| COURT ORDERS MSUNDUZI ELECTRICITY TARIFFS RESET |
Msunduzi Municipality is one of four local authorities ordered by the High Court last night to have their 2024/25 electricity tariffs redetermined after being declared unlawful. Judge Anthony Millar instructed energy regulator Nersa to restart the tariff-setting process for Msunduzi, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Madibeng, following challenges by industrial users, reported by Moneyweb this morning. The ruling may see overcharged customers credited and others, likely households, paying more. Municipalities must resubmit cost-of-supply studies, which Nersa must publish for public comment before finalising new tariffs by 30 June. Failure to comply could see 2023/24 tariffs reinstated, with wide financial implications for councils and consumers alike.
Today’s lead story under News Worth Knowing is an example of arguably the most powerful force moving markets: sentiment. In classic Bloomberg style, it is underpinned by facts and figures that may have been overlooked were it not for the dial turning green. It is less of a chicken-and-egg dilemma than a reminder that rising confidence tends to validate existing data lacking a receptive audience. When sentiment shifts, investors re-assess risk, reprice assets and reframe narratives - not because fundamentals suddenly change, but because optimism shines a light on what matters. Derek Alberts (Editor)
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| HUMAN-DRIVEN FUTURE OF AI TAKES CENTRE STAGE |
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Some Varsity College staff at the event. (Back, ltr.) Tashmika Reddy (Head of Education), Yuvadia Sewram (Faculty of Law Lecturer), Jarryd Futcher (Educational Technologist), Nazelee Ketley (Student Life Coordinator), Bongani Mtshali (Sport Coordinator), Dr Hennie Pelser (Faculty of Commerce Lecturer), and seated, (ltr) Sonya Nursoo (Student Wellness Specialist), Revasha Sookdew (Head of Management Studies), Vanessa Stuart (Head Student Experience) and Yolokazi Magaqa (Career Services Specialist).
Pietermaritzburg Varsity College hosted a Client Connect breakfast around the theme of Supporting students and graduates in the AI Era: Staying relevant in a rapidly evolving workplace late last year. Industry partners including Shan Cade Training, Legal Aid South Africa, Dobeyn Accounting, and iOCO joined the discussion on how best to prepare students for AI-driven careers.
The lively discussion was informed by alumni and experts sharing experiences on upskilling and leveraging AI effectively. While AI adoption in the workplace will continue to expand, it will not supplant the human element. Participants agreed that the human skills of critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration, will continue to shape the workplace and the future of AI.
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| LAST-MINUTE CALL: MR PRICE SEEKS WOMEN COFFEE ENTREPRENEURS |
The Mr Price Foundation has opened applications for young women to run in-store coffee kiosks at selected Mr Price Home stores in Cape Town, Durban and Mbombela. Interested applicants need to move fast as the deadline is tomorrow, 16 January, for the Coffee Incubator programme offering hands-on business experience, mentorship and income generation in real retail environments. Here’s the link.
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1876: The first Afrikaans newspaper, Die Afrikaanse Patriot, was first published in Paarl.
Elsewhere, in 2001, Wikipedia went online to become the largest reference work on the internet.
Fed up with your diet? Take heart because today is observed as Rid the World of Fad Diet and Gimmicks Day. |
SA TIPPED TO LEAD LONG-TERM EMERGING MARKET RALLY
An emerging market rally is likely to last “for years”, with South Africa among the most attractive opportunities, according to global investment giant Pimco. The firm says easing global inflation, the prospect of interest-rate cuts in developed markets and improved fiscal discipline across parts of the developing world are underpinning the outlook. Emerging market assets have already delivered double-digit percentage gains over the past year, while South Africa stands out for offering real yields of around 5%–6%, with government bond yields hovering near 10%–11%.
