| DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR TO ENCHANT SCANDINAVIAN HEARTS |
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The Drakensberg Boys Choir (DBCS) is set to fly the KZN Midlands flag high on a landmark 2025 tour of Norway and Sweden. Known for their world-class performances, the DBCS - a member of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business - will build cultural bridges through music and celebrating the historic solidarity between these nations and SA.
More than just a concert tour, this 14-day journey includes collaborations with youth choirs, school performances, joint worship events, and cultural exchanges - deepening global ties while showcasing South African talent and diversity. Highlights include performances in Bergen, Stockholm, Linköping, and Uppsala, with the boys delivering their signature mix of soaring harmonies, African rhythms, and infectious energy.
DBCS calls on sponsors to support this transformative experience with a range of donor options - tour-naming sponsor (R600 000+), travel sponsor (R300 000–R600,000), event sponsor (R150 000–R300,000) and a “blue” sponsor (R75 000–R150 000) - that includes brand exposure, concert recognition, digital marketing integration, and an opportunity to align your organisation with an iconic South African institution on a global stage.
Contact Drakensberg Boys Choir School Director Willem Eksteen for more information on (011) 447 0168 or 083 272 6304 and at media@stone.consulting or at willem@dbchoir.team
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| AT CHAMBER: ALL ABOUT DISPUTE TRAINING, WOMEN LUNCHEON |
Tomorrow, veteran HR trainer Raj Seeparsad will conduct a workshop at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business to equip participants with essential skills for managing workplace discipline, resolving disputes, and ensuring compliance with labour laws. It covers company policies, roles of key personnel, accurate reporting, effective dispute resolution, and disciplinary procedures. Practical insights into CCMA processes and legal frameworks ensure participants handle issues fairly and lawfully. Contact Thabisile on (033) 3452747 or at info@pmcb.org.za.
The PMCB Women in Business Luncheon on 1 August is a highlight on the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business calendar. Hosted at Maritzburg College, the event blends inspiration, networking, and fun. Guest speaker Ntsiki Biyela, a globally recognised winemaker, shares her journey from humble beginnings to stardom. Guests are invited to dress to this year’s celestial theme while enjoying great food, wine, and lucky draws. Contact Heidi on (033) 3452747 or at pmcb@pmcb.org.za.
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| FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY OFFERS STRESSED CONSUMERS SOME RESPITE |
Soaring living costs and stagnating salaries are squeezing most employees (see below) and worsened by hidden tax burdens like bracket creep. But one smart, cost-neutral strategy is gaining traction: flexible employee benefits. This approach lets workers tailor their packages for better take-home value, offering vital relief without adding to company payrolls. Click here for three options.
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2005: The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) announced an end to its armed campaign to free Northern Ireland from British rule.
Elsewhere, in 1914, the assassination of the Austrian archduke Francis Ferdinand sparked World War I.
Today is observed as both World Hepatitis Day and World Nature Conservation Day.
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LIVING COSTS, DEBT DISTRESS STOP 87% CONSUMERS FROM SAVING
A recent Debt Rescue survey paints a sobering picture of South African consumer distress. Nearly half of respondents cannot afford basic essentials like food, housing, or healthcare, while 41% just manage. Despite strong intent to save, economic hardship has eroded savings habits - 87% try, but most cannot succeed. High living costs (47%) and unexpected expenses (27%) are major barriers. One-third save nothing; only 18% save over 10% monthly.
Worryingly, online gambling has surged 550%, reflecting desperation. With debt-to-income ratios climbing to 75%, consumers are increasingly reliant on credit or risky behaviours. CEO Neil Roets warns that without practical financial support, many remain one crisis away from collapse, despite efforts to secure long-term stability. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS SMME OWNERS PIN HOPES ON DIGITAL ADOPTION
Despite financial pressures, South African SMEs remain cautiously optimistic, with 63% expecting better performance over the next six months, according to Lula’s Q2 2025 SME Pulse Survey. This optimism is largely driven by increased digital adoption - 70% of SMEs are investing in online sales, payments, and operations platforms. However, limited access to finance remains a major hurdle, cited by 48% of respondents. Rising input costs due to inflation and exchange rate volatility continue to squeeze margins. As Lula celebrates its 10th anniversary, it aims to scale its digital banking platform to close the credit gap and boost SME resilience through smarter tech. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
TREASURY LOOKS BEYOND BONDS TO BOLSTER FOREX LOANS
South Africa’s National Treasury has invited proposals for innovative, cost-efficient methods to bolster its foreign-currency borrowing for the 2025/26 fiscal year. Aimed at reducing reliance on traditional eurobonds and lowering borrowing costs, the Treasury seeks input from debt dealers, banks, and institutional investors. It plans to raise R98.9 billion this year, decreasing to R80 billion next year. Potential funding instruments include bilateral loans, floating rate notes, repurchase agreements, and cross-currency swaps. Proposals are due by August 6 and will be evaluated by 29 August. This move forms part of Treasury’s broader strategy to diversify and stabilise the country’s external financing sources. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
