| SAPS ON HAND TO CONTAIN PHOENIX CASH & CARRY INVASION |
Trading activity at Phoenix Cash & Carry in Winston Road is being disrupted after members of an organisation calling itself Mavuso Movement KZN, invaded the premises. Unsubstantiated reports suggest the protest is in response to employees allegedly being underpaid, while others claim the action was against “foreigners”. Early morning footage of the protest showed protestors disrupting trading amid a heavy SAPS presence inside and outside the premises.
Today's action appears to be sanctioned by the Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO) that calls itself an activist group affiliated with South Africa's uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business previously spoke out against these practices, pointing out that policies and procedures are in place to address labour disputes and that intimidatory actions cannot be justified on the basis of allegations and accusations, nor does it condone unethical or unlawful labour practices. As a volunteer organisation, the PMCB expects its members to comply with labour legislation, it said.
No further information was available at the time of going to press.
|
| KPCA ADDS RECYCLING TO PIETERMARITZBURG RESURGENCE DRIVE |
 |
(ltr) Glen McArthur, Nkosinathi Mbatha, Lara Edmonds and Jason Bingham (LC Packaging).
The KPCA Group has launched a recycling venture focussing on aluminium cans and white paper as part of the Green Learn to Earn programme to encourage participants to establish an income-generating side hustle.
To set the ball rolling, LC Packaging has donated 30 large collection bags of which 15 are destined for the KPCA HQ in Zwartkop Rod and 15 for team member Nkosinathi Mbatha to power up his business. The recycled materials ultimately will be processed by Central Waste that has provided support in the form of collection igloos and the printing of posters to promote the endeavour.
“We’re deeply grateful to our backers, Terence Loys-Ellis of Central Waste and Jason Bingham of LC Packaging for their passion and support to help drive Pietermaritzburg’s revitalisation,” said Edmonds. White paper and aluminium cans can be dropped off at 144 Zwartkop Road. For more information, contact Edmonds on 084 587 0880 or at info@kpca.co.za.
|
| N3 NORTHBOUND CLOSURE AT MARKET ROAD TOMORROW NIGHT |
Motorists are advised of a full overnight closure on the N3 northbound carriageway at the Market Road Overpass as part of ongoing upgrade works. The closure will take place tomorrow, 11 April 2026 from 9 pm to 5 am on Sunday with a contingency date of Sunday in case of bad weather. The shutdown is required for installation of beams for the new Market Road bridge under the N3. Traffic will be diverted via the Market Road off-ramp, temporary link road and re-entry onto the N3. Motorists are advised to plan for delays or use the alternative route via the R103.
|
1978: Transkei prime minister Chief Kaiser Matanzima said his government was breaking all diplomatic ties with the Republic of South Africa.
Elsewhere, in 1877, a 14-year-old girl became the world’s first human cannonball in London with a distance of 6 metres.
To all remote workers, it’s Global Work From Home Day. |
MORE HOUSEHOLDS SHIFT INTO SURVIVAL SPENDING AS COSTS RISE
South African households are increasingly shifting into defensive consumption as rising electricity, education and healthcare costs force major adjustments in spending behaviour. Despite reported optimism, consumers are quietly restructuring budgets to prioritise essentials, cut discretionary spending and avoid new debt.
Electricity prices have surged about 85% since 2020, with water up roughly 68%, intensifying pressure on already strained incomes. Research shows most households are reducing non-essential purchases, cancelling subscriptions and increasing emergency savings where possible. Credit is being used more cautiously, even as reliance on it remains high. Economists warn this survival-driven behaviour is reshaping demand patterns, weakening retail growth, and signalling a deeper structural affordability crisis rather than a short-term squeeze alone. (SOURCE: Daily Maverick)
|
FEBRUARY FACTORY OUTPUT FALTERS IN FRAGILE ECOSYSTEM
South Africa’s manufacturing sector is heading for a Q1 2026 contraction after February output fell 2.8%, dragged mainly by food and beverages. Weak demand, rising input costs and ongoing logistics constraints continue to squeeze producers, limiting any meaningful recovery. Despite slight optimism from recent PMI data, underlying conditions remain fragile, with load-shedding risks and global uncertainty weighing on sentiment. Economists warn that without stronger domestic demand and improved infrastructure reliability, the sector may struggle to regain momentum. The data underscores persistent structural challenges, raising concerns about growth prospects and industrial output sustainability. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
RICHARDS BAY MINERALS WHEELS IN LIMPOPO POWER
Richards Bay Minerals has begun receiving wheeled renewable electricity from the Bolobedu Solar Farm in Limpopo, marking a major step in decarbonising its KZN operations. The 148MW facility, developed by Voltalia and local empowerment partners, feeds power through Eskom’s grid under a wheeling agreement, reducing reliance on coal-heavy supply. The project is expected to cut RBM’s emissions by at least 237,000 tonnes annually and forms part of a broader push toward up to 60% emissions reduction. Beyond clean energy gains, the initiative has created jobs, skills training and local economic activity, while strengthening South Africa’s emerging renewable energy transition pathway. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
|
NEW BILL SEEKS TO REWARD WHISTLEBLOWERS
A draft bill aimed at strengthening protections for whistleblowers could allow courts to award financial rewards to individuals who expose corruption and wrongdoing. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the reforms seek to encourage reporting while addressing fears of retaliation. The proposed law expands safeguards and introduces incentives to recognise the risks whistleblowers take. Analysts say the move could boost accountability across both public and private sectors, where underreporting remains a concern. If adopted, the legislation would mark a significant shift in South Africa’s anti-corruption framework and efforts to protect those who speak out. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... BUT MORE GUARANTEES NEEDED, SAYS CORRUPTION WATCH
