| CCMA COMMISSIONER'S LOW DOWN ON NEW DISMISSAL LAWS |
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CCMA Commissioner Chandre Woods (left) with attendees at yesterday's final People Management forum of the year.
Attendees gained timely insight into the new Guidelines and Amendments to the Code of Good Practice on Dismissals, set for implementation in the first quarter of 2026. CCMA Commissioner Chandre Woods yesterday delivered a compelling presentation at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business outlining the practical implications for employers and HR practitioners, emphasising the prevention of procedural unfairness in dismissals.
Participants discussed how proactive HR policies and decisive management action can reduce risk and uphold organisational integrity. The session also covered HR planning, recruitment, and assessment in light of the amended Employment Equity Act, stressing the importance of strategic compliance, fairness, and diversity to align workplace practices with evolving legislative requirements.
Click here for the remainder of PMCB forum meetings in 2025. |
| LOCAL-IS-LEKKER TO SPICE UP BANQUET AND BUSINESS AWARDS |
The Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) invites companies to book sponsored tables for its Annual Banquet and Business Awards on 7 November at Epworth School - a local-is-lekker celebration of South Africa as a truly wonderful place to live. This immersive evening - supported by headline sponsor Mi7 - will treat guests to homegrown entertainment, featuring SAMA award-winners Qadasi & Maqhinga and top comedian Stuart Taylor. Sponsored tables cost R11 550 (excl. VAT) for 10 guests and include branding, prime seating, wine, and gifts. To reserve your spot, contact Heidi on (033) 3452747 or at pmcb@pmcb.org.za for a proudly South African “larney jol”.
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| HELP BEAT CRIME WITH A PADEL AND BALL ... AND HAVE FUN |
Speaking of worthwhile things to do, Business Fighting Crime is hosting a Padel Fundraiser at the Maritzburg Golf Club on Saturday, 18 October. Every entry helps BFC, the crime-fighting arm of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, to raise funds to keep the city safer. Entry is R200 per person and children are free. Click the link to download the form to register or contact Heidi on (033) 3452747 or at pmcb@pmcb.org.za for more information.
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1992: The Goldstone Commission found evidence of SADF complicity in violence.
Elsewhere, in 1978, Karol Józef Wojtyła, the Archbishop of Kraków, became the first non-Italian pope - John Paul II - since 1523.
Today is observed as International Day for Interventional Cardiology as well as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
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BELOW-THE RADAR KZN TOWNSHIP ENTERPRISES BEAT THE ODDS
Eight in 10 township businesses across South Africa remain unregistered - a figure consistent across KZN, Gauteng, the Western Cape, and the North West - according to a Standard Bank survey of 7 500 small businesses. However, KZN’s informal economy stands out for its diversity and community-driven resilience. Urban areas including Pietermaritzburg and Durban host thriving networks of spaza shops, hair salons, mechanics, and street food traders who collectively sustain thousands of households.
While Gauteng leads in revenue generation and digital adoption, KZN’s township entrepreneurs display stronger local reinvestment and informal employment creation. Yet, the lack of registration continues to limit access to credit, insurance, and growth funding. Standard Bank notes that improving business formalisation and digital financial inclusion in KZN could unlock significant expansion and bolster regional economic stability. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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… AS FOREIGN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES SET THE PACE
The Standard Bank study also found that foreign-owned enterprises are outperforming local ones through agility, innovation, and stronger customer focus. Valued at nearly R900 billion annually, the informal economy is being reshaped by these dynamic entrepreneurs who reinvest profits, adapt quickly, and leverage technology to meet demand.
In KZN, particularly in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, foreign-run convenience stores, salons, and fast-food outlets are growing faster than local peers by offering longer trading hours, competitive pricing, and superior service. Standard Bank notes that local SMEs tend to be more cautious and less digitally active, underscoring the need for targeted support and training to boost competitiveness. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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RESILIENT ECONOMY HOLDS STEADY AMID LOW CONFIDENCE
South Africa’s economy showed continued resilience in September, with the PayInc Economic Activity Index rising for the fifth consecutive month, suggesting growth of about 1.1% in Q3 2025. The index, which tracks salary payments across sectors, indicates steady consumer spending and moderate business recovery despite weak investor confidence and persistent power and logistics constraints. PayInc noted that while activity has stabilised, many firms remain cautious, focusing on maintaining operations rather than expanding. The data reflects a fragile but sustained recovery driven by the services, construction and retail sectors, with momentum likely to hold into the final quarter if inflation and energy supply remain manageable. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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LA NIÑA RETURN PROMISES RAIN, RAISES FLOOD RISKS
The La Niña weather pattern has officially returned, promising above-average rainfall across southern Africa through early 2026 - good news for South African maize and grain farmers after last season’s drought-hit harvest. The US Climate Prediction Centre confirmed La Niña’s emergence in September, driven by cooler Pacific Ocean waters. While rains could boost yields, they also raise flooding risks. Last season’s La Niña helped produce a 16.12 million-tonne maize crop, up 26% from 2023–24. Experts warned at AgriSA’s Pretoria conference that climate change is intensifying extremes, with the Highveld now two degrees warmer than a century ago. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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… AS AGRICULTURAL LOBBY LAMENTS 60% POOR RURAL ROADS
