| SA SCORES G20 DEAL, US TRUMPED, ZUMA SISTERS AT WAR |
Contrary to many expectations, South Africa clinched an improbable diplomatic victory after its negotiators helped break a tense global deadlock at the G20 summit in Johannesburg over the weekend. The G20 may be outliving its founding purpose, but world leaders at the gathering made it clear that whatever comes next, would be in response to the divisive motivations of Trumpian America. It would seem that American companies hold a more pragmatic view with more than 600 US firms reportedly wheeling and dealing at the business end of the summit.
Closer home, the Zumaverse soapie is enthralling viewers in the latest episode that pits two sisterly siblings against each other, not over the love for Baba or the future of Nkandla, but the fate of the Zulu boys fighting Russia’s war, with the help of the MK Party, nogal. We couldn't have scripted a more entertaining show. Derek Alberts (editor)
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| CLIFFORD MACHINES AND TECHNOLOGY BEEFS UP BOARDROOM EXPERTISE |
(ltr) Lance Deysel (Managing), Russell MacGregor (Finance), Quintis Hatting (Operations), Iain Ambler (Technical/Sales), Graham Raynor (Sales and Group CEO), and Steve Rowe (Engineering).
Clifford Machines and Technology has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of three new directors to its board. In a statement released last week, the Pietermaritzburg-based manufacturer of industrial welding, grating and wire working equipment welcomed Russell MacGregor, Quintis Hatting, and Steve Rowe to the board in the roles of Financial, Operations and Engineering respectively.
“Their combined expertise represents a significant step toward driving innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth for the company. We extend our best wishes for their success in shaping the future of our business,” the statement read.
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| NEW PROCUREMENT DASHBOARD BOOSTS TENDER TRANSPARENCY |
A new Procurement Payments Dashboard has been launched to improve transparency and accountability across public-sector procurement. Announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during the MTBPS, the tool draws data from several institutions to enable the public to track departmental payments and search contract information. Godongwana said the system will help expose inefficiencies, anomalies and potential fraud. Treasury plans further system upgrades, including automated monitoring and a unified sign-on platform for public servants. Here's the link.
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1986:. Barclays Bank, announced the sale 40 per cent holding in its South African associate, Barclays National Bank Limited of South Africa.
Elsewhere, in 1859: Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species published to put forth the theory of evolution and describing the process of natural selection.
It’s International Au Pair Day.
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NO MORE WEALTH TAXES, CLOSE LOOPHOLES INSTEAD, URGES TREASURY
National Treasury has warned that raising taxes on South Africa’s wealthiest households - who already contribute over 40% of all personal income tax - could undermine investment and accelerate capital outflows. Instead, officials told Parliament that improving compliance and closing avoidance loopholes could yield R40–R60 billion annually without raising rates. The Treasury highlighted that SARS’ enhanced audits recovered R28 billion last year, showing the potential of stronger enforcement. With the budget deficit at 5.3% of GDP and debt service costs nearing R400 billion a year, Treasury says stabilisation depends on broadening the tax base, curbing wasteful spending and reigniting growth. Lawmakers agreed but urged faster implementation.
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SA PINS HOPES ON R47 BILLION EUROBOND SALE
South Africa plans to raise $2.7 billion (about R47 billion) through a Eurobond sale to meet foreign-currency obligations, National Treasury Director-General Duncan Pieterse said. The government has already secured $2.6 billion of its $5.3 billion foreign financing target via local and bilateral funding. Strong investor confidence follows S&P Global Ratings’ first credit upgrade in nearly 20 years and improved fiscal performance, including revenue exceeding projections and a 3% inflation target. South African dollar-denominated bonds have returned 15% this year, outperforming emerging-market debt. The sovereign spread has narrowed to 222 basis points, reflecting lower borrowing costs and growing optimism about the country’s fiscal and monetary management. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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ABSA, HEINEKEN BEVERAGES UNVEIL R1.2 BILLION SME BOOST
Absa and Heineken Beverages have launched a R1.2-billion co-funding initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of small and medium enterprises across South Africa. The partnership will provide targeted financial support, market access and business-development assistance to high-potential suppliers, especially those in townships and rural areas. The initiative forms part of Heineken Beverages’ broader localisation and transformation commitments, while Absa will extend tailored financing and mentorship to qualifying SMEs. Both companies say the programme is designed to strengthen supply chains, stimulate job creation and unlock long-term economic inclusion. Applications will open soon, with accredited partners assisting in screening businesses. (SOURCE: News24)
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DOMESTIC WINE ESTATES STAKE THEIR CLAIM IN TOP 100 LIST