South Africa’s draft Protected Disclosures Bill has been welcomed as a step toward stronger whistleblower protection, but experts warn it still falls short on key safeguards. Advocacy group Corruption Watch says the legislation remains too narrow in scope and lacks clarity on critical protections for those exposing wrongdoing. Legal and governance analysts argue that without stronger guarantees against retaliation and clearer reporting mechanisms, whistleblowers will remain vulnerable. While the Justice Department sees the bill as part of broader anti-corruption reform, critics insist it must be strengthened to build trust, encourage reporting, and improve accountability in both public and private sectors. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
... AS SARS FREEZES ASSETS IN INTERNAL CRACKDOWN
The South African Revenue Service has secured a court order to freeze millions in assets linked to two former employees as part of an internal anti-corruption drive. The Gauteng High Court granted a preservation order covering properties, vehicles and multiple bank accounts, preventing their disposal while investigations continue. Johnstone Makhubu warned corruption within the agency is a “betrayal”, citing alleged tax violations, money laundering and abuse of state resources. Authorities say further civil and criminal action may follow as SARS intensifies efforts to root out misconduct. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
|
RESERVE BANK DELAYS ACCESS TO PAYMENT SYSTEM
The South African Reserve Bank has again delayed plans to broaden access to the national payments system, citing the need to strengthen regulatory guardrails. The move affects non-bank players seeking direct participation, with authorities prioritising financial stability, risk management and consumer protection. Regulators say additional safeguards are required before opening the system to new entrants, amid concerns over systemic risk and oversight capacity. Industry participants have expressed frustration over the slow pace of reform, but the bank insists a cautious approach is necessary to ensure resilience, integrity and trust in South Africa’s evolving payments ecosystem. (SOURCE: News24)
|
COURT SHIELDS CASH HEIST SECRETS AS EXEC JOINS RIVAL
Fidelity Services Group has secured a crucial court victory to protect its cash-in-transit operational secrets, reinforcing the high-stakes nature of South Africa’s security industry. The ruling prevents a former executive from joining competitors or disclosing sensitive methods, amid ongoing concerns over sophisticated heists. Courts recognised the risk posed by insider knowledge in a sector already under pressure from organised crime. The judgment strengthens corporate protections over intellectual property and strategic processes, while signalling to employees that confidentiality breaches carry serious legal consequences in fiercely competitive and dangerous security markets. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
|
WATCHDOG DEMANDS CLARITY ON DATA BREACHES
South Africa’s Information Regulator is seeking answers from Standard Bank and Liberty over separate data breaches disclosed last month. The regulator plans to compel greater transparency on the nature, extent and impact of the incidents, amid concerns about customer data security. Authorities say institutions must fully disclose risks and remedial steps under data protection laws. The move signals stricter enforcement as cyber threats rise, with regulators pushing financial firms to strengthen safeguards and reassure affected clients about the protection of sensitive personal information. (SOURCE: News24)
|
THAILAND SCAM CRACKDOWN NETS SA NATIONAL
Authorities in Thailand have seized billions of baht in assets linked to alleged international scam operations, including funds tied to a South Africa national, identified as Benjamin Mauerberger and Ben Smith, of online fraud, money laundering and cybercrime, with police freezing bank accounts, property and digital assets. Investigators say the networks operated across multiple countries, exploiting victims through sophisticated schemes. The arrests and seizures form part of a broader regional push to dismantle transnational crime and recover illicit funds. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
|
IMF BRACES FOR BILLIONS IN AID FROM MIDEAST WAR
International Monetary Fund md Kristalina Georgieva says global spillovers from the Middle East war could push near-term demand for IMF support to between $20 billion and $50 billion, as energy shocks and supply disruptions strain economies. Oil and LNG cuts have driven price spikes, worsened inflation pressures, and triggered supply chain bottlenecks across trade and transport networks. The IMF has downgraded growth forecasts and warns the conflict will leave lasting economic scarring even under a ceasefire. Georgieva urged countries to avoid unilateral measures and protect financial stability, noting rising public debt levels and tighter global financial conditions that limit policy space for many emerging and developing economies worldwide. (SOURCE: Reuters)
|
A TOAST TO BEER WITHOUT BORDERS, THANKS TO HEINEKEN
A clever campaign by Heineken is taking the sting out of travel budgets, letting South Africans enjoy a cold one abroad at local prices, saving between two and three times what they would pay in Europe. Dubbed BaR de chang€, the playful twist on a bureau de change swaps currency stress for social moments, ensuring travellers don’t pay more for their favourite beer just because they’ve crossed borders. With exchange rates often dampening holiday cheer, the initiative keeps things light, reminding globetrotters that good company - and a familiar brew - should never come at a premium, no matter the destination. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
|
|
Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.
Arthur Schopenhauer |
|
|
|
| Dollar | R16.43 | - 0.44% | | Pound | R22.05
| - 0.42% | | Euro | R19.20
| - 0.30% | | Yen | 0.103120 |
| | Yuan | R2.41
| - 0.45% | | Bitcoin | 71 792.99
| - 0.64% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 053.59
| - 3.12% | | Gold | $ 4 741.21
| - 0.54% | | Oil | $ 96.86
| + 1.87% | | All Share | 118 466.22
| + 0.22% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
|
|
|
|
|
