| TRADE SESSION HAMMERS HOME COMPLIANCE PROTOCOLS |
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The workshop on trade compliance, led by Global Maritime Learning Solutions Empowered MD Elwyn Pitt (8th right) drew an appreciative audience.
To meet the growing demand for trade-related knowledge and skills in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas, Global Maritime Learning Solutions Empowered hosted a targeted training session on 15 July, led by Managing Director Elwyn Pitt. Focused on global trade compliance, the session at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business offered crucial insights for both seasoned exporters and those new to international trade.
Attendees gained a practical understanding of key compliance responsibilities, with Pitt stressing the importance of knowing who in an organisation is accountable for trade compliance. He also warned of the risks of non-compliance - including heavy fines, reputational damage, and operational delays - and clarified the distinction between trade compliance and customs compliance.
Pitt stressed that proactive compliance isn’t just a legal obligation but a competitive edge in global markets. The session proved timely and essential, helping local businesses navigate complex international regulations with greater confidence and precision. |
| SPARE A THOUGHT FOR 150 CHILDREN IN HOMES ON MANDELA DAY |
Children from the Joseph Baynes Children’s Home and Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home will be treated to a special day of care, play, and celebration on Mandela Day tomorrow. The initiative by the Symphony by the Waters team identified a definitive need for two homes with over 150 children ranging from newborn to 18+ year olds.
“Mandela Day is about collective action, and this is an opportunity for all of us to be part of something meaningful,” said Njabulo Shangase from Symphony by the Waters.
The homes have requested assistance with day-to-day running costs, items such as non-perishable foods, cleaning materials and toiletries. New or gently used clothing is always welcomed, and new toys are kept for birthday celebrations.
The Symphony by the Waters event will be staged on the banks of Midmar Dam on October 4, with a fun filled day of music including performances by jazz bands, marimba and choirs followed by KZN Philharmonic performance.
Donations for the children’s homes can be delivered to The Witness offices at 225 Hoosen Haffejee Street in Pietermaritzburg during working hours. Contact event manager Gail Cornhill on 082 445 2577 (Whatsapp) for more information. |
| CUTTING-EDGE TECH ON SHOW AT KZN EXHIBITION NEXT WEEK |
| Leading edge technology will be on show at the KZN Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2025 from 22-24 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre, visitors can attend the free SAIMechE Seminar Theatre, featuring expert-led sessions on AI, machine learning, Industry 4.0, sustainability, safety compliance, and digital transformation. Curated with the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering, the programme offers practical knowledge for engineers, plant managers, and decision-makers looking to stay ahead in industrial innovation. Click here for some of the seminar highlights. |
1955: Disneyland opened its doors for the first time in Anaheim, California.
Elsewhere, in 1945, Joseph Stalin, Winston Churchill, and Harry S. Truman met at the Potsdam Conference, the last Allied summit conference of World War II.
Today is observed as World Day for International Justice and also as World Emoji Day.
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INSURANCE INDUSTRY AT A LOSS TO DEAL WITH OVERWHELMING DISASTERS
The global insurance industry is struggling to close the growing global protection gap - the difference between economic losses from natural disasters and those insured. So said the chair of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors, Shigeru Ariizumi, at the G20 finance meetings in Durban yesterday.
With 2025’s insured catastrophe losses expected to exceed $145 billion (about R7.4 trillion), Ariizumi called for collaboration across governments, insurers, regulators, and markets. He advocated for innovations like catastrophe bonds and parametric insurance, stressing that shared public-private risk models are crucial. A post-conference report will outline adaptable global strategies. Ariizumi urged urgent collective action, noting the challenge spans both developed and emerging economies amid climate volatility. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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LOWER KZN SOUTH COAST N2 SET FOR R13 BILLION UPGRADE
The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) will invest R13 billion to upgrade a 66 km stretch of the N2 from the Mtamvuna River to the Hibberdene Interchange on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The five-year infrastructure project, part of the broader N2 Wild Coast Road initiative, will be delivered in six phases and create nearly 7,000 job opportunities. It also includes community development work worth R450 million, such as pedestrian walkways and local access infrastructure. Sanral has pledged transparency and local inclusion through its Project Liaison Committee, reinforcing the project’s role as a catalyst for regional economic growth and skills development. (SOURCE: KZN I&B) |
CITRUS GROWERS IN LAST-DITCH BID TO AVOID 30% TARIFFS
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) is making a last-ditch appeal to avoid a looming 30% US tariff on citrus exports, set to take effect on 1 August. CGA CEO Boitshoko Ntshabele warns the tariff would cripple competitiveness against rivals like Peru and Chile, who pay only 10%. Rural communities, including Citrusdal, face severe economic fallout. With the citrus season running through October, growers are urging the Department of Trade to fast-track talks for a trade exemption. Ntshabele insists SA citrus supports - not competes with - US growers, and expanded access could unlock 100,000 local jobs by 2032 if markets remain open. (SOURCE: FreightNews) |
... AS OSTRICH SECTOR BRACES FOR R200 MILLION TARIFF HIT
About R200 million in annual ostrich exports, including luxury leather used in US cowboy boots, is at risk if South Africa loses preferential access to the US market. Cape Karoo International (CKI), representing 300 farms, warns that looming US tariff hikes - from 10% to 30% or higher - could compromise a 40-year trade relationship. Managing director Dr Francois de Wet says CKI is engaging US clients and the South African government to mitigate the impact, while exploring alternative markets and safeguarding jobs amid rising trade tensions linked to Brics politics. (SOURCE: FreightNews) |
