| NO HONOUR AMONG THIEVES IN SCRAMBLE TO PEDDLE POISON |
Marketing gurus will tell you that packaging is a critical marketing tool, often outweighing other considerations, such as being a regulatory instrument in the case of harmful substances like tobacco. In a properly regulated environment with a strong emphasis on health awareness, uniform packaging displaying prominent warnings is the norm, as is the case in 25 countries. The objective is clear - to eliminate packaging as a marketing tool, enhance the visibility of health warnings, and reduce the likelihood of misleading consumers about the risks of tobacco use.
In South Africa, the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill proposes to do exactly that. But there’s a catch in as much black market cigarettes comprise almost 60% of the market, raising the prospect of illicit fags competing against those manufactured legally.
Perhaps the conundrum explains the painfully slow progress of the legislation in the works since 2022 with SARS pointing out the unintended consequences of leveling the playing field in an industry that nurtures unhealthy habits and feeds on the addiction of consumers. Even more interesting is how the thieves - those cocking a snoot at their tax and regulatory duties - are going to shine up their unbranded poison in the battle of the bland. Derek Alberts (editor)
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| ULTRA-DISTANCE MISSION IN MARCH SETS AMBITIOUS TARGET |
Ultra-distance athlete Jo Keppler will embark on a demanding March mission, running 26 km every day for 26 consecutive days to raise funds for the Amathuba Foundation that mentors young people. The initiative aims to generate meaningful community support while testing her endurance and resilience. Haisley Group - comprising the Haisley Hotel, Haisy Café and Saturn Skin Aesthetics - has sponsored Keppler for the full 26 days, enabling her to focus entirely on the challenge. On 6 March, the group will host one leg of the run, inviting the public to pledge daily donations, join one to five 5.2 km laps, or buy coffee, with R26 per cup donated. Click here for more information and how to donate. |
| BUDGET 2026 IS ALL ABOUT BUILDING A SAVINGS CULTURE |
1881: Boer forces defeated the British at the Battle of Majuba to end the First Anglo-Boer War.
Elsewhere, in 1932, the neutron was discovered by English physicist James Chadwick who was later awarded the Nobel Prize for his breakthrough.
Today, No Brainer Day, is in recognition of all those times the answer is so obvious that no question is needed.
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CONSUMERS SKEWERED AS FOOT-AND-MOUTH COSTS RISE
South Africans face rising beef and pork costs as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak disrupts the meat supply chain. Fast-food chains, including Spur Corporation, are passing price increases to consumers, particularly affecting beef-heavy menus like RocoMamas.
Beef prices surged up to 31% for steak and 28% for mince, while pork rose from R32/kg to R40/kg amid African swine fever and FMD. Government has delivered initial locally produced FMD vaccines to combat outbreaks affecting over 14 million livestock. Officials and farmers are working to restore South Africa’s FMD-free status, though further price increases are expected as supply shortages continue. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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MOODY'S SMILES ON BUDGET, BUT NO RATINGS REPRIEVE, YET
Moody’s Ratings says South Africa’s latest budget reflects stronger public finances, citing broad-based revenue growth and improving fiscal prospects. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana signalled debt and debt-service costs will peak this year before easing, aided by high precious-metals prices. Markets responded positively, with the Rand and bonds firmer. S&P Global Ratings recently upgraded the country to BB with a positive outlook, boosting sentiment. However, Moody’s warned debt will likely remain above 80% of GDP, and meaningful reductions depend on economic growth outperforming current forecasts in the coming years.(SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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FISCAL TARGETS NO GOOD WITHOUT GROWTH - GODONGWANA
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said meeting fiscal targets alone is insufficient to attract investment, stressing the need for higher economic growth. Speaking after the 2026 budget, he highlighted a projected third consecutive primary budget surplus and debt peaking this year. Economic growth, averaging under 1% over the past decade, is expected to rise to 1.6% in 2026, aided by strong commodity prices and domestic demand. Godongwana noted government reforms are gaining investor confidence, potentially boosting fixed investment. A legal “fiscal anchor” is being developed to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability, with details expected in the mid-term budget review later this year. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AND MORE MEDICAL AID CREDITS DON'T MEAN END OF NHI
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says government remains committed to the National Health Insurance despite granting inflation-linked increases to medical tax credits in the 2026 Budget. Speaking in Cape Town, he described the adjustment as a pragmatic step while 14 court challenges stall implementation. The increases, announced by National Treasury, are the first in two years and do not signal a policy retreat. Godongwana said key design elements - including benefits, costs and funding - must still be finalised. President Cyril Ramaphosa has paused the proclamation of sections of the Act pending legal outcomes. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SADC VISITORS DOMINATE 1.1 MILLION JANUARY TOURISM SURGE
