| CALL FOR ENERGY INNOVATORS TO SHINE IN NATIONAL AWARDS |
South Africa’s inaugural National Energy Awards are calling for nominations recognising outstanding progress and impact across the electricity sector. Endorsed by the Department of Electricity and Energy, the awards cover 10 categories, including Project of the Year, Local Industry Development, Technology and Innovation, Community Impact, Strategic Collaboration and Municipal Delivery. The Energy Council of South Africa is urging businesses, organisations and individuals driving meaningful change in the energy sector to nominate their projects and achievements before October 23. Winners will be announced at a Johannesburg event on November 26, providing an opportunity to showcase South African energy innovation, investment and delivery. See here for more information.
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| CITY FIRM WINS BRAGGING RIGHTS IN AFRICAN EXPANSION DRIVE |
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(ltr) Lea Derr (GIZ), Grant Minnie (Propella), Sumalan Naidoo (Enermous Tapes) and Lucrisha Polton (PMCB Trade Hub Manager).
Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business member Enermous Tapes has been selected as one of South Africa’s top two innovations at the inaugural IYBA-SEED Green Expansion Demo Day 2026, securing a place at the regional final. Entered under the PMCB Trade Hub flag, and represented by Sumalan Naidoo, Enermous Tapes’ plan to expand to Africa won the accolade, along with ReFlow AI (Tofaa), supported by Propella based in Gqerberha.
Enermous Tapes manufactures water-based pressure-sensitive adhesives and foam tapes for industrial and commercial applications, while Reflow AI’s technology helps to detect water losses. The Demo Day brought together green enterprises to pitch their businesses and demonstrate their potential for expansion. Entrants were assessed on their plans and potential to take their innovations into African markets
"The achievement marks an important milestone for the PMCB Trade Hub, demonstrating the potential of its IYBA-SEED-supported enterprises to move from local innovation towards wider African markets," said Trade Hub manager Lucrisha Polton
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| REMINDER: TRADEROOTS AFRICA OPENS EXPORT PATHWAYS FOR SMES |
African SMEs account for 90% of businesses, but fewer than 20% formally export. TradeRoots Africa, launched by the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship, helps SMEs access AfCFTA and regional markets. Entries close 15 October 2026. From November, 1 000 SMEs will receive foundational training, with selected businesses progressing to advanced skills, mentorship and buyer connections. Fifty export-ready SMEs will receive acceleration support. See here for more information.
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1843: Britain proclaimed Natal a British colonial territory.
Elsewhere, in 1924, the first flight around the world was completed when two of four planes that had set out five months earlier, touched down in Seattle, 44 000 km later.
Today is marked as International Right to Know Day and also World Rabies Day. |
CUSTOMERS IN THE POUND SEATS AS BANK BATTLE HOTS UP
South Africa’s banking sector is entering an increasingly competitive battle for customers, deposits and transaction income as established lenders face pressure from digital challengers and changing consumer behaviour.
Major banks are investing heavily in technology, rewards, lower fees and personalised services to retain existing clients and attract new ones. Digital banks and fintechs are also targeting profitable segments traditionally dominated by the big four, forcing incumbents to respond with faster, cheaper and more convenient offerings.
The contest extends beyond account numbers, with lenders competing for customers’ savings, credit, insurance and investment business. As margins come under pressure, banks are increasingly seeking deeper relationships with customers, while consumers gain more choice over where they keep and spend their money. (SOURCE: News24)
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NUMSA LEADERS UP IN ARMS OVER IRVIN JIM ROLE
National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) regional leaders are demanding a national executive committee (NEC) meeting, saying the union’s highest decision-making structure has not met for 18 months. The demand signals growing internal tensions over general secretary Irvin Jim’s leadership and the union’s direction. Regional leaders want the NEC convened to discuss concerns amid an internal challenge to the general secretary. The dispute raises questions about Numsa’s governance and decision-making. Leaders want the NEC to address internal concerns and provide clarity on the union’s strategic direction and leadership. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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R1 BILLION PARTNERSHIP TARGETS 30 000 NEW JOBS IN 5 YEARS
A R1 billion UIF-NEF partnership is moving into implementation, with the National Empowerment Fund overseeing funding delivery, programme progress and accountability under a five-year plan to create more than 30 000 jobs. The UIF and NEF will each contribute R500 million to expand finance for small businesses, alongside enterprise support, skills development and technical assistance. At least 70% of programmes will benefit women-, youth- and people with disabilities-owned enterprises, with dedicated support for township, rural and underserved businesses. Tourism, agriculture, beauty and digital sectors have been identified as priorities. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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POULTRY BODY WANTS CLARITY ON IMPORTED CHICKEN PRICES
The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has asked SARS to investigate sharp variations in declared chicken import prices from Brazil, Argentina and other suppliers. SAPA says some Brazilian leg quarters were declared at just R2.07/kg, against usual import prices of R19-R20/kg. It also flagged Brazilian mechanically deboned meat (MDM) consignments declared at R15-R18/kg, compared with typical prices of R8-R11/kg. SAPA says the discrepancies raise questions over whether correct customs duties are being paid, but acknowledges its figures do not establish incorrect declarations or duty evasion. The association wants the investigation to protect customs revenue and ensure fair competition for South African poultry producers. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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MEDICINES FACE SUPPLY CRISIS, WARN MANUFACTURERS
