| TWO-POT SAVINGS SHINE LIGHT ON BEAUTY OF COMPOUNDING |
Two years into South Africa’s two-pot retirement system, its under-appreciated value may be what members leave untouched. By protecting two-thirds of new contributions from immediate withdrawal, the system gives savings more time to benefit from compounding growth. The difference between seemingly small withdrawals and the long-term retirement wealth is stark, and a valuable lesson for all investors.
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| BRINGING HOME THE POTENTIAL OF CORPORATE BRANDING |
The team members behind Entire Brands pride themselves on delivering its 'consider it done' promise.
Meet Entire Brands, a corporate marketing and branding company, and a new member of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business.
Based at Regus at the Bird Sanctuary, Entire Brands specialises in personalised gifts and branded apparel. The company also offers heritage-inspired gifting and brand-visibility solutions, working closely with marketing departments and businesses seeking distinctive ways to connect with their audiences.
Entire Brands sets itself apart through professionalism, reliability, creativity and fair pricing, delivering solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Its philosophy is simple and powerful with its motto "consider it done" - a promise Entire Brands keep with pride.
Contact Entire Brands at 081 549 0183 or at create@entirebrands.co.za. View the website here.
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| TRADEROOTS AFRICA OPENS CONTINENTAL EXPORTING FOR SMES |
African SMEs account for 90% of businesses but fewer than 20% formally export. TradeRoots Africa, launched by the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship, aims to change this by helping SMEs navigate AfCFTA and regional trade opportunities. The programme provides practical support across trade knowledge, finance, logistics, digital tools, mentorship and business development.
From November 2026, 1 000 SMEs will receive foundational training, with selected businesses progressing to advanced digital and sector skills, mentorship and buyer connections before 50 export-ready SMEs receive acceleration support. For more information about the TradeRoots Africa initiative, click here. |
1886: The digging of gold was officially authorised that started the Witwatersrand gold rush.
Elsewhere, in 1991, the republic of Macedonia declared its independence from Yugoslavia after a 96% referendum vote in support.
In celebration of all things written and read, it’s International Literacy Day! |
ECONOMY FACES QUARTERLY CONTRACTION AS WAR IMPACTS DEMAND
South Africa’s economy is expected to contract in Q2 2026, potentially ending its longest quarterly growth streak in almost a decade. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg forecast a 0.1% decline, compared with 0.5% growth in Q1 2026.
The Iran war weighed on domestic demand, while manufacturing and mining contracted 1.5% and 2.7%, respectively, amid higher input costs. A May interest-rate increase also began affecting spending. Retail sales grew just 0.4%, while wholesale trade declined 4.2% during the quarter.
Economists warn higher inflation, borrowing costs and continued uncertainty could further weaken investment and consumer spending. However, some expect modest growth, with the economy’s performance remaining closely tied to global developments and domestic reforms. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
... AS BUSINESS CONFIDENCE LAGS ON SLOW PACE OF REFORMS
South African businesses are yet to feel the benefits of structural reforms, with weak confidence highlighting frustration over slow improvements in electricity and logistics. Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busisiwe Mavuso says competitive electricity markets and greater access to logistics operators are essential for lowering costs and improving service reliability. The RMB/BER Business Confidence Index fell to 38 in Q3 2026, with 62% of respondents dissatisfied with prevailing conditions. Progress includes plans to unbundle Eskom’s transmission assets and open rail networks to private operators. Mavuso says these reforms could unlock investment, growth and jobs. However, delays remain a concern. She also welcomed stronger India trade ties and a two-year AGOA extension, while warning longer-term certainty is needed to attract investment. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AND AGRIBUSINESS SENTIMENT RISES IN FACE OF GROWING RISKS
South Africa’s agribusiness confidence strengthened sharply in Q3 2026, with the Agbiz-Industrial Development Corporation Agribusiness Confidence Index rising eight points to 53, above the neutral 50 mark. Improved sentiment was driven by stronger harvests, export performance and market opportunities. Export volumes increased 21 points to 58, while capital investment confidence surged 29 points to 63. Agricultural exports reached $7.8-billion in the first half of 2026, up 11% year-on-year. However, concerns remain over an El Niño-driven drought, rising input and financing costs, animal diseases, port inefficiencies and geopolitical tensions. Employment confidence weakened, while general agricultural conditions fell sharply as farmers anticipate difficult conditions in the 2026/27 season. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
... AS FARMING EXPORTS HIT RECORD R66 BILLION ON US TRADE
South Africa’s agricultural exports rose 10% year-on-year in Q2 to a record $4.1 billion (about R66 billion), supported by stronger volumes and improved prices. Shipments to the US jumped 56% from Q1 2026 as the effective tariff rate fell to 12.5%, from 30%. Agricultural Business Chamber chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said South Africa had made a solid start to 2026, but warned that geo-economic tensions made market diversification increasingly important. Africa remained a key destination, accounting for 40% of exports. Improved performance at Cape Town port also supported shipments. However, an anticipated El Niño weather pattern could reduce maize and other crop harvests in the coming season. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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DURBAN TERMINAL, 8 SHIPPING LINES ON COMPCOM RADAR
