| ECONOMY IS A BIRDWATCH SAFARI, FROM AN EAGLE TO A HADEDA |
South Africa’s economy is like a birdwatch safari. The high-flying fish eagle soars when reforms take wing, promising growth up to 3%. The plodding stork reflects slow-moving investment, keeping recovery grounded. Meanwhile, the squawking hadeda represents global turmoil and uncertainty, noisy but ultimately manageable. Timely policy action can turn cautious flutters into confident flight, ensuring the nation’s economic skies remain bright despite distant storms. |
| MARKING AN EXPORT MILESTONE ON THE WALL OF ACHIEVEMENT |
 |
PMCB Trade Hub Manager Lucrisha Polton and Praba Moonsamy (My Fridge Online) placing his pin on The Netherlands, the first entrepreneur to mark an export success on the world map.
The world map adorning the Trade Hub office at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business is more than just a feature on the wall; it’s also a symbol of global opportunity that bears testimony to the growing export footprint of entrepreneurs in and around the city.
“We’re excited to celebrate Praba Moonsamy of My Fridge Online as the first entrepreneur to place a pin on our world map, marking his export to the Netherlands,” said Trade Hub Manager Lucrisha Polton. She explained that My Fridge Online is a proudly South African company specialising in remote temperature monitoring systems for high-tech sectors including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, cold storage, and refrigerated transport. Solutions offered by My Fridge Online are web-based, WHO-accredited, and trusted locally and internationally.
“This milestone represents what the Trade Hub stands for, supporting local businesses to expand beyond borders, accessing international markets, and showcasing entrepreneurs in Pietermaritzburg and Midlands making their mark on the global stage,” said Polton. She vowed that Moonsamy’s milestone was just the beginning. “Many more pins, many more markets, and many more success stories to come,” she said.
Entrepreneurs and exporters entering a new market are invited to place their pin on the map to celebrate their growth and development. Contact Polton on 033 345 2747 or at trademanager@pmcb.org.za.
|
| SOUND OF MUSIC BRINGS HOPE, HERITAGE AND HARMONY TO BERG |
| With just over two weeks to go, the Drakensberg Boys Choir School invites you to Music in the Mountains 2026, running 24–27 April in the picturesque Drakensberg. This year’s theme, Hope, Heritage and Harmony, promises four days of world-class choral music, collaboration, and celebration. Highlights include the Voices of Unity series, a Queen tribute concert, and intimate piano recitals. Festival-goers can enjoy a curated arts and crafts market, diverse food offerings, and an immersive cultural experience. Early booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Reserve tickets now at www.dbchoir.com or on 036 468 1012. |
1997: KZN Midlands ANC leader Sifiso Nkabinde was expelled from the organisation on suspicion of being a spy. He was gunned down in January 1999 in Richmond.
Elsewhere, in 1969, the internet was born after the Advanced Research Projects Agency awarded a contract to build a precursor of today's world wide web to BBN Technologies.
It’s World Health Day. |
SWEEPING CHANGES TO BRING 1 MILLION GIG WORKERS INTO FOLD
South Africa’s gig economy, estimated to include over 1 million workers, faces sweeping change under proposed labour law reforms aimed at extending employee protections. The draft rules could reclassify many platform workers, entitling them to minimum wage, paid leave and contributions to UIF and social security. Labour groups argue this will curb exploitation, while industry players warn costs could rise by 20%–30%, threatening business models built on flexibility.
Sectors such as ride-hailing and delivery, which have grown rapidly in urban centres, may be hardest hit. Analysts say the reforms could reshape earnings, pricing and job availability, as policymakers attempt to balance worker rights with innovation and employment creation. (SOURCE: News24)
|
... AS SARS BACKPEDDLES ON ONLINE GAMBLING BOOM
The South African Reserve Bank says the surge in online betting has not significantly reduced overall household spending, despite rapid growth in gambling activity. Officials clarified that the widely cited R1.5-trillion figure reflects turnover, not actual losses by consumers. The findings come as National Treasury South Africa considers a proposed 20% tax on betting to curb expansion and address social risks. While concerns remain about financial strain and credit exposure, the bank’s analysis suggests broader consumption patterns remain intact, indicating gambling has not yet displaced essential or discretionary household expenditure at a macroeconomic level. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... AND NEW SARS COMMISSIONER HAS BIG BOOTS TO FILL
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as South Africa’s new SARS commissioner for a five-year term, effective May 1. Makhubu, currently deputy commissioner for taxpayer engagement and operations, succeeds Edward Kieswetter, whose tenure ends April 30. With 17 years of senior leadership experience in tax, finance, and operations, Makhubu takes charge as South Africa collected a net R2.01 trillion in 2025/26, up 8.4% year-on-year. SARS forecasts R2.13 trillion in 2026/27, a 5.8% increase. Kieswetter is credited with improving agency efficiency and strengthening revenue collection, setting the stage for Makhubu’s leadership in the nation’s largest tax authority. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
B-BBEE CHANGES RISK INVESTMENT, DISRUPT SUPPLY CHAINS
Policy groups are urging Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau to withdraw proposed amendments to South Africa’s B-BBEE framework, warning they could disrupt supply chains and deter investment. The Centre for Development and Enterprise and others argue the draft rules may tighten procurement and ownership requirements, increasing compliance costs for thousands of firms. Critics say sectors reliant on complex supply chains could face delays and reduced competitiveness, potentially affecting billions of rand in contracts. Business groups warn policy uncertainty could weigh on already weak investment levels. While government insists reforms will deepen transformation, stakeholders caution that abrupt changes risk unintended economic fallout, highlighting the need for clearer guidelines and phased implementation. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
