| SAPS, SECURITY FIRMS ON HIGH ALERT FOR 30 JUNE DISRUPTIONS |
Five years after the devastating unrest that brought parts of KZN to a standstill, authorities say extensive preparations are in place ahead of planned marches and demonstrations around 30 June. The situation remains fluid, with various marches expected across the province before, during and after 30 June, said Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business CEO Melanie Veness after a briefing with senior SAPS officials yesterday.
While disruptions along the N2 and N3 routes are possible, SAPS has developed a comprehensive operational plan to respond to any incidents that may arise, she said. Additional resources will be deployed to support KZN police, while close co-operation has been established with private security companies to ensure a co-ordinated response.
A march is expected in the city centre, which could affect traffic in the CBD. Businesses in the area have been advised to consider remote working arrangements or temporary closure where practical. Elsewhere, companies have been encouraged to continue with a business-as-usual approach while remaining alert.
Businesses and the public have also been urged to support security efforts. Those with aviation or drone capabilities are encouraged to make resources available where possible. Community members should remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, including stockpiles of tyres on pavements, unusual gatherings, or excessive fuel purchases in containers, which could signal planned disruptions.
See below: No-work, no-pay warning for 30 June protests |
| MAYOR'S WALK REFUGE IS SMALL COMFORT TO FEARFUL MALAWIANS |
| A derelict state-owned building in Mayor’s Walk offers a tempory home to Malawians displaced by the protest against undocumented foreigners waiting to be processed before returning home. Sadly, the xenophobic narrative has blurred the lines between undocumented and legal immigrants as authorities step up efforts to repatriate foreigners and also contain any violence that may flow from the planned protests on 30 June, led by anti-foreigner group March and March. For an overview of the crisis and preparations in advance of the protests in Durban and Pietermaritzburg click here. |
| EMERIS STUDENTS BRING PROFESSIONALISM TO COMRADES FINISH |
(ltr) Ndumiso Lushaba (BA 2nd year), Zamishishi Madlala, Noluthano Ndlovu, Anele Madonsela (BComm 3rd year) and Mishreya Pillay and Nothabo Maseko (both BA both 2nd year) ready to lend a helping hand at the 2026 Comrades Marathon finish.
Emeris Pietermaritzburg student volunteers earned praise for their contribution at the 2026 Comrades Marathon finish line, where they assisted families and helped create a supportive environment around the medical tent. Comrades Marathon Association IT and Entries official Liam Charles commended the students’ enthusiasm, professionalism and selfless service, saying their efforts strengthened runner support during the race. Second-year student Mishreya Pillay described the experience as an invaluable learning opportunity, offering insight into the work required behind the scenes to stage the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon. The students have already pledged to return next year.
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| HURRY UP, IT'S TIME FOR ARTISANS TO SHINE |
Artisan entrepreneurs in Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands are invited to enter the Artisans of Mzansi competition with applications closing on 30 June with prize money up to R200 000. The search aims to identify the country’s best qualified artisans who own or co-own businesses in trades such as plumbing, electrical and construction. Applicants must be 50 years or younger and meet industry requirements. Eight finalists will receive pitch training before presenting to judges at a gala event. Click here to apply.
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1960: The Suppression of Communism Act was approved in Parliament.
Elsewhere, in 1906, the world’s first Grand Prix motor race was held at Le Mans.
Man’s capacity for cruelty towards fellow humans, a unique trait among species, is observed today on International Day Of Solidarity With Victims Of Torture. |
PRODUCER INFLATION IN MAY UP 7.8% TO PORTENT CONSUMER STRAIN
South Africa’s producer inflation accelerated sharply in May, rising to 7.8% year-on-year from 4.8% in April, according to data released by Statistics South Africa. The increase reflects higher costs across key sectors, particularly fuel, chemicals and manufactured goods, which are feeding through the production pipeline.
