| NO-HOLDS BAR R200 MILLION FUND TARGETS DIGITAL SKILLS GAP |
A R200 million digital skills fund has opened applications as South Africa steps up efforts to address a growing shortage of technology talent. Collective X, which coordinates the national digital skills plan, has removed fixed application windows, allowing employers and training providers to apply year-round for programmes leading to recognised qualifications and permanent youth employment. The fund has supported more than 1 800 young people since 2024, achieving a 97% employment absorption rate. South Africa currently produces about 20 000 digitally skilled workers annually, but the target is to double this to more than 40 000 by 2030. (SOURCE: BDLive)
See below: Calling entrepreneurs for Shell Livewire 2026 applications |
| TURNING CLUTTERED HOURS INTO SMART PRODUCTIVITY |
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Trainer Tanya Hulse encouraged participants to adopt more intentional strategies for managing time, attention and workload demands. Picture by Lethiwe Zondi.
Last week’s half-day Time Management training session at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business offered more than 20 participants a practical and highly interactive learning experience focused on improving productivity through smarter planning, prioritisation and personal effectiveness.
Facilitated by Tanya Hulse, Director at TLC, the workshop was designed to be both engaging and applicable to the workplace. It introduced participants to specific time management and planning tools while also exploring the critical role of focus, energy and recovery in sustaining performance throughout the day. Through facilitated discussion, practical exercises and shared reflection, participants were encouraged to examine their current work habits, identify common productivity barriers and adopt more intentional strategies for managing time, attention and workload demands.
Click here to download the remainder of 2026 business skills programme. |
| NEW MEMBER: NEGOTIATING TRICKY LABOUR, HR LANDSCAPE |
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Meet VOCO, a labour and employment consultancy and a new member of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business. Based in Howick and serving clients both locally and virtually, VOCO provides specialist labour and human resources support to businesses across all sectors. Led by labour relations specialist Keshika Venter, the consultancy assists employers in navigating South Africa's complex employment landscape with confidence.
Its services cover the full spectrum of human resources and labour relations requirements, including employment contracts, workplace policies, disciplinary processes, staff inductions, UIF and COIDA compliance, CCMA and bargaining council representation, trade union negotiations, retrenchments, strike management, employment equity compliance and skills development facilitation. VOCO takes counsel on labour law matters from O'Dwyer Inc Attorneys in Pietermaritzburg, which is a specialist employment law practice. Contact Keshika Venter on 083 779 8410 or at keshika@voco.org.za.
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1900: Boer and British forces clashed in the battle of Dalmanutha (Berg-en-Dal).
Elsewhere, in 1991, Michael Schumacher made his Formula One debut in the Belgian Grand Prix. He would go on to win 91 F1 races. |
GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS SING OF SAME GROWTH HYMN SHEET
The next phase of South Africa’s government-business partnership will shift from fixing structural weaknesses to unlocking faster economic growth, with more than 30 CEOs committing expertise and resources to the initiative.
