| CHEAP FLIGHT SEAT CRASH, CHOCOLATE WARS, AND COOL RUNNINGS |
Were you among those countless souls who had waited for hours to buy a R12 seat in FlySafair’s birthday promotion yesterday, only to be left hanging? Well, you’re not the only one as thousands of seats were reportedly left unsold in what appears to be a planeload of technical glitches, not least endless virtual queues. The fruitless wait sparked widespread frustration among hopeful travellers, yours truly included, with an eye on a school reunion in July. Alas, it’s not clear if the unsold seats will be offered again, or if that’s the end of this year’s promotional push that has generated massive public interest.
Speaking of public interest, spare a thought for outgoing Woolworths CEO Roy Bagattini who is caught up in a chocolate war with a disgruntled supplier who has taken his fight to the media. There’s always two sides to a story, and much as public sentiment is tilted towards the jilted supplier, the truth is Woolies is having a hard time to have its voice heard in the cacophony of consumer outrage. Drawing on an old tongue-in-cheek journalistic caveat, don't let the facts come in the way of a good story, we have to ask what the purpose of a contractual agreement is? Or the role of responsible media?
There’s no such conundrum among novice Comrades Marathon runners though, who will benefit from deodorant maker Rexona’s contribution with a dedicated welcome talk in Pietermaritzburg to ease the nerves and keep their cool The initiative also supports CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation through a mascot-led fundraising drive. Now that's giving a good story legs. Happy weekend. Derek Alberts (editor)
|
| WOMEN WORKPLACE FORUM BUILDS NETWORK OF SOLIDARITY |
Participants at the recent Women in Workplace Coffee Conversation Forum.
A spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose marked the Women in Workplace Coffee Conversation Forum, where professionals gathered in a supportive environment to reflect on challenges and progress in advancing gender equity at work.
Hosted by attorneys Shannon Lawrence and Nokwanda Zondi of Redfern Incorporated, the session at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business fostered open dialogue on workplace rights, leadership pathways, mental health, and employer responsibilities. The event encouraged collaboration between women across sectors, strengthening solidarity and practical support networks. Participants also engaged with HR and legal insights aimed at improving inclusion, performance, and workplace wellbeing across organisations.
|
| MSUNDUZI RATES WORKSHOP OFFERS PROPERTY ENGAGEMENT |
Estate agents and conveyancers have an opportunity to engage directly with the Msunduzi Municipality Rates Department at a Rates Clearance Workshop in Pietermaritzburg on 12 May. The session will cover updates on E4, rates clearance procedures, meter audits and future processes affecting property transactions. Hosted at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business offices from 9 am to 12:30 pm, the workshop will also include a question-and-answer session. To join the discussion, contact Heidi on 033 345 2747 or at pmcb@pmcb.org.za.
|
| HEALING HEARTS CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT SINGLE MOTHERS |
Mama Ntombi’s Community Projects will launch its Healing Hearts Awareness Campaign in Ezinketheni on Monday, 11 May, from 10 am to 12 noon to support and empower single mothers through emotional care, practical assistance and community connection. The campaign seeks to combat isolation and stigma faced by many women raising children alone. The event is at the MNCP Centre in Pietermaritzburg. For the more information, see the website here and watch a short video of its work.
|
1925: Dutch was replaced by Afrikaans as an official language in South Africa to enjoy equal status and rights as English.
Elsewhere, in 1984, the Soviet Union withdrew from the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Cuba, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Eastern Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Vietnam joined the boycott.
Today is all about humanitarianism, on Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. |
CONSUMERS STRUGGLE TO SHED DEBT BURDEN
Households carrying debt are facing renewed pressure as high interest rates and sticky inflation continue to erode disposable income. South Africa’s prime lending rate remains elevated at around 11%–12%, with the repo rate near 8%, keeping monthly repayments on mortgages and vehicle finance under strain. Credit bureaux data show household debt-to-income levels still close to 60%, while arrears on unsecured credit have edged above 5%, signalling rising distress among lower-to-middle income earners.
