| GOLD, SILVER SWOON AS ROLLER-COASTER RIDE PICKS UP SPEED |
Investors riding the waves of market volatility, especially those holding gold and silver stocks, yesterday would have suffered a bout of vertigo after the precious metals respectively shed 6% and 9% of their value in the steepest plunge in 12 years (see below or here for a detailed account). Whether it’s a blip or the start of a corrective phase remains to be seen, but with prices up almost 60% over a year - 15% over the past three months alone - questions remain about its value as a safe haven and the vagaries of investor sentiment. Hold onto your hats!
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| AROUND-THE-CLOCK BUBBLES LAUNDRY ON A ROLL IN RAISETHORPE |
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(ltr) Ali Wakelin, Tanya Chizanga, Elicia Angiah, Joyce Kasosera and Rob Gee outside the newly-opened Raisethorpe branch. Bubbles Laundry Service, one of Pietermaritzburg’s fastest-growing service businesses, has opened its newest branch in Raisethorpe to underline its strategic expansion. Located in vibrant Allandale Drive, the new outlet blends a strong sense of community with the exceptional customer service that has become the hallmark of the Bubbles Laundry Service brand.
Committed to an ethos of care and attention, owners Ali Wakelin and Rob Gee remain hands-on in daily operations to ensure customers receive professional laundry solutions. Their focus on quality and consistency has helped the business flourish across the region.
The Bubbles Laundry Service Group includes Midlands Laundry Solutions, Bubbles Laundry Service, and Bubbles School Laundry Service, now serving clients from Durban through to the KZN Midlands. The group offers offers a full spectrum of services, from a single garment to large industrial orders, 365 days a year.
With six locations and a team of 60 staff, the group generates considerable downstream beneficiation and contributes meaningfully to local employment and economic activity, said Gee.
“We’re passionate about personalised service and continuous improvement,” says Gee. “Our goal is to keep raising the bar and delivering excellence. Pietermaritzburg has incredible potential, and we’re excited to grow alongside it.” For more information, visit www.laundrysolutions.co.za.
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| TOYOTA URGES OWNERS TO ACT ON AIRBAG RECALL |
Toyota South Africa has renewed its call for owners of specific Toyota, Lexus, and Hino models (2002–2017) to urgently check and replace faulty Takata airbags. About 39% of vehicles remain unrepaired since the first 2015 recall. Owners can verify affected models by calling 0800 139 111 or via brand websites. Click here to see which models are affected.
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1999: South African boxers Zolile Mbityi (IBO flyweight) and Peter Malinga (IBO welterweight) both won world titles.
Elsewhere, in 1962, president John F. Kennedy declared a naval blockade in the Cuban missile crisis.
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RISING COSTS SABOTAGE CONSUMERS’ QUEST FOR HEALTHIER EATING
South Africans’ growing appetite for healthier eating is increasingly being prescribed by rising living costs, according to PwC’s 2025 Voice of the Consumer report. While 42% of consumers prioritise health benefits when choosing food brands, escalating prices are forcing many to make trade-offs between nutrition and affordability. About 75% worry about ultra-processed ingredients and pesticides, and 70% aim to eat more fresh produce.
Yet, only 44% are willing to pay more for eco-friendly products. As 54% of consumers struggle to manage expenses, many are becoming more selective and value-driven. Technology is also shaping habits, with 76% using health apps and 38% subscribing to meal kits - signalling a shift toward tech-enabled, health-conscious living despite economic strain. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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... AS SUPPLY CHAIN WOES THREATEN CONSUMER WALLETS
Super Group warns that ongoing supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and infrastructure weaknesses are driving up costs for consumers. The logistics and mobility group reports rising transport and vehicle expenses due to deteriorating infrastructure and volatile fuel prices. These challenges are exacerbated by complex regulations and port congestion, leading to longer delivery times and product shortages. In its latest annual report, Super Group highlighted that global supply chains are likely to remain under pressure, impacting product availability and extending lead times. These disruptions are contributing to higher prices across industries, affecting households through more expensive transport, food, and consumer products. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND SHOPPERS' RESILIENCE LIFT RETAIL SALES 2.3%
South Africa’s retail trade sector grew 2.3% year-on-year in August 2025, showing steady consumer activity despite inflationary pressures, according to Stats SA. Growth was driven by “other” retailers (up 7.9%), hardware, paint and glass (up 8.1%), and general dealers (up 0.8%). Month-on-month, sales dipped 1.2%, following a July surge. Over the three months to August, sales rose 3.2%, led by clothing (up 4.5%) and home improvement (up 9.7%) segments. Analysts say this reflects resilient consumer spending and ongoing small business investment, though tighter budgets may temper growth heading into the festive season and Black Friday period. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS TIKTOK INFLUENCERS TO SHAPE FESTIVE SEASON SALES
TikTok is reshaping year-end shopping in South Africa, with 90% of users reportedly taking action after seeing content on the platform, according to recent insights. Emotional triggers such as fear of missing out (FOMO), limited-time deals, and social proof now surpass traditional sales events in driving purchases. The platform’s short-form video content reaches over 18 million South African users, with engagement rates up to 12% higher than other social media channels. Brands leveraging TikTok campaigns report a 15–25% increase in conversions during peak retail periods. Content creators are central to this influence, guiding trends, boosting visibility, and turning audiences into active buyers. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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ESKOM BOWS TO BACKLASH OVER COSTLY SOLAR REGISTRATION
