| MSUNDUZI TARIFF DOCUMENTS ON VIEW, BARKING MAD, BRAGGING RIGHTS |
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has extended the deadline for public input on the Msunduzi Local Municipality electricity tariff application, along with Ekurhuleni and Madibeng, for the 2024/25 financial year to 30 March. The long-running saga follows a North Gauteng High Court ruling in January that compelled the three municipalities to submit a compliant tariff application and cost-of-supply (CoS) study for Nersa’s review. These documents have been made available on its website. To view these, click on this link and scroll down to the four documents pertaining to Msunduzi.
The onus is now on stakeholders to respond and submit their written comments to municcomments@nersa.org.za for NERSA, in its own words, “to carefully consider all written and oral submissions before finalising the tariff redetermination by 30 June.”
The private sector by and large skirts the kind of incompetence and mismanagement of SOEs, but not always. Case in point is Westville-headquartered RCL Foods - the maker of Yum Yum peanut butter, Nola mayonnaise, and Ouma rusks, as well as a range of pet foods - and is now scrambling to retrieve no fewer than 115 045 bags of contaminated dry pet food, and stem the haemorrhage of its share price.
Today would not be complete without a nod to the irrational fear of Friday the 13th, which has its own name - paraskevidekatriaphobia. Claim bragging rights with the correct pronunciation here. Happy weekend to all! Derek Alberts (editor) |
| FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS, HOSPICE AND LITERACY |
(ltr) Kivashan Pillay (BComm 2nd year), Ndumiso Lushaba (BComm 2nd year), Julie Dawson (Msunduzi Hospice volunteer), Sonya Nursoo (Student Wellness Specialist), Rodelle Naidoo (Registration Finance Administrator) and Jonathan Balie (Msunduzi Hospice bookstore manager) at the recent Donate a Book Project.
Students and staff at Emeris Pietermaritzburg, formerly Varsity College, launched their first Donate a Book Project of 2026, supporting literacy while raising funds for community healthcare. Books were purchased at a sale hosted by Msunduzi Hospice and donated to Ashburton Primary School, a partner in the campus’s KHUMO outreach programme. Proceeds from the sale help fund hospice palliative care services for seriously ill patients. Organisers said the initiative not only supports healthcare but also promotes reading among learners, encouraging literacy, development and stronger community partnerships through education and volunteerism.
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| GO GOLFING WITH DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR ON 5 JUNE |
| The Drakensberg Boys Choir School Annual Golf Day takes place on 5 June at Champagne Sports Resort, with the Drakie boys actively participating in this DBCS Parents’ Association initiative. Following last year’s success, the event promises a fun-filled day of golf, camaraderie, and school spirit. Supporters can sponsor four-ball prizes or contribute in other ways. Contact Kuben Chetty on 071 603 6168 or kuben@dbchoir.team. |
1888: De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd was founded to exercise control over diamond production in South Africa.
Elsewhere, in 1781, Uranus was discovered by German-born British astronomer William Herschel.
Celebrate all things shiny, blingy, and sparkly today on Jewel Day. |
75% SOCIAL GRANT FRAUD PERPETRATED BY GOVERNMENT CROOKS
An analysis by the Institute for Economic Justice shows that about 75% of reported social grant fraud cases between 2014 and 2025 involved government officials, employees or contractors rather than beneficiaries. Of 2,658 cases referred for investigation, only 590 involved recipients. Despite this, anti-fraud efforts by the South African Social Security Agency and National Treasury have largely targeted beneficiaries through stricter verification checks.
Researchers warn automated systems and inaccurate databases can wrongly flag recipients, leading to suspensions or cancellations. With roughly 28 million people relying on grants, civil society groups say overly aggressive policing risks unfairly excluding vulnerable households from vital support. (SOURCE: GroundUp)
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FIRST CURRENT ACCOUNT SURPLUS SINCE 2022
South Africa recorded its first current account surplus in over two years in Q4 2025, according to data from the South African Reserve Bank. The surplus amounted to R50.2 billion - roughly 0.6 % of GDP - reversing a R72 billion deficit (‑0.9 % of GDP) in Q3 2025. A sharply wider trade surplus - climbing to R282.2 billion on strong exports, especially precious metals - helped lift the overall balance. This marks the first quarterly surplus since the third quarter of 2023 and reflects improved external trade conditions amid global commodity demand. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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CRUDE SHOCK AS IRAN WAR SENDS OIL ABOVE $100 A BARREL
Government and business leaders warn the escalating Iran conflict could trigger severe economic pressure on South Africa as oil prices surge above $100 a barrel. Paul Hanratty of Sanlam said a prolonged conflict would push inflation higher and reverse the global trend toward lower interest rates. Oil traded in the mid-$60s earlier this year before spiking past $100 following the US-Israel strikes on Iran, which produces about 3.4-million barrels a day and exports roughly 1.7-million. Ronald Lamola warned higher fuel and fertiliser costs could drive food inflation and strain public finances across the region. Aviation fuel prices have already jumped about 70%, forcing airlines to impose surcharges while consumers face rising transport and living costs. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... AS CONFLICT ESCALATES ACROSS GULF, DUBAI HIT
Iran escalated attacks across the Gulf, including strikes near Dubai and on shipping assets, driving Brent crude above $101.50 a barrel and deepening concerns about the ongoing Middle East war. Dubai issued missile alerts and reported drone impacts, while banks advised staff to avoid offices. Kuwait’s international airport suffered drone damage. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted roughly 20% of global oil flows. Analysts say a month-long shutdown could push prices toward $105, with a three‑month halt nearing $164. Around 2 500 people have died so far, including at least 1825 Iranians and several US service members, as fighting widens across the region. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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WEAK FACTORY OUTPUT SIGNALS ECONOMIC HEADWINDS