Debt counsellors report a 10%–15% increase in restructuring applications over the past year. Although wage growth has improved slightly, it continues to lag inflation, leaving consumers exposed. Without meaningful rate cuts or stronger income growth, financial pressure is expected to persist into the coming quarters this year ahead. (SOURCE: News24)
|
MOODY'S BACKS SOUTH AFRICA ON MIDEAST-RISK MITIGATION
Ratings agency Moody's Ratings says South Africa’s policy response to escalating Middle East tensions is likely to remain measured, helping preserve macroeconomic stability despite rising global uncertainty. The agency noted that higher oil prices and energy-related disruptions could weigh on near-term growth and place additional pressure on government revenue and inflation. However, Moody’s said fiscal authorities continue to show spending restraint while maintaining broader reform efforts. Progress on structural reforms, including improvements in electricity supply and logistics, has helped ease some long-standing economic constraints. The agency’s assessment comes as investors closely monitor South Africa’s debt trajectory, growth outlook and exposure to global commodity and fuel price shocks. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
... AS SARB FRETS OVER INFLATION-POLICY DISCIPLINE
South African Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago says rising geopolitical tensions, war-driven supply shocks and global debt pressures are making inflation management more difficult, but reinforce the need for strict policy discipline. Speaking at a PSG Financial Services conference, Kganyago stressed that central banks cannot influence global oil or food price shocks but must ensure inflation returns to target once disruptions ease. He warned that wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are driving persistent cost pressures, while rising debt levels in major economies reduce global resilience. Despite challenges, he said South Africa’s macroeconomic reforms are improving credibility and investor confidence. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
|
MUNICIPALITIES LOOK TO TAP R400 BILLION VAT REVENUE
Municipalities could gain direct access to part of the country’s roughly R400bn VAT revenue pool under radical proposals contained in a draft white paper on local government financing. The reforms aim to strengthen municipal finances and reduce dependence on national transfers, amid worsening service delivery and infrastructure failures in many towns and cities. However, critics warn the plan may disproportionately benefit wealthier provinces and metros with stronger economic activity and tax bases, potentially widening inequality between municipalities. The proposals form part of broader efforts to stabilise local government finances as councils face mounting debt, collapsing infrastructure, poor revenue collection and growing public frustration over basic services. (SOURCE: News24)
|
... AND TIGHTENS NOOSE AROUND NORTH WEST MUNICIPALITY
Eskom has confirmed it will interrupt bulk electricity supply to the Mamusa local municipality in Schweizer-Reneke. in the North West from 8 May after the municipality failed to settle long-standing debt. The utility says arrears have accumulated over more than 18 months, prompting action affecting the Migdol and Schweizer Reneke areas. Power cuts will occur daily during peak and off-peak hours as part of a structured interruption schedule. Eskom has already engaged 14 municipalities over unpaid bills, with some entering agreements or legal proceedings to avoid disruption. The utility warns that failure to comply with payment arrangements will result in continued or expanded supply interruptions across affected regions. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
|
... AS AFRICAN BANK FUNDING DEAL FALLS APART
A major funding arrangement between Eskom and African Bank has collapsed, dealing a setback to efforts aimed at supporting the utility’s financial recovery and infrastructure programmes. Details surrounding the breakdown remain limited, but the failed agreement is expected to complicate Eskom’s attempts to secure alternative financing amid mounting operational and debt pressures. The utility continues to face significant funding requirements linked to maintenance, grid expansion and generation upgrades as South Africa works to stabilise electricity supply. Analysts warn that uncertainty around financing partnerships could affect investor confidence and delay critical energy projects needed to support economic growth and long-term energy security. (SOURCE: News24)
|
SANRAL PROCUREMENT CHAOS SPARKS NEW ROUND OF SUSPENSIONS
The South African National Roads Agency has once again suspended its chief procurement officer, Khomotso Mhelembe, along with two general managers, amid renewed concerns over governance, tender irregularities and weak procurement performance. The precautionary suspensions follow previous disciplinary actions linked to contested multi-billion-rand contracts and ongoing court challenges involving major infrastructure bids. The agency is under scrutiny for declining tender activity, underspending on its road asset management budget, and potential cuts from National Treasury. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has also raised concerns about SANRAL’s performance targets, adding pressure on the roads agency as it faces mounting legal disputes, governance questions, and tightening public finances. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
|
NO END TO PLEASE CALL ME SAGA IN NEW LEGAL OFFENSIVE
Please Call Me inventor Nkosana Makate has launched a fresh legal offensive to block litigation funder Black Rock Mining’s claim to 40% of his multibillion-Rand settlement with Vodacom. Makate argues the funding agreement is void due to fraud, misrepresentation and prescription, and says the entity was a dormant shell company lacking assets or credibility when it entered the deal. He further alleges funds were diverted and agreements repeatedly altered to confuse ownership rights. The dispute follows Makate’s long-running court battle over the “Please Call Me” invention, which ultimately resulted in a major payout offer after years of litigation and arbitration against the mobile operator.