On a monthly basis, prices on average rose 2.6% from April to May, signalling sustained cost escalation in the economy. Economists warn that rising producer prices are likely to filter into consumer inflation in coming months, adding to household pressure. The data strengthens expectations that monetary policy could remain tighter for longer if inflationary pressures persist across the production chain. (SOURCE: SAStats)
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... AS DECLINING FOOD INFLATION OFFERS RELIEF
South African food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation continued to decelerate in May, easing to 1.9% year-on-year from 2.9% in April, according to the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy. However, Statistics South Africa data shows headline consumer inflation rose slightly to 4.5%, with food still contributing nearly 9% to overall CPI. Meat recorded the highest category inflation at 7.3%, while cereals, vegetables, and fruit saw price declines. The BFAP Thrifty Healthy Food Basket cost R3 960, down 0.5% year on year. Analysts expect relatively moderate food prices ahead, supported by lower global commodity costs and easing input pressures. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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ECD RELIEF AS PIETERMARITZBURG COURT ORDER SUBSIDY PAYMENTS
About 1 000 early childhood development workers and supporters outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court celebrated a ruling ordering the KZN Department of Education to urgently pay overdue subsidies to crèches. Acting Judge Jennifer Marion approved a draft order compelling the province to compile a searchable report of all ECD centres owed conditional grant or equitable share subsidies, and to settle all outstanding payments within one month. The Legal Resources Centre, representing ECD forums, said repeated non-payment has left centres unable to pay staff, sustain operations or provide adequate child nutrition, with some educators unpaid for up to four months. The order follows earlier failed compliance with a previous judgment. (SOURCE: GroundUp)
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NO-WORK, NO-PAY WARNING FOR 30 JUNE PROTESTS
The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) has warned that the planned 30 June national shutdown over illegal immigration is not protected under the Labour Relations Act. Employees who stay away from work or participate in the protest may face disciplinary action, unpaid leave under the no-work, no-pay principle and loss of certain employment benefits. Major labour federations have urged workers to report for duty, cautioning against involvement in the unprotected action. Seifsa also advised employers to prepare for possible transport disruptions, road blockages, security concerns and localised supply chain interruptions on the day. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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REVISED FMD RULES TARGET COMMUNAL, PERI-URBAN LIVESTOCK
The Department of Agriculture will gazette new national measures to strengthen the management of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), providing farmers with a clear, science-based framework to control outbreaks while limiting economic losses. Replacing previous directives, the measures introduce a single national system covering outbreak detection, quarantine and recovery. For the first time, they include tailored provisions for communal and peri-urban livestock systems, recognising the challenges of shared grazing and multiple livestock owners. The regulations also allow greater flexibility for quarantined farms, permit earlier movement of animals to designated abattoirs under controlled conditions, reduce unnecessary destruction of animal products and create practical pathways for trade to resume safely. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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LEGAL CHALLENGE TO COMPEL RAF TO PAY OUT 430 CLAIMS
Legal action has been launched against the Road Accident Fund (RAF) over its alleged failure to pay more than 430 court-finalised compensation claims. De Broglio Attorneys says prolonged payment delays have left accident victims and their families facing severe financial hardship and emotional distress despite successful court rulings. Among them is 29-year-old Rory Meintjies, who has been paralysed from the waist down since a crash four years ago and is still waiting for compensation awarded in his favour. The law firm is demanding accountability, saying the RAF’s continued non-payment undermines justice and worsens victims’ suffering. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND R230.6 MILLIONS BUDGETED TO FIGHT LOTTERY CORRUPTION
The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has budgeted more than R230.6 million for legal fees through to the 2029 financial year as it pursues corruption cases and defends itself against legal challenges. Commissioner Jodi Scholtz told Parliament the expenditure was a necessary cost of recovering stolen funds, freezing assets and terminating irregular contracts. She said those implicated were responding with aggressive litigation, but the NLC remained committed to rooting out corruption. The commission has also adopted a policy of greater transparency, while planning to distribute R2.083 billion to good causes during the 2026/27 financial year. (SOURCE: GroundUp)
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... AS SARS SEIZES R11 MILLION ASSETS FROM EX-STEINHOFF EXEC
The South African Reserve Bank seized assets worth just under R11 million from former Steinhoff executive Chris Grové for violating exchange control laws. The forfeited assets, which will go into the state's National Revenue Fund, include an R8.7 million home at the exclusive Val de Vie equestrian estate, more than R1 million in cash, and three cars. The action forms part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial crimes linked to the retail giant's accounting scandal. Investigators say the seizures are intended to preserve assets that could be subject to future court proceedings or recovery orders. (SOURCE: News24)
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HIGH-VALUE FREIGHT CRIME UPS SECURITY COSTS 4%