South Africa welcomed 1,133,533 overnight visitors in January 2026, up 11.8% year on year, according to Statistics South Africa. Total traveller movements reached 3 373 931, with foreign travellers accounting for 73.6%. The Southern African Development Community supplied 77.8% of tourists, led by Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Lesotho. Overseas arrivals totalled 235 058, dominated by the UK, Germany and the USA. Holiday travel made up 97.7% of visits. Most SADC travellers arrived by road, mainly through Beit Bridge and Lebombo, while overseas tourists flew into OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport, underscoring the country’s strong regional and global appeal. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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PROTECTIONIST ESKOM HUMBLED IN SIBANYE SOLAR DISPUTE
A court has criticised Eskom for what it described as “ulterior motives” in its legal battle with Sibanye-Stillwater over a private solar project. The ruling found the utility’s opposition to the miner’s embedded generation plans lacked merit and appeared aimed at protecting its own commercial interests. The dispute centres on grid access and electricity trading arrangements linked to Sibanye’s renewable energy rollout. The judgment is seen as a boost for corporate self-generation projects, reinforcing regulatory reforms designed to ease power constraints and accelerate private investment in South Africa’s energy transition. (SOURCE: News24)
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SPUR FACES R233 MILLION SUIT IN RIB-MAKING DEBACLE
The damages claim against JSE-listed Spur Corporation by a South African subsidiary of GPS Food Group has risen to R233 million, plus interest. The dispute stems from an alleged joint venture to acquire and operate a rib-processing facility. An arbitrator previously ruled Spur liable on the contractual claim, with quantum still to be determined. Both parties must recalculate damages after discrepancies between experts, who will present evidence in April, followed by submissions in May. Spur values the claim at between R116 million and R126 million and intends to appeal the merits ruling. No liability has been recognised pending the final award and appeal outcome. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS BESIEGED SPAR SHEDS R4.6 BILLION IN A WEEK
Investors have dumped The Spar Group, erasing R4.06 billion in market value in a week as the share price hit a 16-year low. The selloff followed CEO Angelo Swartz’s surprise resignation and a muted trading update. Market capitalisation has fallen from R17.44 billion to R13.37 billion, a 23% slide. Wholesale sales grew just 0.9%, while margins were squeezed despite solid Black Friday turnover. Concerns also surfaced over cash flow in the KZN division. New CEO Reeza Isaacs now faces pressure to lift Southern Africa’s operating margin from below 2% to a targeted 3% by 2028.
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ADVERTISING REGULATOR BURSTS COMPLAINANT'S SUNLIGHT BUBBLE
The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) has dismissed a consumer complaint against Unilever South Africa over its Sunlight dishwashing liquid “Long-lasting foam” claim. The complainant argued the new formula appeared less foamy and required more product. Unilever submitted independent expert evidence, showing significant improvements in foam tolerance and regeneration. The ARB noted the claim was non-comparative and adequately substantiated. Changes in smell or texture were irrelevant to the advertised claim. The Directorate concluded the statement was truthful, not misleading, and compliant with the Code of Advertising Practice, dismissing the complaint entirely. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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NVIDIA'S 265% REVENUE RISE SOOTHES JITTERY MARKETS
Global markets pushed to record highs after Nvidia reported quarterly revenue of $22.1 billion (about R350 billion), up 265% year on year, with data-centre sales surging more than 400%. Net income jumped to $12.3 billion, beating forecasts, while the company guided next-quarter revenue to about $24 billion. The results eased fears that spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure was slowing. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both advanced, with chipmakers and broader tech stocks leading gains. Analysts said the figures reinforced expectations that AI-related capital expenditure will remain strong through 2026, underpinning earnings momentum across global equity markets.(SOURCE: Reuters)
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Why We Chose Bambu Lab (Rapid 3D’s Story) |
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When we added Bambu Lab to our range, colleagues in the industry raised eyebrows.
We’re Rapid 3D. We’ve worked in additive manufacturing since 2004. We sell EOS polymer and metal printers - the gold standard for industrial applications. Why would we bother with desktop machines?
Here’s the truth: we tested them at Akhani 3D, expecting to be unimpressed.
We weren’t.
The print quality at this price point defied our expectations. The reliability matched our requirements for production environments. The speed meant we could respond to urgent requests.
Akhani 3D operates a production facility in Howick. We don’t just sell equipment; we use it daily. When we started running Bambu Lab printers alongside our industrial fleet, they proved themselves in real South African conditions.
That’s our bar: does it work when the pressure is on?
These machines passed.
They don’t replace industrial systems for every application. But for prototyping, tooling, and short-run production, they deliver serious results at an accessible investment.
We chose Bambu Lab because we tested it ourselves and it earned our respect.
Contact Rapid 3D for application-specific guidance.
Call David: +27 82 374 4109 |
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Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Helen Keller |
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