The renewed focus aims to push economic growth above 3% annually and contribute to creating one million jobs by 2030. Priorities include completing reforms in energy and transport, expanding private-sector participation in freight rail and targeting high-potential sectors including mining, agriculture, agroprocessing, tourism and infrastructure. The partnership will also seek to strengthen investor confidence by tackling crime, corruption and municipal service failures. President Cyril Ramaphosa says the emphasis must now move from reform to tangible economic outcomes, investment and employment. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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RAND HOLDS FIRM AS IRAN SANCTIONS LOOM
The Rand held near a multi-month high this morning, supported by a weaker US Dollar, stronger gold prices and positive emerging-market sentiment. The currency traded around R15.99 to the Dollar, close to its strongest level since the Iran war began. Gold, a key export, also climbed to its highest level in more than three months, providing additional support. Markets are watching for details of a fresh US sanctions package against Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatening the “toughest sanctions in history”. Investors are also awaiting US inflation data and a speech by Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh. Analysts say global risk sentiment remains crucial to the rand’s direction. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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... AS 'BLACK BOX' TRADING PINS RAND ABOVE R16/$ PEG
The Rand is struggling to break through the key R16/$ level, with opaque “black box” trading activity adding to market volatility. Automated and algorithm-driven trades can amplify currency movements, making it harder for investors to determine the underlying drivers behind short-term swings. The Rand has recently benefited from stronger gold prices, improved sentiment towards emerging markets and expectations of easier global monetary policy, but these gains have not been enough to decisively push the currency below R16 to the Dollar. Traders are watching global risk appetite, US interest-rate expectations and local economic developments closely as the rand tests this important psychological level. (SOURCE: News24) |
KZN WOMEN LEAD SHIFT IN COASTAL PROPERTY INVESTMENT
KZN women are emerging as a powerful force in the province’s property market, accounting for 58.4% of home-loan applications in 2026, according to ooba Home Loans data. Female first-time buyers represented 57.7% of mortgage applications in KZN in 2025, highlighting their growing influence. Across South Africa’s coastal provinces, women now make up the majority of home-loan applicants. The Eastern Cape leads at 61.5%, followed by the Western Cape at 58.6% and KZN. Nationally, female applications reached 53.8% in 2026, compared with 46.2% in 2015. Women are increasingly buying independently and younger, with lifestyle, affordability, migration and employment patterns potentially influencing coastal purchasing decisions. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
DURBAN STATION LEADS TRANSNET’S PROPERTY DISPOSAL DRIVE
Durban Station is among 15 major properties Transnet plans to dispose of as the state-owned logistics company sheds non-core assets and seeks to strengthen its balance sheet. The 47 192m² precinct, which includes the railway station, retail, hotel and office space, is also home to Mr Price’s national head office. Prasa could consider acquiring the property, given its rail operations. Other assets on the disposal list include Johannesburg’s iconic Carlton Centre, a Cape Town Foreshore site, Bloemfontein Golf Course and land beneath Umlazi Mega City. Government departments, municipalities and state-owned entities have 30 days to express interest before the properties can be offered publicly, potentially attracting private developers. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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TRUCKERS HAUL DURBAN PORT, SHIPPING LINES TO COURT
Road freight hauliers have lodged a formal Competition Commission complaint against eight major shipping lines, Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT) and Transnet, alleging excessive storage charges, landside congestion and anti-competitive practices. The complaint, spearheaded by Positive Freight Solutions’ Container Division, represents 140 transporters employing about 6 000 people. Hauliers claim terminal delays, broken truck-booking systems and restricted container access leave them facing storage, demurrage and detention charges of thousands of rand daily. DGT, operated by ICTSI under a 25-year Transnet concession, has faced severe congestion since taking operational control. MSC rejected allegations of exploitation, saying charges are standard commercial terms. Other respondents had not commented. (SOURCE: FreightNews) |
RENEWABLE ENERGY BOOM DRAWS R20 BILLION IN 3 MONTHS
South Africa registered 124 new renewable-energy generation facilities worth an estimated R20.18 billion during the three months to June, signalling continued momentum in the country’s energy transition. The projects, approved by Nersa during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, add 804MW of generation capacity. Solar photovoltaic facilities accounted for 122 registrations and 236MW, while two wind projects contributed 568MW. The Northern Cape attracted the biggest investment, with five projects worth about R11.93 billion and 440MW of capacity. Nersa processed applications within an average of 10 working days. The latest registrations are expected to strengthen generation capacity and grid reliability. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS GREEN ENERGY SET TO GENERATE 88% OF POWER BY 2060
