| MALL SHOPPERS LINE UP FOR DRAKENSBERG GETAWAY |
Liberty Midlands Mall is turning shopping into a travel adventure with its new Passport to Paradise promotion, running until 31 May. To enter, shoppers collect an entry card from the information desk and earn one stamp for every R350 spent at participating stores, with 10 stamps required to submit a completed entry into the competition box for a chance to win a holiday for two to the Drakensberg. Further prizes later this year include Midlands Meander and Durban getaways, plus an international holiday grand prize. Mall general manager Lawrence Joubert said the campaign combines shopping, rewards and travel in an engaging way for loyal customers. See here for more information and follow the mall on social media @libertymidlandsmall.
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| GETTING A GRIP ON 2030 B-BBEE COMPLIANCE HORIZON |
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Trainer Raj Seeparsad (4th left) with participants at the employment equity training session. Picture by Lethiwe Zondi.
Participants in a recent Employment Equity Management training session emerged with a far clearer understanding of South Africa’s strengthened employment equity framework and its practical implications for employers. Presented by HR specialist Raj Seeparsad at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, the course unpacked the updated requirements administered by the Department of Employment and Labour, including mandatory Ministerial targets for designated employers, tighter reporting obligations, and penalties of up to R1.5 million or 2% of annual turnover for non-compliance. Attendees gained insight into the 2030 compliance horizon, the five-month reporting preparation window, and the operational changes required in promotion, appraisal and monitoring systems. The session equipped participants to translate legislative requirements into workplace implementation and compliance readiness.
See below: 300 000 jobless surge renews call for faster reforms |
| IT'S (ALMOST) TIME FOR WINTER WARMTH CHAMBER LUNCH |
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business invites members and guests to the Wonderful Winter Lunch on 19 May. The event from 12.30 to 2.30 pm includes a two-course meal, refreshments and lucky draw prizes, offering a relaxed networking opportunity for local businesses. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards for participation in Chamber networking activities and future speaking opportunities. Cost is R290 for members and R410 for non-members (VAT included). Contact Thabisile on 033 345 2747 or at info@pmcb.org.za.
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1989: The mayor of Free State mining town Welkom was tarred and feathered by die-hard segregationists for officiating at a multi-racial wheelchair marathon event.
Elsewhere, in 1989, thousands of students began a hunger strike on Tiananmen Square in Beijing to protest corruption and call for democracy. Some 3 000 unarmed civilians were killed when the army cracked down on the protesters on June 3 - 4, 1989.
An ode to the Middle Eastern delicacy of ground chickpeas and sesame seeds, on International Hummus Day.
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300 000 JOBLESS SURGE RENEWS CALL FOR FASTER REFORMS
South Africa’s worsening unemployment crisis is raising alarm bells after more than 300 000 jobs were lost in Q1 2026, pushing the official unemployment rate to 32.9% from 31.9% previously. Labour federation Congress of South African Trade Unions warned the country faces a “ticking time bomb” as joblessness deepens poverty, inequality and social instability. Young people remain hardest hit, despite gains in higher education participation.
Economists say weak economic growth, rolling business uncertainty and limited investment continue to suppress hiring across sectors. The latest figures intensify pressure on government to accelerate reforms, stimulate growth and create sustainable employment opportunities for millions of unemployed South Africans. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SARS UPS ANTE ON 120 000 NON-COMPLIANT TRUSTS
The South African Revenue Service is intensifying enforcement under Commissioner Johnstone Makhubu, focusing on widening the tax base and recovering an estimated R50 billion to R60 billion trust compliance gap. With only about 180 000 of 300 000 registered trusts filing returns, authorities say non-compliance has become a major revenue leak. Around 13.2% of taxpayers currently contribute roughly half of all personal income tax, highlighting structural imbalance in the system. SARS is issuing monthly administrative penalties of between R250 and R16 000 per outstanding return, potentially running for up to 36 months. The agency is also using expanded data analytics and third-party reporting to strengthen audits, improve compliance and boost revenue collection efficiency. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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HYBRID RAF FUNDING MODEL ON THE CARDS
The Department of Transport is exploring a hybrid funding model for the Road Accident Fund that would combine private and public contributions to reduce pressure on the fiscus as fuel levy revenues decline. Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa told parliament the current model is financially unsustainable, with rising claims and shifting fuel consumption patterns, including electric and hybrid vehicles, eroding its base. The RAF remains largely dependent on the fuel levy, which has been exposed to global oil price volatility. Government is also preparing the Road Accident Benefit Scheme Bill, alongside a gap analysis covering funding, legal structure and insurer integration, while governance reforms and board appointments are under way. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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RAMOKGOPA TO OUTLINE 'SEQUENCED' ELECTRICITY REFORMS
Minister of Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says government will publish a “sequenced” roadmap for the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM) to guide the transition from the single-buyer model to a competitive trading system. The plan will set out regulatory milestones, pricing rules, governance structures and the shift toward an independent Transmission System Operator, expected to unlock clearer price signals and improved dispatch efficiency. SAWEM’s rollout, initially targeted for April 2026, has been delayed to the third quarter as the regulator finalises the market code. The reforms form part of a broader electricity sector overhaul aimed at boosting investment, stabilising supply and supporting a R2-trillion infrastructure pipeline over the coming decades. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS NERSA UNVEILS 2026/27 FREE BASIC ELECTRICITY RATE