South Africa has earned six spots on the World’s 50 Best Vineyards 2025 top‑100 list, with two in the top 10. The accolade underscores the ninth largest winemaking-country’s reputation for top quality wine production. Klein Constantia Wine Estate in the Constantia Valley clinched 6th place globally, was named Best Vineyard in Africa, and won the Highest Climber award after leaping 35 places. Creation Wines, in the Hemel‑en‑Aarde Valley, secured 7th globally. Four other SA estates made the 51–100 list: Tokara Wine & Olive Estate (71), Delaire Graff Estate (79), La Motte Wine Estate (94), and Hamilton Russell Vineyards (99). (SOURCE: BDLive)
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MANTENGU SLAPPED WITH GAG ORDER AS JSE DEFAMATION SUIT LOOMS
The Johannesburg High Court has ordered Mantengu Mining and CEO Mike Miller to stop publishing allegations that the JSE, its directors, or staff manipulated Mantengu’s share price. The junior miner first raised claims in February 2024, citing screenshots of emails it said showed insider activity, which the JSE and FSCA have both refuted as false or unverifiable. Mantengu plans to appeal, arguing its constitutional rights were infringed and seeking alternative interdicts. Meanwhile, the JSE will pursue defamation proceedings to protect market integrity, emphasizing that credible evidence does not support Mantengu’s repeated claims of share manipulation and conspiratorial misconduct. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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LIBERTY LAUNCHES GLOBAL AI INVESTMENT ACCESS
Liberty has unveiled its Structured Global Performer portfolio, providing South African investors with exposure to leading AI-driven companies worldwide. The portfolio targets high-growth technology firms shaping artificial intelligence, offering local investors a way to participate in global innovation without leaving the country. Liberty says the product combines diversification, professional management, and risk-adjusted strategies to help clients capture opportunities in fast-evolving markets. Financial analysts note that access to international AI leaders has historically been limited for retail investors, making this a unique offering. The launch reflects growing interest in technology-focused investments and positions Liberty as a gateway for South Africans to global AI growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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ANTHRACITE CRISIS INTENSIFIES AMID SMELTER SHUTDOWNS
South Africa’s anthracite sector is collapsing as the closure of major smelters has left 1 million tonnes of high-grade coal stranded and placed over 3 000 direct mining jobs at risk. With smelter capacity down by an estimated 40% over the past five years, mines supplying ferrochrome and ferromanganese producers have been forced into care-and-maintenance or partial shutdowns. The crisis is rippling through local economies, threatening thousands more contractor and transport jobs. Industry analysts warn that without emergency measures to restore smelting operations or secure new export channels, as many as 10 mines could face closure in the coming months. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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ON-OFF BHP BID FOR ANGLO BACK ON THE TABLE
BHP has renewed its takeover pursuit of Anglo American, submitting a fresh approach after its earlier proposals were rejected. The mining giant is seeking to create one of the world’s largest diversified resource groups, arguing that a combined entity would offer scale, efficiency and strategic advantage in critical minerals. Anglo, however, remains cautious, citing concerns over valuation, execution risks and the impact on its planned restructuring. The revived bid signals BHP’s determination to secure key copper and iron-ore assets amid rising global demand. Markets now await Anglo’s response as both companies navigate heightened investor scrutiny. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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R47 TRILLION S&P 500 WIPE-OUT KEEPS TARDES AWAKE AT NIGHT
The S&P 500 endured its steepest intraday reversal since April, closing down 1.6% as more than $2.7 trillion in market value was wiped out. The Nasdaq-100 led declines, falling 2.4% amid a near 5% swing from its early highs. Traders cited resurging concerns over AI spending, Bitcoin dropping to six-month lows, and a strong September jobs report suggesting the Federal Reserve may pause interest-rate cuts. Volatility spiked, with the VIX rising above 26 and the Nasdaq VXN surpassing 32, while unprofitable tech stocks and microcaps suffered sharp losses, highlighting cross-asset risk and investor uncertainty heading into year-end. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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AS CRYPTO-MARKET CRASH SEES BITCOIN AT 8-MONTH LOW
The cryptocurrency market continued its retreat, with Bitcoin dropping 2.1% to $85 474 (about R1.48 million), the lowest level since April. The decline follows heavy selling by major holders, who have offloaded over $20 billion since September, and lingering effects from October’s $19 billion leveraged liquidation. Investor risk appetite remains muted amid uncertainty over a potential Federal Reserve interest-rate cut in December. Crypto volatility has intensified as Wall Street jitters over AI stock valuations spill into broader markets. Options traders focus on key support levels at $85,000 and $82,000. Analysts warn that the crypto market remains fragile, vulnerable to sharp swings and further declines. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Life is like a trumpet. If you don't put anything into it, you don't get anything out.
WC Hardy |
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| Dollar | R17.33 | + 0.26% | | Pound | R22.71
| + 0.23% | | Euro | R19.97
| + 0.19% | | Yen | 0.110467 |
| | Yuan | R2.44 | + 0.29% | | Bitcoin | $ 86 839.00
| + 1.98% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 532.80
| + 1.62% | | Gold | $ 4 053.47
| - 0.27% | | Oil | $ 62.68
| + 0.42% | | All Share | 109 641.11
| - 2.02% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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