| KZN CUISINE READY TO PLATE UP NEW FRONTIERS OF TOURISM |
With gastronomical influences second to none, KZN is well placed to capitalise on the global rise of food tourism as travellers increasingly choose destinations for their culinary experiences. Blending a rich cultural heritage of Zulu, Indian and colonial flavours, the province's iconic offerings such as bunny chow, shisanyama and fragrant curries are setting the table for a new frontier of Creole-inspired cuisine, experimental dining and globally influenced culinary innovation.
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| AUTHETIC MARKETING THAT INSPIRES, EMPOWERS AND TRANSFORMS |
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Participants at the most recent NGO Forum sharing a light moment. Picture by Lethiwe Zondi.
The most recent NGO Forum lived up its billing as one of the most popular Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business gatherings when it left delegates feeling genuinely inspired and empowered. Brand strategists Kelly and Karren Hodgkins created an atmosphere of connection, making complex concepts accessible and relevant to non-profit leaders.
An informal, interactive approach encouraged real questions and grounded examples that resonated deeply. Rather than overwhelming with jargon, the presenters delivered practical, immediately actionable frameworks. Delegates left with renewed confidence that their organisations can stand out authentically and build sustainable donor relationships.
Left with a workbook and an offer of ongoing support, participants understood that the workshop marked the beginning of their marketing transformation journey.
Click here to download the PMCB’s 2026 programme of forums, meetings and events. |
| LAST-CHANCE TO SHINE AS WASTE AWARDS DEADLINE EXTENDED |
1999: The location of the SS Waratah, missing since its 1909 voyage between Durban and Cape Town, was found.
1789: The Storming of the Bastille became the defining event of the French Revolution.
Be brave and bear it all on World Nude Day. It’s also International Non-Binary People’s Day and World Chimpanzee Day.
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DRONES, SECURITY 'ARMY' TO DERAIL 9-CRIME- A-DAY JHB-DBN LINE
The 700 km Johannesburg-Durban rail corridor, spanning Gauteng, the Free State and KZN, recorded an average of nine theft incidents a day during Q3 of the 2025/26 financial year. Industry has welcomed Transnet Freight Rail's tougher security measures, saying improved protection is vital to attract private investment and restore rail efficiency.
In preparation for private operators entering the corridor under the government's rail reform programme, Transnet plans to deploy an "army" of security guards backed by drones, surveillance technology and rapid-response teams. The enhanced anti-theft strategy aims to curb cable theft, vandalism and infrastructure sabotage that have disrupted freight services and undermined the competitiveness of South Africa's logistics network. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS CITRUS GROWERS URGE FASTER PRIVATE RAIL REFORMS
The Citrus Growers Association has renewed its call for greater private sector participation in South Africa's rail network, warning that poor freight logistics continue to undermine the industry's competitiveness. The association says the rail system is "crying out" for reform, with unreliable services forcing more produce onto congested roads, increasing transport costs and export risks. It believes allowing private operators greater access to rail infrastructure would improve efficiency, reliability and capacity. The appeal comes as government advances rail reform plans aimed at opening parts of the network to private operators and revitalising freight transport to support economic growth and exports.(SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND LEMON EXPORTS SOURED BY MIDEAST CONFLICT
South African lemon exporters are feeling the impact of the Middle East conflict, with rising logistics costs making exports to Iraq uneconomical. The Citrus Growers' Association says expensive transhipment through Turkey has disrupted supply chains, forcing growers to divert grade 3 lemons to local juice factories at lower returns. Despite the setback, the national export forecast remains unchanged at 49.4 million 15kg cartons. The season has been larger and earlier than usual, with improved rainfall boosting yields in the Sundays River Valley. Growers are closely monitoring geopolitical developments as Northern Hemisphere production enters the market. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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OIL RESERVE PLAN TARGETS 36 MILLION BARRELS
South Africa plans its first major expansion of strategic oil reserves since the apartheid era, proposing emergency stocks covering 60 days of national demand. Under the draft policy, state-owned South African National Petroleum Company would manage reserves of about 36 million barrels, comprising 70% crude oil and 30% refined products, while licensed wholesalers would be required to hold an additional 21 days of inventory. The proposal follows recent Middle East supply disruptions and aims to strengthen energy security as South Africa becomes increasingly dependent on fuel imports. Government estimates a single day without fuel could cost the economy R1 billion. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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SA IN LAST-DITCH BATTLE TO SIDESTEP 12.5% US TARIFFS
