| BUILDING OWNERS IN RACE TO MEET ENERGY DECEMBER DEADLINE |
Owners of large buildings in KZN - public and private - are urged to register for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) before the December 7 deadline, which will not be extended, Deputy Electricity and Energy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré has warned. Buildings over 1 000 m² (state) and 2 000 m² (commercial) must comply under national efficiency regulations. Since the EPC rollout in 2020, only 7 988 buildings have registered nationwide, with 1 051 in KZN and just 348 certificates issued. The Department aims for 60 000 registrations, but uptake remains slow. EPCs help track and improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions through data-driven interventions. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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| ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS: THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL |
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Mike Heesen (standing) with the attendants at the training session on investigating accidents in the workplace. Pic and words by PMCB intern Mvelo Ximba.
The importance of gathering accurate evidence and maintaining objectivity was strongly reinforced during yesterday's business skills training on accident investigations in the workplace at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business. Failitated by Mike Heesen of ProHaS Consultants. The session emphasised that effective investigations go beyond identifying what happened - they uncover why it happened.
Heesen said incidents rarely result from a single cause but rather from a chain of immediate and underlying factors. Understanding these root causes enables organisations to implement preventative measures that meet both legal and operational obligations. By adopting a structured, evidence-based approach, businesses can reduce injuries, downtime, and associated costs, safeguarding both their workforce and financial sustainability while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. |
| JAPANESE COMPANY SEEKING RANGE OF CHEMICAL, FOOD PRODUCTS |
TIKZN (Trade and Investment KZN) has approached the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business on behalf of a Japanese company seeking the following products:
Chemical products: Adipic Acid, L-tartaric acid, Citric acid, Trisodium citrate, Monosodium glutamate, Sodium Acetate, Lactic acid, L-ascorbic acid, Sodium L-ascorbate.
Food products: Juice (Orange, Apple, Pineapple, Grape, etc.)
Companies able to supply any of these products please contact CEO Melenie Veness at ceo@pmcb.org.za. |
1913: Gandhi led a march from Newcastle into the former Transvaal to defy the Immigrants Regulation Act of 1913.
Elsewhere, in 1929 in the US, 16 million shares were sold, five days after the sales of 13 million shares, to further fuel the Great Depression.
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R50.4 TRILLION INSURANCE GAP SPELLS HOUSEHOLD DISASTER
The financial impact of losing a household’s main income earner has reached crisis levels in South Africa. According to the 2025 Asisa Insurance Gap Study, the national life and disability cover shortfall has ballooned to R50.4 trillion - growing 12.5% annually from R35.4 trillion in 2021, and now exceeding seven times the country’s GDP.
Conducted every three years with True South Advisory, the study defines the insurance gap as the shortfall between existing life and disability cover and the amount needed for families to maintain living standards after the loss of an income earner. It excludes immediate costs such as funerals and medical bills, focusing instead on long-term household stability. The study found the average earner faces a R1.3 million shortfall, while over 85% of South Africans lack critical illness cover, deepening financial vulnerability. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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NO NHI TAXES TILL AT LEAST 2028, SAYS TREASURY
Taxes to fund the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) are unlikely to be introduced before 2028, Treasury officials confirmed this week. Despite the NHI Act being signed into law in May 2024, no final decision has been made on how the multibillion-rand scheme will be financed. Early estimates suggest the universal healthcare plan could cost between R200 billion and R500 billion annually. Officials say the priority remains improving infrastructure, staffing, and management in public hospitals before any new tax proposals are tabled. Analysts caution that introducing a payroll or VAT-based levy too soon could strain already pressured households, as South Africa’s fiscal deficit sits near 5% of GDP and growth remains below 1.5%. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
LICENCE BACKLOG CUT BY 75% DESPITE CATCH 22 TENDER RULING
The Department of Transport has slashed South Africa’s driving licence backlog from 800 000 in May to about 200 000, as it establishes a backup printing system at the Government Printing Works (GPW). Minister Barbara Creecy said the department’s R898 million licence machine tender dispute - declared irregular by the Auditor-General - will not be opposed in the high court, speeding up resolution. The department remains in a legal Catch-22. it cannot cancel or implement the Idemia contract without a court order. Meanwhile, production continues using the old machine, operating three shifts daily to meet demand, while the GPW prototype cards undergo final security checks. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
AMSA TO REINSTATE 550 WORKERS IN NEWCASTLE, VEREENIGING
ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) has been ordered to reinstate 550 workers dismissed last year from its long-steel division following a dispute over restructuring. The Labour Court court found that the retrenchment process had not met procedural fairness requirements. The ruling comes as AMSA continues efforts to stabilise operations amid weak domestic steel demand and rising input costs. The company said it is reviewing the judgment and considering its legal options. Labour unions welcomed the decision, calling it a victory for workers affected by what they described as unfair job losses at the company’s Newcastle and Vereeniging plants. (SOURCE: News24) |
SLOWING FOOD INFLATION AT 4.5% STILL OUTPACES CPI
South African food inflation slowed for a second consecutive month in September, according to the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP). Year-on-year food inflation fell to 4.5%, down from 5.2% in August, but still above the 3.4% Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate. Month-on-month, food prices declined 0.2%, while CPI rose 0.2%. The Thrifty Healthy Food Basket cost R3 821, up 1.1% year-on-year but down 2% month-on-month, consuming 29.5% of a low-income family’s income. Meat saw the highest annual inflation at 11.7%, while dairy and eggs recorded -1.6% deflation. BFAP expects a strong rand and La Niña weather to stabilise staple food prices into 2026. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
