| BAD FLOW OF NEWS, GLIMMERS OF HOPE, AND LIGHT RELIEF |
There appears to be no end to the Middle East conflict with a depressing flow of bad news that portends more of the same in the immediate future. Even the safe haven of gold and other metals that have shielded South Africa to some degree is losing its lustre. There’s a glimmer of hope though, in the words of the Iranian ambassador who held out the hope of the safe passage of South African cargo. His words appear to echo the sentiments of the Tehran administration that alluded to the safe passage of friendly nations through the contested Strait of Hormuz. Sadly, these developments on the diplomatic front are unlikeky to translate into immediate and meaningful reprieve, especially at the fuel bowser on April Fool's Day, given the structures of the international oil market.
However, and to balance the negative flow of news, there's the escapades of the infamous Viljoen couple. Despite trading on the Trump-friendly embrace of white South Africans, they're incarcerated in the US for shoplifting, making for an entertaining read.
On a positive note, think about a worthwhile Sunday outing to give Mother Nature a helping hand. See below. Derek Alberts (editor) |
| HATS OFF TO A HERO RUNNER CONQUERING THE WORLD |
Comrades Marathon vice chair Nontuthuko Mashimane (left) and Sphamandla Maduna.
Sphamandla Maduna is going where others fear to tread after selecting the Community Chest as his Charity of Choice ahead of the Comrades Marathon on 14 June. A South African elite runner and an inspiration for athletes worldwide, Maduna is the first person living with cerebral palsy to complete the Comrades Marathon. Originally from Cato Ridge, he overcame severe physical challenges - having once been unable to walk or speak - to become a celebrated marathoner. Believing every person, able or disabled, should dream big and make it happen, Maduna uses his platform for charity, backing the Community Chest in its efforts to support the lives of 6 000 children in Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
Contact Angie on 072 7910 311 or Fadeela on (031) 3033890 for more information.
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| PLANT A TREE TO CELEBRATE THE POWER OF COLLECTIVE ACTION |
Amid the turmoil and upheaval of war and destruction, we’ve found reason to believe in the restorative power and glory of nature, literally on our doorstep. Today, on World Rewilding Day 2026, Ferncliffe Forest Wilding (FFW) is celebrating a remarkable local success story: turning the overgrown 5-hectare citrus farm Glengarrif into an indigenous forest. More than 85 supporters contributed R3.6 million to secure the land, preventing it from being sold for development, returning it to nature and striking a blow for biodiversity in the region.
FFW co-founders Janine Stephen and Connor Cullinan are eminently well-equipped for the task, having led a comprehensive restoration programme to bring the iconic Ferncliffe forest back to ecological health.
To mark this milestone, FFW is hosting a tree-planting event on Sunday, where the first seedlings of the “forest-to-be” will be planted. Children and families are welcome to join, celebrating nature, community, and the power of collective action to rewild local landscapes. Imagine the return of bats, bushbuck and bushbabies, that’s worth celebrating! Bring a spade and gloves anytime between 9-11.30 am. Whatsapp Cullinan on 073 372 4429 to join.
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1999: The Azanian People's Liberation Army, the underground military wing of the Pan African Congress, was disbanded.
Elsewhere, in 1916, Albert Einstein presented his general theory of relativity that describes the interdependence of matter on the one hand and space and time on the other.
Today is celebrated as World Rewilding Day, International Day of Happiness and also World Storytelling Day, on the March equinox, the official start of autumn in the southern Hemisphere.
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LOCALISATION DRIVE GETS R1 BILLION BOOST
South Africa’s localisation push gained momentum with a R1 billion funding commitment unveiled at the Buy Local Summit, led by the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund (AITF). The pledge lifts total localisation funding since 2018 to R7 billion, targeting stronger manufacturing capacity and supplier development.
