| SLUGGISH KZN ECONOMMY CAN UNLOCK R62 BILLION POTENTIAL |
KZN's slow economic recovery remains a concern, with manufacturing output and freight performance still below pre-pandemic levels. Economist Justice Matarutse warned that the province remains vulnerable to global shocks, with real exports in 2025 still 15% below their 2022 peak. The setbacks reflect years of unrest, flooding, infrastructure bottlenecks and electricity and water disruptions. However, the outlook is not entirely negative. Matarutse highlighted strong growth in smaller export product lines, including structures and sunflower seed oil, pointing to opportunities beyond KZN’s traditional automotive, alumina and paper sectors. He estimates R62.3 billion in potential within the province’s “scalable middle” and smaller products, offering manufacturers scope to diversify, grow exports and create jobs. |
| CHAMBER PARTNERSHIPS GIVING LEATHER INDUSTRY A LEG UP |
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(ltr) PMCB Trade Hub Manager Lucrisha Polton, Dimakatso Moji (Director: Leather and Footwear Desk at the dtic) and Zamani Oliphant (Executive Director at SAFLIA).
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business is strengthening its support for South Africa’s leather and footwear sector through meaningful industry engagement. The PMCB Trade Hub’s recent participation in the South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (SAFLEC) Annual General Meeting and Networking Session in Durban created valuable connections across the sector.
Engagements with SAFLEC Executive Director Nerisha Jairaj, Southern African Footwear & Leather Industries Association (SAFLIA) Executive Director Zamani Oliphant and the dtic’s Leather & Footwear Desk highlighted opportunities for collaboration, export growth and market access. These relationships position the PMCB to connect members with industry networks, international markets and potential partnerships, helping local businesses become more competitive and expand beyond domestic markets. |
| KZN LEAN CONFERENCE TO CHALLENGE LEADERSHIP THINKING |
The KZN Lean Conference 2026 will challenge leaders to rethink how they respond to mistakes, data and workplace performance. Taking place from September 16 to 18 at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, the conference features internationally recognised Lean expert Mark Graban. His keynote and workshops will explore psychological safety, data-driven improvement, leadership behaviour and building stronger systems. Delegates will learn how to “react less, improve more” while developing people and teams. The programme includes a gala dinner and factory tour, offering practical learning, networking and opportunities to apply Lean principles beyond the conference room. For more information, contact Heidi on (033) 345 2747, pmcb@pmcb.org.za or click here to find out more.
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2007: SA’s gold-panning team returns victorious from the World Gold Panning Championships in Slovakia.
Elsewhere, in 2006, Pluto was declassified as a planet by the International Astronomical Union and reclassified as a dwarf planet.
International Day Against Intolerance, Discrimination and Violence Based on Musical Preferences, Lifestyle and Dress Code, is observed after a young British woman was beaten to death for being part of the Goth sub-culture in 2007. |
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INVESTORS FEAR LURCH TO THE LEFT AS POLLS LOOM
Investors are increasingly concerned that South Africa’s November local government elections could trigger a shift towards more left-wing economic policies, potentially affecting business confidence and investment. Political uncertainty is adding to existing concerns around slow economic growth, high unemployment, fiscal pressures and persistent infrastructure challenges. Investors are watching coalition dynamics closely, particularly the balance between parties advocating market-oriented reforms and those pushing for greater state intervention and redistribution.
Any significant policy shift could influence perceptions of South Africa’s investment climate, currency and financial markets. However, the election outcome remains uncertain, with political parties expected to campaign heavily on jobs, service delivery and economic inequality. Businesses are urging policymakers to maintain policy stability, strengthen investor confidence and prioritise reforms capable of supporting sustainable growth and private-sector investment. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS ANC PLEDGES 30% MUNICIPAL DEBT CUT, TIGHTER DISCIPLINE
The ANC has pledged to reduce South Africa’s municipal debt by 30% by 2031, promising tighter financial discipline, improved revenue collection and increased infrastructure investment. ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa made the commitment while unveiling the party’s local government election manifesto. The party says municipalities must strengthen financial management, improve service delivery and address infrastructure backlogs to restore public confidence. The pledge comes amid severe financial pressures facing many municipalities, with mounting debt owed to utilities and other service providers. The ANC also promises measures to curb tender-related corruption and improve municipal capacity. Ramaphosa said stronger local government is essential to economic growth, job creation and delivering reliable basic services to communities. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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R2 TRILLION INFRASTRUCTURE DRIVE TARGETS MUNICIPAL BOTTLENECKS
South Africa’s planned R2 trillion infrastructure investment drive is aimed at tackling municipal bottlenecks that have delayed projects and weakened service delivery. Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson says municipalities need credible project preparation to ensure infrastructure can be properly financed, delivered and maintained throughout its life cycle. The initiative is expected to unlock investment while addressing critical shortcomings in water, electricity, transport and other municipal services. Macpherson emphasised that projects must be thoroughly prepared before implementation, reducing delays, cost overruns and failures. Stronger municipal capacity will be essential to converting planned investment into functioning infrastructure and sustainable economic growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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HIGH-LEVEL TEAM INTERVENTION PROBES DURBAN PORT DISRUPTIONS