Pimco notes that valuations remain compelling, with South African assets trading at discounts to historical averages. While risks persist, including politics and global volatility, Pimco believes the combination of high carry, improving fundamentals and renewed capital inflows positions South Africa as a top long-term emerging market bet. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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SARS OVERHAULS COSTLY DIESEL REFUND SYSTEM
The South African Revenue Service (Sars) is rolling out its biggest overhaul of the diesel refund scheme since 2001, following a costly R5 billion settlement with Eskom over wrongly denied claims. Diesel refunds surged from R7.3 billion in 2023/24 to R13.6 billion in 2024/25, largely due to the settlement. The revamped system separates diesel refunds from VAT, introduces a dedicated digital platform, mandatory supplier registration and real-time claim tracking. Automated validations and simplified logbooks aim to reduce fraud, errors and compliance burdens, especially for farmers and small businesses. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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IDT CEO, SPOKESMAN QUIT AFTER DAILY MAVERICK STING
Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka has resigned with effect from 31 January 2026, days before facing a disciplinary hearing linked to Daily Maverick’s undercover “bribe sting”. The IDT confirmed Malaka stepped down without any exit compensation. Former spokesperson Phasha Makgolane has also resigned ahead of his own disciplinary process. The sting footage allegedly showed a R60 000 cash bribe offered in a Dior bag during an August 2025 meeting. IDT said the resignations halt internal hearings but not criminal or civil investigations. Acting CEO Sfiso Nsibande will remain in charge. (SOURCE: Daily Maverick)
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INCOMING LOTTERY OPERATOR FACES PROBE
The National Lotteries Commission has launched an investigation into Sizekhaya Holdings, the incoming operator of South Africa’s national lottery, following allegations of impropriety by former supplier SocialPro. The probe will examine procurement processes, governance standards and contractual arrangements linked to the consortium’s appointment. SocialPro claims irregular conduct during the transition period, raising concerns about transparency and compliance. Sizekhaya has denied wrongdoing and says it will cooperate fully with investigators. The commission said the inquiry is a precautionary step to protect the integrity of the lottery and public confidence as operations move to the new operator later this year. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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STEENHUISEN EYES FMD-FREE STATUS BY 2026
Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen has set a target for South Africa to regain foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free status by 2036, while conceding the country must first stabilise current outbreaks under a national disaster declaration. FMD has disrupted livestock movement across several provinces, costing the red meat industry billions of rand in lost trade and export opportunities. South Africa last enjoyed full FMD-free status without vaccination in 2019. Steenhuisen said rebuilding veterinary capacity, tightening biosecurity and restoring surveillance systems would take “at least a decade”. The sector supports more than 1 million jobs, with beef and related value chains contributing over R100 billion annually to the agricultural economy, underscoring the urgency of containment.(SOURCE: News24)
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... AND LOOKS TO R1.8 BILLION VACCINE IMPORTS TO CURB OUTBREAK
South Africa will import foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines from Argentina, Turkey and Botswana as it moves to contain an outbreak that has severely disrupted red meat and dairy producers. The Department of Agriculture has budgeted R1.8 billion for vaccine procurement in the financial year to April 2026. Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen said industry losses are substantial, with stigma around reporting outbreaks complicating containment. South Africa lost its FMD-free status in 2019 after insufficient local vaccine production. The Agriculture Research Center is now ramping up output, targeting 12,000 doses by mid-February. Industry estimates put lost trading opportunities at about R5 billion over the past year. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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STATE GUNS FOR ALL-OUT BAN OF LETHAL TERBUFOS PESTICIDE
The pesticide linked to the deaths of children in Naledi, Soweto, is Terbufos - a highly toxic organophosphate used as an agricultural pesticide. Terbufos has been identified by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases as the chemical responsible for the deaths of six children who consumed contaminated snacks from a local spaza shop in 2024. It is registered for agricultural use but has been sold informally in townships as a cheap “street pesticide” to control rats. The South African government is now pushing for a complete ban on the use, import, sale and acquisition of Terbufos to prevent further poisonings and protect public health. (SOURCE: News24)
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KGANYAGO JOINS CENTRAL BANKERS SUPPORT FOR POWELL
South African Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago has joined central bankers worldwide in publicly backing US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell amid calls for coordinated monetary policy. The move underscores confidence in Powell’s approach to balancing inflation control with economic growth. Kganyago, speaking at an international finance forum, highlighted the importance of global cooperation as major economies navigate interest rate decisions and financial stability risks. Analysts say this alignment signals a unified stance that could influence investor sentiment and currency markets. Kganyago’s support comes as central banks monitor inflation, growth, and geopolitical tensions, emphasizing the interconnected nature of today’s financial system. (SOURCE: AFP)
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DAVOS GEARING UP FOR RECORD GLOBAL LEADERSHIP TURN-OUT
The World Economic Forum’s 56th Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19 to 23, will see record participation, including 65 heads of State and government, about 400 senior political leaders and nearly 1 700 business leaders. Six G7 leaders and roughly 850 top global executives are expected to attend, alongside civil society, academic and labour representatives. WEF president and CEO Børge Brende said dialogue is an “urgent necessity” amid geopolitical fragmentation and rapid technological change. Under the theme A Spirit of Dialogue, discussions will focus on cooperation in a contested world, growth, innovation, skills development and building prosperity within planetary boundaries. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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RECORD-BREAKING SILVER LEADS PRECIOUS METAL SURGE
Silver surged to a record above $90 (about R1 500) an ounce for the first time, powering a broader rally in precious metals driven by rate-cut expectations and geopolitical tensions. The metal jumped as much as 5.3% to $91.55, while gold climbed within $10 of its all-time high. Softer-than-expected US inflation data, expectations of at least two Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026, and fears of tariff disruptions tightening supply boosted demand. Trading volumes on Comex and the Shanghai Futures Exchange remained elevated. Platinum and palladium gained over 4%. Analysts say metals will stay supported as inflation and instability hedges, though 2026 gains may trail 2025. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.
Jim Rohn |
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| Dollar | R16.41 | - 0.02% | | Pound | R22.03 | + 0.10% | | Euro | R19.10 | + 0.02% | | Yen | R0.00 |
| | Yuan | R2.35 | - 0.09% | | Bitcoin | $ 96 275.20
| - 1.19% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 313.40
| - 3.44% | | Gold | $ 4 591.32
| - 0.75% | | Oil | $ 64.30
| - 2.04% | | All Share | 120 857.22
| - 0.09% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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