AITF CEO Jabulani Selumane said the investment will support SMMEs, improve competitiveness and expand black-owned participation in automotive value chains. Backed by corporates and institutions like Proudly South African and Standard Bank, the initiative aims to deepen supply chains, boost job creation and strengthen economic resilience amid global uncertainty. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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... AS TREASURY URGES PRIVATE SECTOR TO LIFT INVESTMENT
National Treasury is calling for greater private sector participation to boost fixed investment, admitting it is struggling to lift gross fixed capital formation from about 15% to its 30% GDP target. Despite plans to spend over R1 trillion on infrastructure in three years, progress has stalled, with investment levels declining recently. The private sector already contributes roughly two-thirds of total investment, far outpacing the government. However, public-private partnerships account for just 2.4%, highlighting untapped potential. Officials warn weak state capacity, policy uncertainty and constrained public finances mean private capital is now critical to unlocking growth and delivering infrastructure at scale. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AND HOUSING DEMAND SURGES AS BACKLOG PRESSURE BUILDS
South Africa’s housing crisis is intensifying, with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane confirming that about 3.4 million households are registered for state assistance on the National Housing Needs Register. The figure highlights mounting pressure on government as demand far outpaces delivery. Using Statistics South Africa Census 2022 data, backlog estimates range between 2.1 million and 2.4 million units, with up to 13% of households in informal dwellings. Government plans to deliver 230,000 subsidised homes and 314,000 serviced sites over five years, while flood damage assessments across multiple provinces may further strain already stretched resources. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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SA BONDS BUCK WAR JITTERS, DEMAND HOLDS
South African bonds have been rattled by the Iran conflict, with the benchmark 10-year yield jumping about 70–90 basis points since hostilities began, climbing to around 8.7% after briefly sitting near decade lows below 8%. Oil-driven inflation fears and global risk aversion have pushed yields higher, reflecting weaker prices. Despite this volatility, auction demand remains firm. Yields around 8.5%–8.7% continue to attract investors seeking high real returns, with past auctions typically oversubscribed multiple times. The resilience suggests confidence in South Africa’s fiscal path, even as geopolitical shocks drive short-term market turbulence and reprice interest rate expectations upward. (SOURCE: BDLive/Bloomberg)
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WINE HARVEST POINTS TO 'BETTER-THAN-EXPECTED' OUTLOOK
South Africa’s wine industry is entering the final phase of the 2026 harvest with renewed optimism, as improved crop estimates and strong early quality indicators point to a better-than-expected season. According to Vinpro, favourable weather - including moderate summer conditions and timely rainfall - supported healthy vineyards and balanced growth. Early cultivars such as Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc show promising yields. Rico Basson said the larger crop comes at a crucial time, though careful supply management will be needed. Strong quality and increased volumes position the sector to meet global demand and enhance export potential. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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... AS PISTACHIO SECTOR EYES 5% GLOBAL MARKET
South Africa is targeting a multibillion-Rand pistachio industry, aiming to produce up to 60 000 tonnes annually and capture 5–8% of the global market within a decade. At a Northern Cape conference hosted by Karoo Pistachios and Fedgroup, stakeholders highlighted strong growth potential. CEO David Muller said the Karoo’s climate is ideal for premium production. Fedgroup’s “patient capital” model supports long-term orchard development. The sector could expand to 2 000 hectares, positioning South Africa among the world’s top producers and boosting export-led agricultural growth. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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CHINESE, THAI STEEL IMPORTS HIT WITH 5-YEAR TARIFFS
Structural steel imports from China and Thailand attracted hefty anti-dumping tariffs after findings of unfair pricing. The International Trade Administration Commission found imports undercut local prices by about 20%, threatening domestic producers including ArcelorMittal South Africa. Trade minister Parks Tau approved duties of up to 74.98% on Chinese imports and 20.32% on Thai products for five years. Imports surged sharply, worsening pressure on local industry and jobs. The move aims to stabilise the sector, protect manufacturing capacity, and counter a flood of low-cost steel entering the domestic market. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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PGM MINERS CAUTIOUS DESPITE 20-YEAR PLATINUM PRICES
Despite platinum prices hitting 20-year highs, major producers remain wary of investing in new projects. Executives from Impala Platinum and Sibanye-Stillwater said long-term demand uncertainty and policy risks are deterring greenfield investment. Impala CEO Nico Muller warned new mines require decade-long commitments, while Richard Stewart flagged structural shifts from electrification. Industry leaders also cited regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure constraints and high capital costs as barriers. The Minerals Council South Africa urged reforms, warning that without policy clarity, investment and future supply growth will remain constrained.(SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS SA MINING TALENT DOMINATES GLOBAL INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
KZN-born Brandon Craig has been appointed CEO of BHP, reinforcing South Africa’s influence in global mining leadership. A summa-cum-laude graduate from the University of KZN, Craig's rise adds to a strong cohort including Natascha Viljoen, Gary Nagle and Duncan Wanblad. Craig succeeds Mike Henry as the industry pivots toward copper amid rising demand linked to the energy transition. South African executives now lead companies worth over R7.5 trillion combined, positioning them at the centre of global dealmaking and consolidation in the mining sector. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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You can't have a million-dollar dream with a minimum-wage work ethic.
Stephen C. Hogan |
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| Dollar | R16.77 | - 0.21% | | Pound | R22.50
| - 0.22% | | Euro | R19.38
| + 0.01% | | Yen | 0.105759 |
| | Yuan | R2.43
| - 0.30% | | Bitcoin | $ 70 518.49
| + 0.12% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 999.20
| + 1.54% | | Gold | $ 4 687.04
| + 0.79% | | Oil | $ 108.34
| + 1.01% | | All Share | 111 978.76
| + 1.27% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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