Freight operators across Southern Africa are facing rising security costs as crime, hijackings and corruption increasingly disrupt key trade routes. Industry data shows security spending has climbed from about 0.3% to 2.3% of operating costs over the past decade, rising above 4% for high-value cargo such as electronics and pharmaceuticals. Truck drivers face risks including hijackings, fuel theft, poor road conditions and organised crime along major corridors like the N1, N2 and N3. South African police report up to 35 truck hijackings weekly, with hotspots in Gauteng and along major highways. Authorities have flagged critical freight routes, including the Durban–Johannesburg corridor, as persistent high-risk zones for logistics operators. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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ZIM TO TRADE MINERALS FOR R560 BILLION CHINESE ROADS, RAIL
Zimbabwe is exploring minerals-backed financing agreements with China to help fund major infrastructure projects, including roads and railways, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said. The country, Africa’s top lithium producer, is seeking resource-linked debt arrangements with firms such as China Railway to address an estimated $34 billion (about R560 billion) infrastructure gap. Under the proposed model, future revenues from natural resources would be used to repay project-specific loans. Ncube said discussions were held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Dalian. The approach mirrors similar arrangements in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Zimbabwe also plans to ban lithium concentrate exports from 2027. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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GLOBAL FERTILISER TRADE FALLS 30% IN 2026
Global fertiliser trade volumes fell by nearly 30% in the first four months of 2026, dropping from 58 million tonnes to 41Cmillion tonnes, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The decline was driven by conflict-related disruptions in the Gulf region, export restrictions, and weaker demand as farmers delayed purchases amid high prices. The FAO said the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global fertiliser supply chains, with significant flows of urea, ammonia, phosphate fertilisers and sulphur passing through the route. Rising prices and stranded shipments worsened supply pressures, while recovery is expected to remain slow and uneven despite tentative improvements in shipping conditions. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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OIL PRICES SLIDE AS MIDEAST SUPPLY CONCERNS EASE
Oil prices extended losses yesterday, falling to levels last seen before the Iran conflict, as expectations of rising Middle Eastern supply outweighed demand concerns. Brent crude dropped $1.06 to $72.68 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate fell 76 cents to $69.58. Both benchmarks hit their lowest since late February, with traders pricing in a faster-than-expected return of regional oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts say easing geopolitical risk, alongside potential increases in Iranian exports and stable shipping routes, has shifted sentiment toward oversupply. Markets now focus on a quicker global supply normalisation. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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... AS GOLD DROPS BELOW $4 000/OZ
Gold prices have dropped below the psychologically important $4 000-an-ounce mark for the first time since November, weighed down by a stronger US dollar and expectations of higher US interest rates. Bullion fell to near $3 964 after losing almost 3% in the previous session, while silver also declined sharply. Analysts say higher borrowing costs make non-yielding assets like gold less attractive than investments such as US Treasury bonds. Gold has now entered bear market territory, falling more than 20% from its January record high, prompting major banks to lower their year-end price forecasts despite expecting some recovery. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AND BITCOIN BRACES FOR R165 BILLION OPTIONS EXPIRY
Bitcoin is bracing for heightened volatility as about $10 billion (about R165 billion) in options contracts expire today, with traders fearing further price declines. Most of the expiring contracts were bullish bets placed when prices were higher, but Bitcoin has fallen below $61 000, leaving many options worthless. Analysts warn the expiry could trigger additional selling as traders adjust their positions in thin market conditions. The cryptocurrency has already lost more than half its value from its record high, while weak institutional demand, nearly $3 billion in US fund outflows and expectations of higher interest rates continue to weigh on sentiment. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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BUSINESS PLAN WORKSHOP
Join us for a practical business plan review session.
The PMCB Trade Hub is inviting business owners to attend a practical Business Plan Review Session designed to help them update and strengthen their business plans.
Many business plans are created for funding applications or bank submissions and then left unused. However, as businesses, customers, and markets change over time, business plans should be regularly reviewed and updated to remain relevant and support growth.
What Participants Will Gain During the interactive workshop, attendees will:
• Review their current business plans
• Identify gaps and outdated assumptions
• Align their plans with current business goals
• Transform their business plans into practical growth tools
Key Message
Bring your existing business plan and leave with a clearer direction for your business. The session is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to ensure their plans reflect current market realities and support future growth.
Date: 3 July 2026
Time: 9 - 11 am
Venue: PMCB Trade Hub - 1 Parkhaven, 51 Macleroy Road, Pietermaritzburg.
Cost: PMCB Members - free, Non-members - R250 |
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You can do anything, but not everything.
David Allen |
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| Dollar | R16.49
| - 0.05% | | Pound | R21.76
| - 0.21% | | Euro | R18.76
| - 0.07% | | Yen | 0.102065 |
| | Yuan | R2.43
| - 0.09% | | Bitcoin | $ 60 200.45
| + 0.22% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 608.70
| + 0.61% | | Gold | $ 4 030.76
| + 0.09% | | Oil | $ 73.93
| - 1.77% | | All Share | 110 253.73 | - 0.58% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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