National Energy Regulator of South Africa has approved a Free Basic Electricity (FBE) tariff of R2.38/kWh for the 2026/27 municipal year, effective from July 1 to June 30, 2027. The rate applies to electricity supplied by Eskom to qualifying indigent households, typically covering a monthly allocation of 50kWh per household under the national support policy. The adjustment follows Nersa’s cost-reflective pricing methodology to ensure fair recovery and sustainability. Authorities say FBE remains a key tool for energy access and affordability, though municipalities continue to face funding, targeting and administrative challenges in implementing the programme effectively across South Africa’s uneven local government landscape. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
ACSA PUTS FAITH IN JET FUEL SUPPLIES AMID CONSTRANTS
Airports Company South Africa says it is not concerned about jet fuel shortages, citing improved coordination with local refineries and a shift toward more fuel-efficient aircraft as key factors supporting supply stability. The group noted that despite broader energy market volatility, current logistics arrangements and supplier agreements have kept aviation fuel availability steady at major airports. Reduced reliance on older, higher-consumption “gas guzzler” aircraft is also helping ease pressure on demand. The reassurance comes amid ongoing global fuel price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions, but ACSA maintains that South Africa’s aviation sector remains adequately supplied to meet both domestic and international flight demand without immediate risk of shortages. (SOURCE: News24)
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TONGAAT BIDDER IN COURT OVER DODGY R2 BILLION FUNDING CLAIM
A company linked to the rescue battle for Tongaat Hulett has appeared in court over questions surrounding a disputed R2 billion funding letter submitted as part of its acquisition proposal. Bidder RGS Group is accused of relying on questionable proof of funding during the sugar group’s business rescue process, raising concerns among creditors owed billions by the embattled company. Tongaat entered business rescue in 2022 with debt estimated at more than R13 billion after accounting irregularities and financial losses crippled operations. The latest legal challenge adds uncertainty to efforts aimed at securing a credible buyer capable of stabilising the historic sugar and property business. (SOURCE: News24)
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'SPAR BACKS CHAIR AS RETAILERS' REVOLT GATHERS PACE
SPAR Group has reaffirmed its support for chair Mike Bosman despite mounting pressure from retailers frustrated by operational disruptions and declining profitability. The retailer recently reported a 1.9% decline in turnover from continuing operations to about R71 billion, while headline earnings per share fell sharply amid ongoing restructuring and supply-chain challenges. Some retailers have linked Bosman to reputational damage and strained franchise relations, arguing leadership instability has hurt confidence across the network. Spar insists its board remains committed to recovery efforts and governance stability. The dispute intensifies scrutiny over the group’s turnaround strategy as competition in South Africa’s retail sector continues to tighten. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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MICROSOFT AFRICA DATA CENTRE RUNS INTO PAYMENT TROUBLE
Microsoft’s planned African data centre expansion, valued at about US$1billion (about R16.5 billion), has stalled after partners and service providers pushed for revised payment structures and guaranteed capacity revenues. The project, linked to a geothermal-powered facility in Kenya’s Olkaria region, was expected to anchor up to 1GW of long-term cloud capacity, with an initial 100MW phase under negotiation. Kenyan authorities reportedly rejected proposals for annual “take-or-pay” style commitments that would have guaranteed revenue streams for operators. Rising construction costs, energy pricing risks and currency volatility have further complicated talks, slowing one of the continent’s most ambitious cloud infrastructure investments despite ongoing negotiations. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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TRUMP'S 'GARBAGE' SLUR UNDERMINES IRAN PEACE HOPES
President Donald Trump’s dismissal of Iran’s latest diplomatic proposal as “a piece of garbage” rattled markets, pushing oil prices higher and strengthening the US Dollar on renewed geopolitical risk fears. Brent crude briefly surged above $107 a barrel, while WTI climbed past $102 as traders priced in tighter supply risks linked to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict and potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts said Trump’s remarks reduced hopes of a ceasefire breakthrough, reinforcing safe-haven flows into the Dollar, which also gained against major currencies. The move adds further pressure to global inflation already driven by elevated energy costs and supply uncertainty. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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... AS WAR-DRIVEN INFLATION BATTERS US CONSUMERS
US inflation accelerated to 3.8% in April, its highest level since 2023, as soaring fuel and grocery prices linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran intensified pressure on households. Government data showed petrol prices jumped nearly 28% over the past two months, while food, rents and airfares also climbed sharply. Inflation outpaced wage growth, causing real wages to decline for the first time in three years. Economists warn prolonged energy disruptions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, could further damage consumer spending and economic growth. Analysts say Americans are increasingly relying on savings and credit cards as financial pressure deepens across the economy. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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RARE BOER WAR CADBURY CHOCOLATE BAR HEADS TO AUCTION
A 126-year-old Cadbury chocolate bar produced during the Second Boer War is set to go under the hammer in Ipswich, England. with auctioneers expecting bids of up to £240 (about R5 300). The bar remains sealed inside its original commemorative tin inscribed South Africa 1900 and includes a New Year message from Queen Victoria. More than 100 000 tins were commissioned for British troops in South Africa. Although Cadbury and fellow Quaker-owned manufacturers opposed the war, they eventually agreed to identify the chocolate as British after royal insistence. Cadbury officially entered South Africa’s consumer market in 1903. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
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The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
Nelson Mandela |
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| Dollar | R16.44 | + 0.43% | | Pound | R22.26 | + 0.28% | | Euro | R19.28 | + 0.25% | | Yen | 0.104659 |
| | Yuan | R2.42 | + 0.48% | | Bitcoin | $ 80 989.33
| + 0.55% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 122.60 | - 1.09% | | Gold | $ 4 711.51 | - 0.08% | | Oil | $ 106.43
| - 1.11% | | All Share | 116 763.25
| - 1.42% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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