Farming lobby, AgriSA, says rural roads are in “crisis,” with 60% of the country’s network in poor to very poor condition. Deputy President Willem de Chavonnes Vrugt told the annual conference in Pretoria that neglected rural infrastructure hampers transport of goods and access to markets, schools, and clinics. AgriSA is collaborating with government agencies to restore critical routes while urging trade deals with Asia and Brics nations to offset 30% US tariffs. Rising electricity costs - up 260% since 2011 - and rampant crime continue to erode farming competitiveness and threaten rural livelihoods.(SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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ASP ISOTOPES MOOTS SHARE SALE TO FUND RENERGEN
Nasdaq and JSE-listed ASP Isotopes has announced plans for an underwritten public offering of its common stock, though the size and pricing remain undisclosed. The company said the sale, subject to market conditions, will fund expansion and strengthen its strategic partnership with Renergen, the South African helium and natural gas producer. ASP Isotopes supplies isotope enrichment technology critical to Renergen’s operations at its Virginia Gas Project. The offering supports both firms’ ambitions to grow Africa’s role in the global isotope and clean energy markets. Further details, including pricing and closing dates, will be released once regulatory and market assessments are completed. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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GHOST FINE SCAMS TAKE MOTORISTS FOR A RIDE
Motorists are being warned to beware of rising “ghost fine” scams ahead of South Africa’s Aarto rollout on 1 December. Fraudsters are sending fake SMS and WhatsApp messages that mimic official traffic fine notices, directing victims to bogus payment sites. “Scammers use identical logos and wording, making the fraud hard to spot,” warns Fines SA CEO Barry Berman. With confusion surrounding Aarto’s new demerit system, criminals are exploiting public uncertainty. Drivers are urged to verify fines through official portals and avoid clicking links in messages to prevent financial losses. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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… AS SOARING SECURITY COSTS OUTPRICE GLOBAL PEERS
South African firms are investing heavily in proactive security threat mitigation, outspending many global peers, according to Allied Universal’s World Security Report. Surveying 58 local chief security officers (CSOs) as part of 2 352 worldwide respondents, the report found that 40% of South African CSOs see economic instability as the top hazard over the next year. Alarmingly, 78% of local companies experienced misinformation or disinformation campaigns in the past 12 months, higher than the global rate of 73%. Nearly half of CSOs believe 50% or more of their operations are directly affected. The findings highlight South Africa’s heightened exposure to both physical and digital threats, driving increased corporate investment in security infrastructure and risk mitigation strategies. SOURCE: Engineering News) |
STONE FRUIT EXPORTS TO CHINA SET FOR 25% GROWTH
South Africa’s stone fruit industry, worth more than R4.2 billion annually, is set for a major boost after a landmark trade protocol with China opened access to one of the world’s largest fruit markets. The agreement allows exports of five fruits - peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots and cherries - for the first time. Industry body Hortgro estimates the deal could increase export volumes by up to 25% within three years, adding R800 million in potential revenue. The move is expected to benefit key growing regions such as the Western Cape, waZulu-Natal and Free State, creating hundreds of seasonal jobs and strengthening agricultural trade ties with China.
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BOTSWANA UNVEILS R465 BILLION PLAN TO DIVERSIFY ECONOMY
Botswana lawmakers are debating a 388 billion Pula (about R465 billion) plan to reduce reliance on diamond mining and revive growth after two consecutive contractions. The draft 12th National Development Plan, tabled by Minister for State President Moeti Mohwasa, prioritises transport, infrastructure, water, and housing projects through 2029. President Duma Boko’s government aims to attract funding from public-private partnerships, donor support, and investors to ease fiscal pressures. With the diamond industry contributing a third of government revenue, the plan underscores Botswana’s urgent push to diversify its economy and restore stability amid shrinking foreign-currency inflows and delayed state payments. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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AMERICA’S DIVIDED MEDIA UNITE AGAINST GAGGING ORDER
At least 30 major US news outlets, including Reuters, The New York Times, Fox News, and CNN, have refused to sign the Pentagon’s new press access policy, calling it a threat to media freedom. The rules require journalists to acknowledge they could be deemed security risks and lose Pentagon credentials if they seek certain information. Critics argue the policy violates First Amendment protections, effectively gagging sources and deterring scrutiny of the $1-trillion defence department. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth defended the move as “common sense,” but media groups warn it’s unprecedented censorship undermining transparency in coverage of the US military. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.
Theodore Roosevelt |
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| Dollar | R17.33 | + 0.15% | | Pound | R23.26 | - 0.04% | | Euro | R20.22 | - 0.02% | | Yen | 0.114650 |
| | Yuan | R2.43 | + 0.14% | | Bitcoin | $ 111 003.30
| + 0.16% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 661.43
| - 0.72% | | Gold | $ 4 225.47
| + 0.43% | | Oil | $ 62.39 | + 0.05% | | All Share | 111 635.54 | + 0.68% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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