… AS 27% HIGHER MIELIE HARVEST TO BRING CONSUMER RELIEF
South Africa’s maize harvest for 2025 is projected to reach 18.7 million tonnes, up 27% from last year’s 14.7 million tonnes, according to the Crop Estimates Committee. The increase follows favourable rainfall across major growing regions and improved yields from both white and yellow maize varieties. White maize output, a staple for local consumption, is expected to climb to 9.9 million tonnes, while yellow maize, mainly used for animal feed, is estimated at 8.8 million tonnes. Analysts say the larger crop could ease food inflation and boost exports to neighbouring countries, supporting the agricultural sector amid broader economic uncertainty. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
OLD MUTUAL BUYS 10X INVESTMENTS IN R2.2 BILLION DEAL
Old Mutual has acquired 100% of 10X Investments for R2.2 billion in a move set to bolster the latter’s technology and innovation capabilities. The deal, approved by regulators, will strengthen 10X’s capital base and accelerate its expansion in South Africa’s competitive asset management sector. Old Mutual said the acquisition aligns with its strategy to grow digital and low-cost investment solutions, reaching a broader customer base. 10X, known for its passive investment approach and retirement savings products, will retain its brand identity while leveraging Old Mutual’s scale, distribution network, and resources to drive future growth. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
FINAL BELL TOLLS FOR MURRAY & ROBERTS HOLDINGS
JSE-listed Murray & Roberts Holdings has been placed under final liquidation following an order by the Gauteng High Court, with Theo van den Heever appointed provisional liquidator. The company stressed that the ruling affects only the listed holding entity and not Murray & Roberts Limited, which remains under business rescue as a separate legal entity. Trading in the group’s shares, suspended since November 22, 2024, remains halted. Shareholders will be informed about the forthcoming delisting process, marking the end of an era for one of South Africa’s most storied engineering and construction groups. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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SPRINGBOK SOLAR PROJECT DELIVERS 195MW AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
Renewable-energy firm SOLA Group has brought its 195 MW Springbok Solar Project in Virginia, Free State, into commercial operation ahead of schedule. The R3 billion facility will generate over 430 000 MWh of clean power annually - enough for 150 000 homes - while cutting 399 000 tonnes of CO₂ each year. Corporate off-takers include Amazon Web Services, Sibanye-Stillwater, Sasol, Vodacom, and Old Mutual, among others. The project also marks South Africa’s first operational virtual wheeling PPA, pioneering flexible private energy procurement. Around R375 million was invested in local communities, creating 500 jobs. SOLA says it will continue supporting local initiatives and is advancing new projects with battery storage capacity. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
… AS FELLOW FREE STATE PLANT ADDS 97.5 MW TO GRID
The 97.5 MW Damlaagte Solar PV Plant near Parys, Free State, has been officially inaugurated after entering commercial operation in August. Supplying renewable power to Sasol Secunda Operations, it’s the first project under Sasol and Air Liquide’s 900 MW clean energy agreement. Owned by Mainstream Renewable Power, uBuzwe Energy, and Thembelihle Trust, the facility connects to Eskom’s grid, generating 270 million kWh annually - enough for thousands of homes. Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré praised the partnership as a model for South Africa’s industrial decarbonisation and community-driven renewable growth. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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SA ALGAE-FUEL STARTUP WINS GLOBAL GREEN CONTEST
Cape Town-based startup SeaH4 has won the 2025 ClimateLaunchpad Global Grand Final in Vienna, the world’s largest green business competition, for its algae-based fossil fuel alternative. Beating 2 700 entries from 40 countries, the company secured the €10 000 (about R200 000) top prize. SeaH4’s carbon-neutral fuel can power ships and aircraft, offering a cleaner solution for hard-to-decarbonise sectors. The innovation was praised for its scalability and global impact potential. Supported by Bank of America, Irish Aid, and Climate-KIC, ClimateLaunchpad has backed over 5 000 startups since 2014. SeaH4’s win strengthens South Africa’s role in renewable energy innovation and green job creation. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
CLIMATE CHANGE EXPANDS RANGE OF DEADLY DISEASE VECTORS
Rising global temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns are allowing disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes and ticks to thrive in new regions, the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report warns. The study links climate change to the wider spread of malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus, threatening millions across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Warmer, wetter conditions extend breeding seasons and accelerate pathogen transmission cycles. Researchers caution that without urgent emission cuts and improved surveillance, climate-driven diseases could overwhelm fragile health systems and reverse decades of progress in controlling infectious illnesses worldwide. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
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The PMCB welcomes the following new members:
Auto Guard SA (Pty) Ltd – Automative repairs and financial products – 087 135 6624
PMB Abrasives & Tapes – Wholesale of industrial products – abrasives, tapes, packaging, strapping, welding, tooling, power tools and PPE – 079 503 4815
Mvemnyama Transport – Transportation and distribution service provider – 073 220 0861
Kindo Covers (Pty) Ltd – Manufacture of vehicle seat covers – 033 345 3875
Angus Findlay & Associates – Professional commercial and civil legal services and advisory – 033 205 0630
Zyneva Group (Pty) Ltd – specialist consulting and training services to help factories and businesses operate more safely and efficiently – 078 856 7317
Associated Energy Services – Energy outsourcing solutions, mainly steam for manufacturing businesses – 076 091 4395
Sunfield Home (Howick) – Home for intellectually impaired adults – 033 330 2094
Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine - Education/Culinary School, catering, events and functions – 072 241 8421
To find out more about chamber membership and the many benefits click here. |
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Integrity gives you real freedom because you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide.
Zig Ziglar |
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