Eskom has withdrawn its controversial requirement for solar users to obtain an expensive professional engineer’s sign-off during the registration process. The move follows strong criticism from installers, homeowners, and business groups, who said the rule added unnecessary costs - often exceeding R5,000 per installation - and delayed approvals. The power utility said it will now accept sign-offs from qualified electricians registered with the Department of Labour, easing compliance for small-scale solar users. The change is expected to accelerate solar adoption nationwide, supporting Eskom’s grid-stability goals while reducing red tape for households and small businesses investing in renewable energy. (SOURCE: News24)
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COCA-COLA EYES SECONDARY JSE LISTING IN 2026
Coca-Cola HBC has acquired a 75% stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) for $2.6 billion (R44.5 billion), valuing the company at about $3.4 billion. The deal paves the way for a 2026 JSE listing, expected to be one of South Africa’s largest IPOs at estimates between R11.6 billion to R17.4 billion. CCBA, Africa’s biggest Coca-Cola bottler last year generated $3.1 billion in revenue. Coca-Cola HBC said the planned secondary listing on the JSE underscores its long-term commitment to South Africa and Africa, boosting investor confidence and signalling renewed momentum in Africa’s consumer goods sector. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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FIRST CRYPTO DERIVATIVES LICENSE SETS SCENE FOR BLENDED TRADE
South African crypto exchange VALR has become the country’s first licensed Over-the-Counter Derivatives Provider (ODP), allowing it to offer derivatives such as options, futures, forwards, swaps, and CFDs across crypto, commodities, shares, currencies, and indices. The licence enables VALR to originate and trade these products, providing institutional and retail clients with tools to hedge exposure, including Bitcoin. Already offering xStocks and yield-bearing tokens like USDPC targeting 8–10% returns, VALR now bridges crypto and traditional finance. The move positions South Africa as a pioneer in regulated crypto derivatives in Africa, opening access to sophisticated risk management and broader market participation. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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DISGRACED DIAMOND DEALER'S R60 MILLION HQ UNDER THE HAMMER
Liquidators have moved to auction the opulent Sandton headquarters of Louis Liebenberg’s Precious Metals and Gems Group, valued at more than R60 million, as they intensify asset recoveries from his collapsed investment empire. The 1 800m² property features marble interiors, imported Italian furnishings, and a private vault once used to store high-value diamonds. Liebenberg, accused of running a R1.2 billion investment fraud, has already seen luxury vehicles, jewellery, and two Western Cape wine estates worth R95 million seized. Liquidators estimate total asset recoveries could reach R300 million, far short of the investor claims. The high-profile auction is set for November 15 in Johannesburg. (SOURCE: News24)
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CHINA’S RARE-EARTH EXPORT CURBS THREATEN CARMAKERS
Global automakers face potential factory shutdowns as China tightens export controls on rare earths - materials essential for EV motors, sensors, and car electronics. China produces 70% of global rare-earth ores, refines 85%, and manufactures 90% of magnets, valued at $13 billion annually. New curbs, effective November 8, include metals such as ytterbium, holmium, and europium. Industry analysts warn stockpiles could run dry within two months, threatening production at over 40 major global car plants. While firms like Toyota, Bosch, and Hyundai scramble to secure supply, BMW and GM are racing to design rare-earth-free motors amid rising material costs and intensifying geopolitical risks. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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GOLD SUFFERS BIGGEST DROP IN 12 YEARS
Gold prices plunged nearly 9% yesterday, marking the metal’s sharpest single-day fall since 2013, as investors cashed out after a record-breaking rally earlier this year. The slump erased more than $250 an ounce (about R4 700), with spot gold trading around $2 170 (R40 700), down from recent highs above $2 400 (R45 000). Analysts attribute the drop to a stronger Dollar, easing inflation fears, and renewed investor appetite for equities. Despite the steep correction, gold remains up about 15% year-to-date, fuelled by earlier safe-haven demand amid global tensions and interest rate uncertainty. Analysts expect prices to stabilise before potential gains in 2026. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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TRAINING - TIME MANAGEMENT
TRAINER: Sarah Giles – Training Leadership Consulting
OVERVIEW
Discover practical strategies to take control of your time - by prioritising daily and weekly tasks, setting SMART goals, and staying organised. By applying these tools you can achieve meaningful results, reduce stress and overwhelm to increase your productivity and output.
Key outcomes:
• Use the urgent/important matrix to plan and prioritise your daily and weekly activities.
• Manage and overcome procrastination in 9 steps.
• Apply delegation techniques.
• Organise your workspace and workflow to improve your use of time.
• Plan and manage meetings effectively.
• Identify rapid recovery rituals to manage and recharge your energy.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Managers, Team members. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 29 October 2025
Time: 08:30 – 12:30
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (Excludes vat)
PMCB Members: R682.60 p/p, R643.48 p/p for 3/more, R595.65 p/p for 5/more
Non-members: R900 p/p, R882.60 p/p for 3/more, R852.17 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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Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.
Camille Pissarro |
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| Dollar | R17.38 | + 0.15% | | Pound | R23.19 | + 0.38% | | Euro | R20.18 | + 0.11% | | Yen | 0.114387 |
| | Yuan | R2.44 | + 0.12% | | Bitcoin | $ 108 150.50
| - 2.46% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 535.00
| + 1.13% | | Gold | $ 4 137.85
| + 0.33% | | Oil | $ 62.38
| + 1.38% | | All Share | 108 902.81
| - 2.18% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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