| FUEL PRICES UP IN THE AIR IN WAKE OF MIDEAST CRISIS |
Wednesday's round of fuel price adjustments are bringing an end to a four-year low, but this weekend's US and Israeli strikes on Iran are likely to change to outlook going forward. As things stand now, petrol prices were supposed to rise by 21 cents (95 unleaded), 18 cents (93 unleaded and 62 cent for diesel). Whether further adjustments at the bowser are on the cards before midnight tomorrow is not clear, but there's little doubt that we're in a prolonged period of fuel increases.
The weekend strkes on Iran have triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks, closing the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting roughly 20% of global oil supply. Major shipping lines are rerouting vessels around South Africa, increasing delivery times and costs as Brent crude jumped 10%, nearing $80 a barrel, with forecasts of $100. UAE stock markets are closed for two days, while thousands of passengers are stranded after Dubai airports halted flights. The conflict has sent energy markets into turmoil, with investors seeking safe havens and global trade flows adapting to heightened Middle East instability and escalating regional tensions. |
| COMRADES WARN OF SUBSTITION SCAMS AS BALLOT SYSTEM COMES INTO PLAY |
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has issued a stern warning to runners about scammers demanding thousands of Rand for “guaranteed” late entries to the 2026 Comrades Marathon, as demand for a spot on the start line surges. Entries sold out within 10 hours in November 2025, intensifying desperation among aspirant runners and prompting innovation in the substitution process.
To ensure fairness, CMA has replaced the first-come, first-served substitution model with a ballot system. The window runs from 12 March to 2 April 2026, with all valid applications entered into a random draw. Withdrawals take place from 16 to 30 March, with 85% refunds if successfully substituted. CMA stressed that entries cannot be sold or privately transferred, and only the official online system and app are legitimate. Click here for more information. (SOURCE: CMA)
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| 6 TRENDS SHAPING THE WORKPLACE IN 2026 |
Work, employees, and leadership are evolving. Gallup’s 2025 report shows only 23% of workers feel their well-being is valued, while stress remains high and engagement flat. In 2026, six HR trends - ranging from psychological safety and hybrid work to skill development and inclusive leadership - will define workplaces. Organisations must adapt to create environments where employees can think, contribute, grow, and thrive.
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1990: FW de Klerk announced the release of Nelson Mandela and unbanned political parties.
Elsewhere, across the border in 1970, Rhodesia declared itself an independent republic when prime minister Ian Smith severed the country's ties with the United Kingdom.
Cat lovers take note, it’s International Rescue Cat Day.
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KZN LEADS NATIONAL FMD VACCINATION DRIVE
KwaZulu-Natal, the primary foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epicentre, is rapidly rolling out mass vaccinations, administering 200 000 doses within 24 hours of arrival. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen confirmed 45 teams are covering 2.4 million cattle, supported by FNB-sponsored vehicles and local dairy groups.
Imported vaccines from Argentina and Türkiye are supplementing local production, while traceability measures ensure milk safety. Cabinet-approved national mass vaccination and R400 million reallocation aim to control outbreaks, protect herds, and maintain milk supply. The coordinated effort between government, industry, and community seeks to restore confidence and achieve FMD-free status across South Africa. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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WEAK HOUSEHOLDS THREATEN FISCAL STABILITY OUTLOOK
Weak household finances and structurally low growth pose long-term fiscal risks, says Duncan Pieterse, director-general of National Treasury. Speaking after the 2026 budget, he warned that heavily taxed consumers limit scope for further revenue increases, while demand for state support rises. Nearly 27 million South Africans rely on social grants. Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana said faster growth is essential to expand the tax base. With savings at just 15% of GDP - versus a 25% target - household vulnerability remains a structural threat. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS LABOUR LAW CHANGES TARGET R1.8 MILLION PLUS EARNERS
Employment minister Nomakhosazana Meth has gazetted sweeping amendments to modernise worker rights and tighten enforcement. The proposed bills would limit reinstatement for employees earning above R1.8 million a year - adjusted for inflation - largely to cases of automatically unfair dismissal. Statutory severance pay would double from one to two weeks per completed year of service, with disputes fast-tracked to the CCMA. Film and TV workers may be deemed employees, extending benefits such as sick leave and severance. The reforms also introduce shared parental leave and mandatory secret ballots in certain labour actions. Critics warn stricter rules could hurt job creation. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND BOOKMAKERS CRY FOUL OVER 39% TAX BURDEN