ESKOM LOOKS TO NERSA FOR SMELTER-TARIFF RELIEF
Eskom is seeking tariff concessions from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa to keep Transalloys operational as it faces potential shutdown. The utility argues that easing electricity pricing could help sustain energy-intensive smelting operations threatened by high power costs. Transalloys’ viability is seen as critical for jobs and the broader ferrochrome sector, already under strain. The move highlights growing pressure on regulators to balance industrial competitiveness with Eskom’s financial recovery. A decision is expected to influence the future of South Africa’s struggling smelting industry and its ability to retain key manufacturing capacity. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
MTN RINGS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION WITH R22 BILLION VISION
MTN South Africa plans to invest R22 billion over three years to expand network infrastructure and drive South Africa’s digital transformation. In 2025 alone, the company invested R6.8 billion, supporting broadband, entrepreneurship, and innovation. MTN serves over 40-million subscribers, employs 4 000+ people, and contributes nearly R5.4 billion in taxes annually. As a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor, it spent R9.8 billion with black-owned suppliers and R18.9-billion with black women-owned suppliers in 2024. Through the MTN SA Foundation, initiatives have reached 470 000 learners, trained 3 500 youth, and supported over 365 SMEs, creating 300+ jobs, reinforcing socioeconomic development and digital inclusion nationwide. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
CITRUS GROWERS EYE 5% EXPORT RISE
South African citrus exports are projected to rise 5% in 2026, following a record 203.4 million cartons worth R44.9-billion in 2025. Growers aim to ship between 210–215 million 15kg cartons, mostly oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and mandarins, primarily to Europe and the Middle East. The Citrus Growers of Southern Africa warned that the ongoing Iran war could disrupt demand, shipping, fuel supply, and input costs. The government temporarily reduced the fuel levy for one month to ease costs. Despite geopolitical and logistical risks, industry leaders remain cautiously optimistic that proactive measures could secure another strong export season. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
... AS MIDEAST DEPENDENCY PORTENDS MORE OIL VOLATILITY
South Africa increased imports of crude oil and refined products from the Middle East to over 60% of total supply, at a time of global instability and rising tensions in the region. Local refineries operate at just 70–75% capacity, forcing reliance on imports, while a volatile Rand currently trading around the R17/$ level, exacerbates costs. Analysts warn pump prices could rise R1–R1.50 per litre if geopolitical risks escalate. Government and energy experts stress the need for supply diversification, boosting local refining capacity, and strengthening strategic petroleum reserves. The move exposes the economy to inflationary pressures, with households and transport sectors most at risk. (SOURCE: News24)
|
... AND CONFLICT DENTS AFRICAN GROWTH OUTLOOK
African economies risk a sharper growth slowdown in 2026 if the Middle East conflict persists, says a joint report by the UN, African Union, and African Development Bank. Prolonged disruptions to trade, energy, and fertiliser supplies could cost the continent 0.2 percentage points of GDP growth. The Middle East accounts for 15.8% of imports and 10.9% of exports. Fertiliser shortages threaten planting seasons, while rerouted shipping boosts traffic at ports in Durban, Maputo, Walvis Bay, and Mauritius. Some oil and LNG exporters, including Nigeria and Mozambique, may benefit, but wider geopolitical tensions could drive higher costs and a regional cost-of-living crisis. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
 |
ON-LINE SETA ACCREDITED TRAINING - ICC INCOTERMS 2020 RULES
Presenter: Rialgo Barnard - Global Maritime Legal Solutions (Pty) Ltd
OVERVIEW
Trade into within and out of Africa is going to be different post Covid- 19. There will be opportunities and traps! Incoterms 2020 define the seller's and buyer's obligations, risks, costs in trade contracts. Learn about these rules and their application from global and African experts.
MAIN TOPICS
· What the Incoterms Rules Do?
· What the Incoterms Rules do NOT do?
· How best to incorporate the Incoterms Rules?
· Delivery, Risks, and Costs in Incoterms Rules?
· Incoterms Rules and the carrier?
· Rules for the contracts of Sale and their relationship to other contracts?
· The 11 Incoterms 202 Rules - "Seas and Inland Waterway", and "Any Mode of Transport"- getting it right!
· Order within the Incoterms Rules?
· Difference between Incoterms® 2010 and 2020?
· Caution with variants of Incoterms Rules?
WHO IS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
· Senior Management
· Staff involved in International Trade
Date: Monday, 13 April 2026
Time: 09h00 - 15h30
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
Cost: R1 017.75.00 pp Incl. VAT (members), R1 452.45 Incl. VAT (non-members) |
|
|
Intelligence is not to make no mistakes, but to see quickly how to make them good.
Bertolt Brecht |
|
|
|
| Dollar | R16.88 | - 0.22% | | Pound | R22.35 | - 0.48% | | Euro | R19.45 | - 0.38% | | Yen | 0.105775 |
| | Yuan | R2.46 | - 0.37% | | Bitcoin | $ 68 526.24
| - 1.40% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 959.70 | - 0.91% | | Gold | $ 4 650.98
| - 0.02% | | Oil | $ 111.18
| + 1.62% | | All Share | 116 123.24
| - 0.41% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
|
|
|
|
|