The single exit price of medicines and scheduled substances will rise 2.88% from October 1, the second adjustment this year, as approved by acting health minister Stella Ndabeni. South Africa's pharmaceutical industry says rising input costs are straining medicine supply, with shortages already emerging as manufacturers struggle to absorb higher costs. This year's first SEP increase was set at just 1.47%, well below 2025's 5.25%. Industry body Pharmisa says the sector is "in crisis," citing the Rand's depreciation, Middle East-linked input costs, and 2 500 local manufacturing jobs lost over 18 months amid ongoing supply pressures. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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STATE QUANDARY LEAVES R36 BILLION DAGGA INCOME ON THE TABLE
Government is seeking practical ways to bring indigenous cannabis-growing communities into the formal economy, with the illicit market estimated at R36 billion a year. President Cyril Ramaphosa has envisioned South Africa leading commercial hemp and cannabis production, and the trade department plans to table a Cannabis Bill in parliament by mid-2027. While private cannabis use is legal for adults, commercial trade remains largely prohibited, leaving the sector dominated by illicit players. The small business development department has asked legal experts to design a special legal regime balancing inclusion, regulatory compliance, public safety and protection of indigenous knowledge and rural livelihoods. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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ELECTRIC TRUCKS PUT TO THE TEST ON 4 000 KM ODYSSEY
Two electric trucks are putting South Africa’s major freight routes to the test in a 4 000km journey designed to establish whether battery-powered trucks can handle real commercial operating conditions. The Mzansi EV Truck Super Test 2026 began in Boksburg on September 23, travelling via Cape Town, Gqeberha, East London and Durban before returning to Johannesburg. The N1, N2 and N3 will be tested, including mountainous terrain and a fully loaded Durban-to-Johannesburg climb. The trial will measure energy consumption, range, charging times and operating reliability. Its findings could help freight operators assess electrification costs, routes and infrastructure needs, including dedicated truck-charging hubs. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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UK SOLAR FIRM TO DEPLOY 50 MILLION OFF-GRID KITS IN AFRICA
Off-grid solar company Sun King has registered a UN Energy Compact committing it to reach 200 million people with clean electricity by 2030. The company plans to deploy more than 50 million solar kits across Africa, investing over $5.6 billion (about R92 billion) in equipment to add 3.8 GW of solar capacity. Sun King currently operates in 12 African countries and provides energy access to 58 million people globally. Its pay-as-you-go model allows customers to finance solar systems through instalments, reducing upfront costs. The company also aims to create more than 45 000 long-term jobs, deliver clean cooking solutions to two-million people and increase monthly solar-kit deliveries to one-million by 2030. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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CHINA OPENS PGM TRADING TO GLOBAL INVESTORS
China’s Guangzhou Futures Exchange (GFEX) will open platinum and palladium futures and options to international institutional investors from 28 September, expanding global access to the world’s largest PGM-consuming market. The move is expected to strengthen China’s influence over international price discovery while creating new arbitrage opportunities between Chinese and established markets in London, New York and elsewhere. GFEX contracts allow delivery in both bar and sponge, the latter widely used by industrial and automotive consumers. World Platinum Investment Council research director Edward Sterck said international participation could create a more unified, near-24-hour global trading environment and give Chinese users greater ability to manage platinum and palladium price risk. (SOURCE: Mining Weekly)
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HACKERS SNATCH R5.8 BILLION FROM CRYPTO EXCHANGE
Crypto exchange Bitget has reported an estimated $351.6 million (about R5.8 billion) in unauthorised transfers and temporarily suspended withdrawals while investigating the breach. CEO Gracy Chen said user funds are safe, with the loss covered by Bitget’s User Protection Fund, which holds more than $464 million. The hackers reportedly swapped about $183 million of stolen assets for Ether. Bitget said the breach was confined to parts of its hot- and warm-wallet systems, while cold wallets remained secure. The incident follows other major crypto attacks this year, intensifying concerns over exchange security and the protection of digital assets. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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BRAZIL PULLS PLUG ON ONLINE GAMBLING AHEAD OF ELECTION
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has ordered a ban on online betting operations, less than two years after his government established a legal framework for the industry. The executive order takes immediate effect but must be approved by Congress within 120 days to remain in force. Betting websites will remain accessible for users to withdraw funds until 5 October, with app stores and network providers required to block them from 6 October. The government cited concerns that gambling is draining household finances and contributing to indebtedness. The measure comes ahead of Brazil’s October 4 presidential election, where polls show a close contest. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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Correct what you can; learn from what you can’t.
Toni Morrison |
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| Dollar | R16.40 | - 0.68% | | Pound | R21.71
| - 0.58% | | Euro | R18.67
| - 0.56% | | Yen | 0.104075 |
| | Yuan | R2.44 | - 0.72% | | Bitcoin | $ 82 041.69 | - 1.21% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 731.03 | - 2.63% | | Gold | $ 4 169.34 | - 2.70% | | Oil | $ 107.33
| + 2.84% | | All Share | 110 826.21
| - 0.66% | | Repo | 7.25 | | | Prime | 10.75 | |
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