South Africa has urged the United States not to impose a proposed 12.5% tariff on its exports over allegations that it lacks adequate measures to block goods produced through forced labour. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition argues existing legislation already empowers authorities to prohibit, detain and seize such imports, while the country has ratified relevant International Labour Organisation conventions. If the tariff proceeds, South Africa has requested exemptions for key exports, including vehicles, platinum-group metals, citrus, wine, seafood and nuts. The proposed measure remains under consideration, with stakeholder submissions closing on 16 July. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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... AS GREEN ECONOMY TALKS WITH EU GET UNDERWAY
The European Union and South Africa have launched their first government-to-government dialogue under the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (CTIP), aimed at accelerating investment in the green economy and strengthening clean supply chains. Discussions are focusing on flagship projects, trade facilitation and regulatory cooperation in climate and energy. Priority sectors include electricity grid expansion, renewable energy, green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuels and critical minerals. South Africa plans to build about 14 500km of new transmission lines over the next decade. The EU is South Africa's largest foreign investor, with two-way trade reaching €45 billion (about R845 billion) in 2025. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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HARITH-FLYSAFAIR DEAL CLEARED FOR TAKE OFF
The Competition Commission has recommended approval of Harith General Partners' acquisition of FlySafair, South Africa's largest domestic airline, subject to conditions aimed at protecting competition at Lanseria International Airport. The watchdog found the transaction is unlikely to substantially lessen competition but proposed safeguards to ensure fair airport access for rival airlines. The deal forms part of Harith's strategy to expand its transport infrastructure portfolio while supporting growth in the aviation sector. The recommendation now goes to the Competition Tribunal for final approval. If cleared, the acquisition will mark a significant shift in ownership within South Africa's domestic airline market. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS ETIHAD'S ZIMBABWE DEAL OPENS REGIONAL FLIGHTS
Etihad Airways has partnered with Fastjet Zimbabwe to expand connectivity across southern Africa through a new interline agreement, codeshare partnership and future frequent flyer collaboration. From 24 August 2026, passengers will be able to book single-ticket journeys connecting Harare with Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg on Fastjet services. The agreement supports Etihad's African expansion ahead of launching direct Abu Dhabi-Harare flights on 24 March 2027. Fastjet customers will also gain access to Etihad's global network spanning the Middle East, Asia and Europe, strengthening Zimbabwe's international air links and providing travellers with more seamless regional and international connections. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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PIC CHIEF ON GARDENING LEAVE AMID GOVERNANCE PROBE
The Public Investment Corporation has placed chief executive Patrick Dlamini on precautionary suspension pending an independent investigation into serious whistleblower allegations involving governance failures, conflicts of interest and the handling of the Lanseria Airport dispute. The PIC stressed the suspension is not a finding of wrongdoing but will allow an impartial investigation. The board is appointing an acting CEO, while acting chief investment officer August van Heerden has also stepped down following a Government Employees Pension Fund resolution. The developments renew scrutiny of governance reforms at the PIC, which manages more than R3 trillion in public sector assets. (SOURCE: Daily Maverick)
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ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES TARGET IMPORTED WALL, FLOOR TILES
South Africa has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on ceramic and porcelain wall and floor tiles imported from India, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe to protect local manufacturers from unfair competition. The measures, introduced following an International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) investigation, will remain in force until 9 January 2027 while the probe is finalised. Government says the duties are aimed at curbing dumped imports that undermine domestic producers, threaten jobs and discourage investment. The move forms part of broader efforts to strengthen South Africa's manufacturing sector and ensure fair competition in the local ceramic tile industry. (SOURCE: News24)
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OIL SURGES TO MONTH-HIGH LEVELS AS TRUMP THUMPS BATTLE DRUMS
Oil prices climbed sharply after US President Donald Trump announced renewed military strikes on Iranian targets and reinstated a blockade on Iranian shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also proposed a 20% charge on cargo transported through the strategic waterway, saying the US should be compensated for keeping the route open. Brent crude surged above US$85 a barrel, its highest level in a month, raising concerns over global energy supplies and inflation. The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of global oil shipments, making any disruption a major risk to world markets and trade. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Your talent is your art. It is not to be taken for granted.
Paula Abdul |
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