South Africa’s electricity mix could undergo a dramatic transformation, with renewable energy forecast to provide 88% of generation by 2060. UK-based Aurora Energy Research expects electricity demand to grow 1.3% annually from 2027, while more than 30GW of ageing coal capacity is retired. The country could require more than 120GW of new generation capacity, largely from solar photovoltaic and offshore wind projects. Their combined contribution is expected to rise from 23% next year to 88% by 2060. Energy storage, diesel and gas generation would support periods of low renewable output and peak demand. Aurora says rising prices and greater volatility will create opportunities, but investors will need to manage curtailment and balancing risks. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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HEAT WAVES PUT LONDON HOMES AT RISK
Successive heat waves are exposing London homeowners to a growing climate-related threat as prolonged dry weather causes the city’s clay soil to shrink, destabilising building foundations. Insurance claims linked to subsidence reached a record level last quarter, with households claiming an average £20 000 (about R440 000), up 15% from the same period last year. Engineers report increasing numbers of cracked walls, sticking doors and shifting foundations, particularly across southeast London. High-risk areas include sought-after Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea. The Association of British Insurers says payouts for subsidence damage reached a record £297 million in 2025, rising about 90% over four years. Climate change is expected to intensify the problem. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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OCEAN TEMPERATURE RISES TO RECORD AHEAD OF EL NIÑO
Global ocean temperatures have reached a record 21.1°C, as a powerful El Niño develops in the tropical Pacific, intensifying concerns over climate impacts. The reading, recorded on August 22 by Copernicus, narrowly surpassed the previous daily record of 21.09°C set in March 2024. The August record is particularly striking because ocean temperatures typically peak in March and April. Scientists say El Niño is adding heat to oceans already warmed by decades of human-driven climate change. Warmer seas can intensify storms, raise sea levels, damage coral reefs and disrupt fisheries, while reducing the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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NEW ZEALAND MOOTS SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR TEENS
New Zealand is considering restrictions that could prevent teenagers from using social media, joining a growing international push to protect young people online. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has backed proposals to introduce age limits, arguing that children need greater protection from harmful online content and excessive social-media use. The government is examining legislation that could restrict access for users below a specified age, with platforms potentially required to verify users. The move follows similar measures introduced or proposed elsewhere, including Australia. Supporters say restrictions could improve youth wellbeing and online safety, while critics question enforcement, privacy implications and whether bans can effectively keep teenagers off social platforms. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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GOLD SURGES ABOVE $4 650 ON SAFE-HAVEN GLITTER
Gold climbed to its highest level in more than three months, rising above $4 650 an ounce as US Treasury intervention in the bond market weakened the Dollar and renewed demand for safe-haven assets. Bullion gained as much as 1.2%, extending a third consecutive weekly advance after rising more than 5% last week. The Treasury’s increased purchases of long-dated government debt pushed yields lower, raising concerns about currency debasement and boosting gold’s appeal. Gold-backed exchange-traded funds added more than 28 tons last week, the strongest inflow since January. Investors are watching US yields and the dollar for signs of whether the rally can continue. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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| BURSARIES, FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES AND OTHER INCENTIVES |
CALLING ENTREPRENEURS FOR SHELL LIVEWIRE 2026 APPLICATIONS
South African entrepreneurs are invited to apply for Shell LiveWire’s 2026 Enterprise Development Programme, supporting businesses with annual revenues from zero to R50 million. Tailored assistance includes business setup, compliance, growth planning, coaching, strategy, market access, deal-closing and funding readiness. The programme is designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen operations, overcome practical business challenges and prepare for sustainable growth and investment. Applications close on 9 September. Entrepreneurs looking to build stronger, more resilient businesses are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this practical development opportunity.
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You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.
Harlan Ellison |
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| Dollar | R16.01 | + 0.08% | | Pound | R21.82
| + 0.15% | | Euro | R18.67 | + 0.13% | | Yen | 0.100532 |
| | Yuan | R2.38 | + 0.09% | | Bitcoin | $ 80 796.28 | + 2.24% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 869.30
| - 0.73% | | Gold | $ 4 650.65
| - 0.03% | | Oil | $ 91.26 | + 0.32% | | All Share | 116 712.55
| - 0.88% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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