CLIMATE CHANGE SET TO COST 45% GDP IN 75 YEARS
South Africa could face a 45% drop in GDP by the end of the century due to worsening climate change - far higher than previous estimates. A new study warns that traditional economic models underestimate risk by ignoring global climate shocks. Because SA relies heavily on trade, simultaneous extreme weather events worldwide could disrupt supply chains, spike food prices, and reduce global growth. Sectors like agriculture and mining would suffer most, especially as warming erodes SA’s competitiveness. Researchers say the findings are a wake-up call for both governments and industries to act urgently, as poorer households will bear the brunt. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
SOUTHERN SUN HOTEL TO WIDEN UMHLANGA LUXURY FOOTPRINT
Southern Sun is set to elevate KZN’s tourism investment profile by anchoring the final phase of the R5 billion Oceans Umhlanga mega-development. The group will open the Southern Sun Hotel & Residences Oceans Umhlanga - a deluxe 200-room, 80-residence hotel - atop the development’s new South Tower, due for completion in 2027. This marks Southern Sun’s first venture into branded hotel residences. CEO Marcel von Aulock promises a stylish, “very sexy hotel” with ocean-facing balconies and top-tier finishes. The investment signals growing confidence in Umhlanga’s luxury tourism market and strengthens Southern Sun’s expansion into high-growth coastal destinations. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
BIODEGRADABLE MULCH TO REPLACE PLASTIC CROP SHEETING
A groundbreaking field trial near Peddie in the Eastern Cape is testing biodegradable, biobased mulch films as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic in agriculture. Led by the CSIR and funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the project aims to reduce plastic waste while maintaining crop performance. Traditional plastic mulches aid crop growth but often pollute soil. These new films decompose into organic matter post-harvest, offering a circular solution. Using locally sourced materials, the innovation supports both environmental sustainability and rural economies. The initiative could transform farming practices and accelerate South Africa’s shift toward greener agricultural technologies. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
PRASA, UNION SIGN 5.5% WAGE DEAL
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) and the United National Transport Union (UNTU) have agreed to a 5.5% across-the-board wage increase for workers, effective through March 2026. The deal follows a protracted negotiation process and includes a commitment to avoid forced retrenchments within key divisions. Prasa, which collapsed during the Covid-19 pandemic due to extensive looting and infrastructure damage, is gradually restoring operations. Annual passenger trips rose to 39 million by March 2024, up from 10 million in 2021, but still well below the 2009 peak of 646 million. Many former commuters now rely on minibus taxis. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
MID-RANGE EVS TO DRIVE ADOPTION BEYOND 0.3% IN 20230
South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) market remains nascent, with just 25,456 passenger EVs projected by 2030 - only 0.3% of the national fleet, according to GreenCape’s 2025 report. High-end EVs currently dominate, but mid-range model adoption could boost sales significantly. The electric bus sector is poised to reach 576 units by 2030, while commercial EVs are expected to grow to 1,000. Growth drivers include affordability, decarbonisation pressure, and government incentives. However, regulatory hurdles - such as licensing for e-bikes and road restrictions for three-wheelers - pose challenges, especially for last-mile logistics. Despite these, micro-logistics in townships and localised distribution strategies could unlock growth in e-mobility. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
… AS ELECTRIC BIKES STREAK TO 1 211% GROWTH OVER 2 YEARS
South Africa’s electric motorbike market is gaining momentum, with sales surging from just 122 units in 2022 to over 1 600 in 2024, a growth of about 1 211%.. The first half of 2025 has already seen 1 398 units sold, driven largely by two fleet-focused importers deploying electric scooters commercially. While high-end models like BMW’s remain costly, affordable Chinese brands and low-cost kids’ e-bikes are growing fast. Two-wheelers dominate the market at 97%. Experts see strong future growth in the commercial sector, though affordability and charging infrastructure limit private ownership. If momentum continues, electric motorbikes could play a major role in South Africa’s cleaner transport transition. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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BITCOIN GIVES UP RECORD GAINS ON US RATE CUT UNCERTAINTY
Bitcoin fell to $115 122 (about R1.2 million) on Friday, its lowest since July 11, as stronger-than-expected US jobs data reduced hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts, dampening appetite for risk assets. Ether and XRP also declined, dropping around 3% and 5.3% respectively. This comes after Bitcoin hit a record high of $12 205 last week, boosted by optimism over US crypto regulation and inflows into digital asset products. Analysts note the broader uptrend remains intact, but market momentum has cooled. Bearish bets are increasing, with one trader paying $5 million for Bitcoin put options. Resistance at $125,000 continues to cap Bitcoin’s gains, suggesting likely consolidation ahead. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.
Norman Vincent Peale |
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| Dollar | R17.78 | - 0.08% | | Pound | R23.84 | + 0.08% | | Euro | R20.84 | + 0.13% | | Yen | 0.119984.61 |
| | Yuan | R2.48 | - 0.05% | | Bitcoin | $ 119 524.66
| + 1.05% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 415.00 | - 0.16% | | Gold | $ 3 345.50 | + 0.11% | | Oil | $ 68.21 | - 0.22% | | All Share | 98 919.15 | - 1.05% | | Repo | 7.25 | | | Prime | 10.75 | |
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