REPRIEVE FOR R7.1 BILLION PEPFAR CUTS OFFERS HOPE TO SOUTH AFRICA
The US has spared Pepfar - its flagship global HIV/Aids relief programme - from a proposed $400 million (about R7.1 billion) funding cut in President Donald Trump’s “rescissions package,” offering hope to affected nations like South Africa. Health activists welcomed the reprieve, but local experts warn it's too early to celebrate. The return of funds doesn't guarantee restoration of terminated projects or previously supported services. Organisations like Anova and the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation say funding will likely resume in altered forms, requiring stronger partnerships, re-prioritisation, and long-term sustainability. Experts stress the urgent need for a resilient health system to withstand future shocks. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
WAGE DISPUTE MAY GROUND FLYSAFAIR
FlySafair, South Africa’s largest airline, is facing a potential pilot strike after salary negotiations with union Solidarity collapsed following three months of talks. The airline’s final offer of a 5.7% increase was rejected, with Solidarity citing not just the offer but strained management relations and unpopular shift rosters that impact pilots’ family lives. Pilots have also criticised leave and day-off policies. Strike rules are expected to be finalised by 17 July, after which a legally protected strike could begin. FlySafair says contingency plans are in place to limit disruption and that passenger safety and service remain priorities during this period. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
ROBUST HISENSE EXPANSION DRIVE LOOKS TO MORE DOMESTIC SUPPLIERS
Hisense South Africa is expanding its manufacturing footprint and ramping up efforts to recruit more local suppliers. Based in the Atlantis Industrial Zone near Cape Town, the factory assembles up to a million TVs and 500 000 refrigerators annually, with 90% of its 1 200-strong workforce being South African. Deputy GM Luna Nortje says the company sees strong potential to locally source components like compressors, wiring harnesses, and LED modules - provided a robust supplier base develops. This aligns with Hisense SA’s localisation strategy to boost enterprise growth, reduce import costs, and deepen supply chain agility while promoting skills, job creation, and economic empowerment nationwide. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
THE FUTURE OF BUS COMMUTING IN SOUTH AFRICA IS ELECTRIC
South Africa’s slow shift to cleaner fuels may force local governments to embrace electric buses, says MAN Truck & Bus SA CEO Jan Aichinger. As global production of Euro II buses declines, with Europe already 50% electric and China near 100%, SA risks being left behind. Aichinger warns city councils won’t be able to source old-tech buses for much longer and must modernise fuel standards. In response, MAN SA is launching its first fully electric commuter bus - the locally built Lion's Explorer E - with commercial production starting January 2026. Electric buses offer lower lifetime costs, modular design, and a cleaner, future-proof transport solution. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
CAHORA BASSA GEARSUP FOR 4% OUTPUT BOOST
Mozambique’s Cahora Bassa hydropower plant, one of Africa’s largest, is set for a major upgrade to enhance output and reliability. The 50-year-old facility has ordered new 433-megawatt turbines from Austria’s Andritz AG, which will increase total capacity by over 4% to around 2 165 MW. The three-year preparation phase includes designing and manufacturing the equipment before replacing units sequentially. The revamp contract is valued at several hundred million euros. In 2024, Cahora Bassa exported two-thirds of its power to South Africa’s Eskom via a 1 400 km transmission line. The upgrade aligns with Africa’s growing investment in hydropower despite ongoing funding constraints. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
NIGERIA KEEPS CLOSE WATCH AT SLOWING INFLATION
Nigeria’s annual inflation rate eased for the third consecutive month in June, dropping to 22.2% from 23% in May, in line with economist forecasts. This continued slowdown strengthens the case for the Central Bank of Nigeria to keep its key interest rate steady at 27.5% at its 22 July meeting. Policymakers are seeking confirmation of a sustained downward trend, especially with only six months of comparable data following a major CPI overhaul in January. Risks remain, including potential food price spikes from flooding in agricultural regions and increased naira pressure due to holiday travel and foreign education-related dollar demand. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
… AS SLIDING POUND CLOUDS RATE-CUT OUTLOOK
The British Pound is on track for its longest losing streak in a decade, sliding for a ninth consecutive day to a two-month low of $1.3365 against the Dollar. Despite hotter-than-expected inflation data, traders are focused on upcoming labour market figures that could justify rate cuts by the Bank of England. Analysts at Credit Agricole SA downgraded their year-end forecast for the pound to $1.37 from $1.40, citing weaker UK data, fiscal concerns, and persistent inflation. Market sentiment has turned sharply negative, with options pricing reflecting the most bearish outlook since February, while two rate cuts of 25 basis points each are still expected. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
TRAINING - THE ART OF INFLUENCE
TRAINER: Richard Lyon - BizGro
OVERVIEW
The art of managing your Team has certainly evolved. Today's successful Leaders are those who are able to "influence" their Team to follow them with enthusiasm. This short course provides Leaders with the "new age" leadership platform to bring about positive change and outcomes.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Company Management.
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 24 July 2025
Time: 08:30 – 12:30
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (Excludes vat) PMCB Members: R682.60 p/p, R643.48 p/p for 3/more, R595.65 p/p for 5/more Non-members: R900 p/p, R882.60 p/p for 3/more, R852.17 p/p for 5/more
Please note: The company will be liable for payment unless CANCELLATION is received in writing 24 hours prior to the event. |
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Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind.
Nathaniel Hawthorne |
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