South Africa’s licensed bookmakers say a proposed 20% national gambling tax by the National Treasury could push their effective tax rate to nearly 39%, threatening jobs and driving operators out of business. The South African Bookmakers Association argues the sector already pays 6.5% provincial tax on gross gambling revenue and 15% VAT, creating a combined burden of about 18%–19% before the new levy. Treasury expects to raise R10bn from the measure, aimed at curbing surging online betting. Critics warn higher taxes may fuel illegal platforms and harm horseracing, which relies on betting revenues to sustain thousands of jobs across its value chain. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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ELECTRICITY CUTS THROW LIFELINE TO FERROCHROME INDUSTRY
South Africa’s collapsing ferrochrome sector could be saved after Eskom offered Glencore-Merafe a reduced electricity tariff of 62c per kWh, down from 87c/kWh in 2025. The cut could revive up to 49 furnaces by December 2027, including Samancor Chrome’s 22 units. Currently, only 11 of 66 smelters are operational. Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the move could boost exports by R76 billion, add R18 billion to Eskom revenue, and R5.5 billion in taxes. With SA producing less than half its 4.8 Mtpa capacity, cheaper power is critical to halt deindustrialisation, protect jobs, and reclaim global ferrochrome leadership lost to China’s 58% market share. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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.. AS ESKOM HALTS LEGAL ACTION OVER TRADING LICENCES
Eskom has agreed to suspend its 2025 High Court review of five electricity trading licences to let the Nersa-led regulatory process on trading rules proceed. Licences affected include Green Electron Market, CBI Electric Apollo, GreenCo, Discovery Green, and NOA Group. The stay does not withdraw Eskom’s review but allows drafting of new trading rules without parallel litigation. Stakeholders, including Eskom and traders, will continue consultations to ensure a fair, transparent, and sustainable electricity market. The move aims to provide regulatory certainty, support competition, and advance South Africa’s electricity market transition while protecting Eskom’s legal position. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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BUDGET CHIEF TO TAKE UP IMF POST
Edgar Sishi, head of South Africa’s budget office, resigned on 25 February, the day Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the 2026 budget, after helping stabilise public debt for the first time in nearly two decades. Sishi plans to join the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the end of March. His departure follows significant progress: the debt-to-GDP ratio is stabilising, creating fiscal space to support slow economic growth and strengthen South Africa’s creditworthiness. Sishi played a central role in shaping the nation’s fiscal framework, which may underpin further economic improvements and potential credit rating upgrades, marking a pivotal moment for Treasury. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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RESOURCE STOCKS PUSH JSE BEYOND 128 000 RECORD
South Africa’s JSE All Share Index surged past 128 000 points on Friday, driven by resource stocks after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the 2026 budget. Randgold soared 28%, while Sibanye-Stillwater, Impala Platinum, and Harmony Gold also rallied. The local bourse is up more than 10% year-to-date, with Stefanutti Stocks, Telkom, MTN, Netcare, and Valterra reaching new 52-week highs. Gains were supported by commodity price strength, lower interest rates, a stronger Rand, and improving fiscal confidence. Analysts say continued precious metals momentum and stable macro conditions may sustain the rally, attracting foreign investor inflows. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS SASOL SHARES SOAR 16% ON MIDEAST TURMOIL
Shares in Sasol surged more than 16%, adding over R10 billion in market value, as escalating Middle East conflict sent oil prices sharply higher. Brent crude climbed to about $77 a barrel, its highest level since July, amid fears of supply disruptions involving the US, Israel and Iran. Roughly 20% of global oil consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz, heightening market anxiety. Higher crude prices boost Sasol’s fuel and chemical margins. The group supplies about 30% of South Africa’s liquid fuels and contributes significantly to GDP, making it highly sensitive to global energy price swings. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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INVESTORS ABANDONING CRYPTO FOR EQUITY MARKETS
Retail investors are fleeing cryptocurrency, shifting their speculative appetite toward equities, ETFs, and thematic assets, according to Wintermute and JPMorgan data. The October 2025 crypto crash wiped out $19 billion (about R305 billion) in positions, accelerating the pivot. Bitcoin has halved to around $66 000, while equity indexes rally. Reduced volatility, AI-driven stock insights, and perceived analytical edges in equities make crypto less attractive. Digital assets now compete with a wider spectrum of risky investments, forcing the industry to prioritize fundamentals and innovative products to lure retail back. Without renewed catalysts, retail-driven crypto demand may remain subdued in 2026. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Some people worry that artificial intelligence will make us feel inferior, but then, anybody in his right mind should have an inferiority complex every time he looks at a flower.
Alan Kay |
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| Dollar | R16.13 | - 1.25% | | Pound | R21.58
| - 0.52% | | Euro | R21.58
| - 0.56% | | Yen | 0.102902 |
| | Yuan | R2.34 | - 0.89% | | Bitcoin | $ 66 246.63
| + 1.56% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 387.10
| + 0.36% | | Gold | $ 5 378.50
| + 1.92% | | Oil | $ 78.75
| + 7.68% | | All Share | 128 456.24
| + 1.48% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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