The Competition Commission is assessing a complaint against Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT) and eight shipping lines over alleged excessive storage charges, landside congestion and anti-competitive practices. Positive Freight Solutions (PFS), representing 140 transporters employing about 6 000 people, lodged the complaint in July. PFS alleges avoidable terminal delays are being monetised through demurrage, detention and storage charges while hauliers cannot access containers for reasons beyond their control. The shipping lines named include MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, COSCO, Pacific International Lines and Evergreen. The Commission says it is determining whether sufficient grounds exist to proceed with the complaint. (SOURCE: FreightNews) |
ALARM OVER 115 HOTSPOT RABIES CASES, 15 HUMAN DEATHS
South Africa recorded 115 laboratory-confirmed animal rabies cases between January and July 2026, with major hotspots in KZN, Eastern Cape and Limpopo. By August 26, 15 human rabies deaths had been reported: seven confirmed and two probable cases in the Eastern Cape, five in KZN and one in Limpopo. The Agriculture Department stressed that rabies remains preventable through regular vaccination and responsible pet ownership. Owners should vaccinate dogs and cats, report suspected cases and seek immediate medical attention after bites, scratches or licks from potentially infected animals. Exposed wounds should be washed with soap and running water for at least 10 minutes. Coordinated action among communities, veterinarians, healthcare workers and government remains critical to reducing transmission and moving South Africa closer to rabies elimination. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
15-YEAR RETIREMENT MOOTED FOR END-OF-THE-ROAD VEHICLES
South Africa is developing an end-of-life vehicle strategy that could determine when ageing cars must leave the roads and how they are dismantled and recycled. A 15-year retirement threshold has been mooted, although the industry favours health assessments based on safety, emissions and condition rather than age alone. The strategy also aims to prevent abandoned “zombie” vehicles and car parts from polluting landfills. Crucially, it could protect South Africa’s vehicle exports to Europe, where new rules require greater use of recycled materials and circular manufacturing. With about three-quarters of locally produced vehicles exported to Europe, compliance is vital for safeguarding R291 billion in export revenue and hundreds of thousands of jobs. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
AFRICA’S AIRCRAFT FLEET SET TO MORE THAN DOUBLE BY 2045
Africa’s commercial aircraft fleet is forecast to more than double by 2045 as urbanisation, a young population and stronger economic ties boost air travel. Boeing expects the fleet to grow from 755 aircraft in 2025 to 1 625, requiring 1 165 new deliveries over two decades. Single-aisle aircraft will account for 870 deliveries, while 240 wide-body jets and 15 freighters are expected. Passenger traffic within Africa could grow 6.5% annually, while Africa-Middle East traffic may expand 7.1%. The cargo fleet is projected to increase to 150 freighters from 60. Aviation services could generate $140 billion (about R2.2 trillion), while 75 000 additional workers will be needed. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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NIGERIAN REFINERY IPO TARGETS R752 BILLION VALUATION
Nigeria’s Dangote oil refinery has signed documents for its initial public offering, paving the way for Africa’s biggest-ever share sale. The offer will run from September 14 to October 13, with 4.1 billion shares priced at 525 Naira (about R6.30) each, potentially raising about 2.15 trillion Naira. The 700 000-barrel-a-day refinery, built for about $20 billion (about R320 billion), has transformed Nigeria’s fuel market and expanded exports across Africa and Europe. Funds raised will support plans to double capacity to 1.4 million barrels a day. Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the listing, valuing the company at about $47 billion (about R752 billion) The IPO will test investor appetite for one of Africa’s largest industrial projects and could broaden participation in the continent’s energy sector. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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... AS WORST-CASE SCENARIO SEES OIL AT $120 A BARREL
Oil prices climbed after US attacks on Iranian tankers and Tehran’s threat to establish a restricted zone near the Strait of Hormuz raised fears of prolonged energy disruptions. Brent crude rose 0.8% to $97.02 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate gained 0.8% to $92.24. The US strikes followed Iranian missile attacks on US Navy vessels, escalating tensions in a conflict already disrupting regional energy markets. Brent has risen almost 60% this year, while diesel prices have increased even more sharply. Analysts warn prices could reach $100 or higher if shipping disruptions worsen, with Goldman Sachs suggesting Brent could potentially hit $120 in a severe escalation scenario. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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TRAINING - TELEPHONE RECEPTION SKILLS
TRAINER: Ann-Rose Oldham – Maritzburg Business College
OVERVIEW
• Motivation and attitude.
• Initial identification.
• Voice clarity.
• Good listening skills.
• Assertiveness.
• Transfers.
• Screening.
• Initiating outgoing calls.
• Calls of complaint.
• Difficult calls/names/messages.
• Reception duties.
• Visitors.
• Security.
• Dress/wellness.
• Ergonomics.
• Resolving office issues.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Personnel who are in contact with clients/prospective clients over the telephone or personally.
Please bring a pen and paper for taking notes.
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 15 September 2026
Time: 08:00 – 13:00
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (excludes vat) PMCB Members: R680 p/p, R645 p/p for 3/more, R595 p/p for 5/more Non-members: R900 p/p, R885 p/p for 3/more, R850 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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Patience is not passive, on the contrary, it is concentrated strength.
Bruce Lee |
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