|
FLYSAFAIR EXTENDS FUEL SURCHARGE TO AUGUST AMID WAR CRISIS
South Africa’s largest low-cost carrier FlySafair has extended its fuel surcharge on ticket prices, responding to sustained jet fuel cost spikes linked to Middle East conflict and disrupted global oil supply routes. The airline says the surcharge, first introduced in March, will remain in place until at least August, depending on geopolitical developments and oil market stability. Fuel costs now account for more than half of operating expenses, with Jet A1 prices having surged sharply after conflict disrupted key shipping routes. The airline is conducting weekly reviews and adjusting fares as conditions in global aviation markets continue to fluctuate rapidly. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
|
AIRLINK HUNTS ST HELENA PASSENGERS IN HANTAVIRUS TRACE
Airlink and South African health authorities are tracing passengers from flight 4Z132 between St Helena and Johannesburg after a traveller later died from hantavirus infection. The passenger, linked to an international cruise ship outbreak, reportedly became ill during the 25 April flight and died in a Johannesburg hospital the following day. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases confirmed the rare viral infection, while genomic analysis continues to identify the strain involved. The World Health Organization said 147 passengers and crew are linked to the wider outbreak spanning Antarctica, St Helena and Ascension Island. (SOURCE: News24) |
GHANA PUSHES AU OVER XENOPHOBIA CLAIMS
Ghana has formally asked the African Union to investigate alleged xenophobic attacks on its citizens in South Africa, escalating diplomatic pressure on Pretoria amid renewed anti-immigrant protests. Ghana’s foreign ministry says recent incidents and viral videos show rising risks to foreign nationals and has called for an AU fact-finding mission. South African authorities dispute the claims, saying some circulating social media content is fake and part of a coordinated disinformation campaign. However, research from the Human Sciences Research Council indicates growing anti-immigrant sentiment, with unemployment and service pressures driving perceptions of migrants as economic competitors in several provinces. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
ZIM TO RETURN 67 FOREIGN-OWNED FARMS SEIZED
Zimbabwe plans to return 67 foreign-owned farms confiscated during the country’s controversial land reform programme, marking another step in efforts to repair relations with international investors and former landowners. Authorities say the move forms part of compensation and restitution agreements aimed at resolving long-running disputes stemming from farm seizures launched in the early 2000s. The land reform programme devastated agricultural output and contributed to economic collapse, hyperinflation and strained diplomatic ties with Western governments. Officials hope the latest measures will improve investor confidence, support agricultural recovery and strengthen Zimbabwe’s re-engagement efforts with international lenders and financial institutions after years of isolation. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
|
|
|
The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.
Thomas Edison |
|
|
|
| Dollar | R16.41
| + 0.20% | | Pound | R22.30 | - 0.09% | | Euro | R19.28
| + 0.04% | | Yen | 0.104806 |
| | Yuan | R2.41
| + 0.29% | | Bitcoin | $ 79 545.73
| - 0.26% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2. 065.00
| + 1.59% | | Gold | $ 4 729.37
| + 0.92% | | Oil | $ 100.18
| - 3.78.0% | | All Share | 119 154.16 | - 0.01% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
|
|
|
|
|