South Africa’s manufacturing sector showed renewed weakness in January, raising concerns about the country’s fragile economic outlook. Data from Statistics South Africa revealed factory output fell 0.7% month-on-month, with steep declines in wood products, publishing and printing, and basic iron and steel. The sector was already a major drag on growth in 2025, when GDP expanded just 1.1%. Economists warn rising oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East could further lift production costs. However, stronger mining output, particularly platinum group metals, may partly offset manufacturing weakness and support overall economic activity in early 2026. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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… AS PLATINUM-METAL SURGE LIFTS MINING MOOD
South Africa’s mining production beat expectations in January, rising 4.6% year on year, according to data from Statistics South Africa. The increase was driven mainly by strong output from platinum group metals (PGMs), which climbed 10.8% and contributed 2.7 percentage points to overall growth. Higher prices and sustained demand supported producers including Impala Platinum and Northam Platinum. Additional gains came from chromium production, which surged 37.3%, and manganese output, up 12.5%. Analysts say improved input costs, a stronger rand and steady global demand helped the sector extend its gradual recovery seen through 2025. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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… AND AGRIBUSINESS CONFIDENCE SUFFERS BOUTS OF ILL HEALTH
Confidence in South Africa’s agribusiness sector has dropped sharply, with the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index falling 18 points to 49 in Q1 2026 - its lowest since late 2024 and below the neutral 50 mark. According to Wandile Sihlobo of Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, livestock producers face mounting pressure from Foot-and-Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever, while falling global prices for sugar and wheat weigh on farm income. Subindices for turnover, income and employment all declined, with employment confidence sliding to 39. Export sentiment also weakened amid logistics constraints and rising shipping costs. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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TOYOTA, VW, FORD DRIVE 15.3% USED CAR MARKET SURGE
Toyota, Volkswagen and Ford Motor Company are leading a surge in South Africa’s used vehicle market. Data from AutoTrader shows 33 293 used cars sold in February 2026 - 15.3% higher than a year earlier, though slightly below January’s 34,452 units. Toyota remained the top brand with 5 513 sales, followed by Volkswagen at 4 197 and Ford at 3 340. The Ford Ranger was the best-selling model with 1 913 units, ahead of the Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Polo Vivo. Total used vehicle sales were valued at R13.03 billion, with the average price reaching R428 562. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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SIBANYE SCRAPS AGE LIMIT TO RETAIN EXPERIENCED HANDS
Sibanye Stillwater has scrapped its age-based retirement limit for non-executive directors, allowing veteran leaders to remain on its board as the sector undergoes major leadership changes. The move clears the way for chair Vincent Maphai, who turns 73 this year, to continue in his role beyond the previous retirement threshold of 72. The company said directors will instead undergo annual “fit, proper and capability” assessments in line with Johannesburg Stock Exchange listing rules. Sibanye’s board has an average age of 63, with 80% older than 60. The change follows leadership shifts after former CEO Neal Froneman stepped down in 2025. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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… AS WOOLIES SETTLE ON VETERAN CEO SUCCESSOR
Woolworths Holdings Limited has appointed long-serving food division head Sam Ngumeni as CEO, succeeding Roy Bagattini in June 2026. Bagattini retires after six transformative years, having navigated Woolworths through Covid-19, the sale of David Jones, and stabilised operations. Ngumeni, with almost 30 years at the group, must now extract full value from the R50bn retailer’s apparel business, while sustaining the food division, Woolies Dash online platform, and expansion into pet retail. Under Bagattini, group turnover reached R81 billion in 2025, up 7% year-on-year, though market value remained flat, highlighting the challenge ahead for the new CEO. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SA DODGES NEW US 15-NATION TARIFF SALVO
The United States has unveiled plans to impose new tariffs on 15 countries and the European Union, citing trade imbalances and unfair practices, but South Africa has, for now, been excluded. The proposed measures target key exports such as steel, aluminum, and manufactured goods, potentially affecting global supply chains and raising costs for American consumers. Economists warn that affected nations may respond with counter-tariffs, sparking trade tensions. South African exporters can continue operations without immediate disruption, though monitoring global developments is crucial. The US administration stressed that exclusions are temporary and subject to review based on trade negotiations and compliance. Nations flagged include China, European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway and Bangladesh. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
The Hidden Costs You’re Already Paying |
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Every time you wait six weeks for a prototype from overseas, you’re paying a hidden cost.
South African manufacturers know this reality. International supply chains, shipping delays, customs clearance - time that compounds while your project waits.
Every time you order 1,000 parts because that’s the minimum order quantity, when you only need 10 -that’s cash-flow sitting in your inventory.
Every time you outsource something simple because the setup fee for machining doesn’t make sense for a single part - another hidden cost.
At Akhani 3D, we’ve seen clients reduce prototype turnaround from weeks to hours by bringing capability in-house. The economics change when you’re not dependent on international suppliers.
Desktop 3D printing doesn’t solve every problem. But for the right applications, it eliminates delays that slow good businesses down.
In-house prototyping means faster design decisions. On-demand production means lower inventory. Custom tooling means better processes.
The question isn’t “can we afford a 3D printer?”
The question is: what’s the cost of the status quo?
Contact Rapid 3D for application-specific guidance.
Explore your options: rapid3d.co.za |
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Leave your front door and your back door open. Allow your thoughts to come and go. Just don't serve them tea.
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