations. The leadership turmoil followed the suspension of CEO Patrick Dlamini and the resignation of chairperson David Masondo after a dispute with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. The reforms follow recommendations made by the 2020 Mpati Commission. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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TRIBUNAL CLEARS UNCONDITIONAL BALWIN PROPERTY BUYOUT
The Competition Tribunal has unconditionally approved the acquisition of JSE-listed Balwin Properties by a consortium comprising the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), represented by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), and Volker Holdings. The consortium, operating through a special-purpose bidco, will assume control of Balwin once the transaction is implemented. Volker Holdings represents Balwin founder and CEO Stephen Brookes, while the PIC manages the GEPF's extensive investment portfolio, including equities, property and fixed income. The tribunal found no competition concerns, approving the merger without conditions or public-interest remedies. Eligible Balwin shareholders will receive R4.35 in cash for each share under the scheme of arrangement, valuing the transaction at approximately R2.26 billion. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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CASTLE LAGER IN A FROTH OVER INFLUENCER'S TACTICS
Castle Lager is facing criticism after an influencer's social media post linked to its FIFA World Cup campaign triggered a backlash, with many users accusing the brand of insensitive and divisive messaging. The controversy erupted during Castle's The Fans That Stood the Test of Time campaign, launched to celebrate Bafana Bafana's first FIFA World Cup appearance in 16 years. Castle said the influencer's views did not reflect the company's position and reiterated its commitment to uniting South Africans through football. The brand has invested heavily in World Cup promotions, including a R100 000 Ultimate Superfan competition and nationwide fan events. (SOURCE: News24)
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S&P GLOBAL DEEPENS AFRICAN FOOTPRINT IN ACQUISITION DEAL
S&P Global has agreed to acquire a majority stake in pan-African credit ratings agency Agusto & Co, strengthening its presence in Africa's domestic debt markets. Agusto & Co will continue operating independently, using its own credit rating methodologies across Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and Ghana. The transaction, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in the second half of 2026, with financial terms undisclosed. The deal comes amid growing criticism from the African Union and governments that global rating agencies unfairly downgrade African economies, increasing borrowing costs. S&P and Moody's have consistently rejected allegations of bias. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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SEMICONDUCTOR ROUT DRAGS DOWN GLOBAL STOCKS
Global stock markets fell to a one-month low on Monday as a semiconductor sell-off intensified, with the MSCI All Country World Index slipping about 0.5%. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dropped more than 2%, extending recent losses, while Nvidia and AMD each fell around 2% in early trade. Europe's STOXX 600 declined about 0.6%, and Japan's Nikkei 225 shed roughly 1%. Investors were unsettled by concerns over slowing chip demand, export restrictions, AI spending and upcoming central bank meetings. Analysts warned market volatility could persist as earnings and economic data shape interest-rate expectations. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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Doing what we can with what we have is the most we should expect of ourselves or anyone else.
Fred Rogers |
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| Dollar | R16.70
| - 0.17% | | Pound | R22.22
| - 0.18% | | Euro | R19.04 | - 0.15% | | Yen | 0.102130 |
| | Yuan | R2.47
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 607.50
| - 0.38% | | Gold | $ 4 046.59
| + 0.45% | | Oil | $ 87.22
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| + 0.78% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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