The Presidency has deployed a delegation to investigate an operational crisis at Durban Gateway Terminal after freight industry body SAAFF warned that cargo flows had been severely disrupted. The crisis followed the transition to an independent NAVIS N4 container management system, compounded by equipment, yard, booking and coordination constraints. SAAFF says stack occupancy is nearing 85%, causing delays across road, rail, shipping and logistics operations. The organisation is calling for urgent coordinated intervention, industry representation and measures to restore container evacuation and terminal fluidity. It also wants storage, demurrage and delay costs caused by system failures prevented from being passed to affected businesses. SAAFF says the disruption threatens the wider national supply chain and economy. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS TRANSNET PROBES RICHARDS BAY PORT ALLEGATIONS
Transnet is implementing recommendations from an investigation into alleged procurement irregularities at its Richards Bay port terminal operations, while further investigations continue. The matter arose from a whistleblower report received in October 2024 concerning two tenders. Preliminary findings from an external investigation resulted in the precautionary suspension of an unnamed Transnet Port Terminals executive. The state-owned logistics company has also lodged a formal complaint with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and referred the matter to its Durban Serious Corruption Investigation Unit. Transnet says investigations have resulted in seven companies being restricted through National Treasury processes and disciplinary action against employees. To date, 45 employees, including managers, have been dismissed for theft, corruption and fraudulent activities. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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STATE HEADS TO COURT OVER 'PERMANENT' R370 GRANT
The government is appealing a High Court ruling that declared the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant a "permanent social assistance facility". The matter will be heard by the Supreme Court of Appeal, with government arguing the judgment encroaches on executive powers and changes the grant’s original purpose as temporary Covid-19 relief. The High Court also found several access regulations unconstitutional, including the online-only application requirement, and ordered government to progressively increase the grant. Treasury warns expanding eligibility to as many as 18.3 million people could add R93.5-billion to annual grant spending. The grant, initially R350, was increased to R370 in 2024, but its real value has fallen. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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AUTO PARTS CRISIS PUTS THOUSANDS OF JOBS AT RISK
More than 1 000 South African automotive component companies have reportedly shut down, with about 7 500 jobs lost as vehicle manufacturers reduce production. The closures highlight mounting pressure across the country's automotive value chain, where weaker output, rising costs and tough international competition are squeezing suppliers. The sector supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs and remains a major contributor to manufacturing exports. Industry concerns are growing that reduced production could trigger further closures unless demand and investment recover. The developments also raise questions about South Africa's competitiveness as global automakers restructure supply chains and accelerate the transition towards new-energy vehicles and increasingly competitive manufacturing markets. (SOURCE: News24)
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ESKOM SLASHES DIESEL SPENDING 83% AS POWER STATIONS IMPROVE
Eskom has cut diesel expenditure by 83.25% year-on-year to R992 million, reflecting improved performance at its power stations and reduced reliance on expensive open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs). OCGT usage has fallen from 8.67% to just 1.1%, as stronger coal-fired generation has provided more reliable supply. Eskom said diesel is now being deployed selectively during peak demand and to maintain required reserves. The utility’s energy availability factor has improved to 67.79%, its strongest level since 2020, while unplanned outages have fallen 39.2%. Eskom has also recorded 462 consecutive days without load-shedding since May 2025. The utility says improved generation performance is delivering greater reliability, efficiency and significant cost savings. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS QUESTIONS LINGER OVER MISSING MILLIONS OF FUEL
Eskom allegedly paid hundreds of millions of Rand for diesel supplies that investigators say may never have existed, raising fresh questions about procurement controls at the power utility. The payments are linked to emergency fuel purchases made during periods when Eskom relied heavily on diesel-fired generators to support the electricity grid. The investigation, reported by News24 and amaBhungane, highlights concerns about whether the utility received the fuel it paid for and whether proper verification procedures were followed. The allegations add to Eskom’s long-running procurement and governance challenges, despite recent improvements in electricity availability. Questions around accountability and potential losses are likely to intensify pressure for stronger oversight and tighter controls over emergency spending. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AND PLUG PULLED ON 101 DODGY SUPPLIERS
Eskom has restricted 101 suppliers from doing business with the utility for periods of up to 10 years following disciplinary proceedings involving fraud, corruption, procurement irregularities and other misconduct. The cases date from 2015 to March 2026, with most originating between 2016 and 2022. Eskom says suppliers were given opportunities to respond before sanctions were imposed. Of 53 referrals made to National Treasury, 35 companies and 45 directors or owners had been listed on Treasury’s restricted supplier database by August 20. Eskom says the measures demonstrate its commitment to consequence management and restoring confidence in its supply chain. The utility aims to resolve newly referred supplier discipline cases within 90 days, while additional matters are being prepared for referral to Treasury. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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30 000 FOREIGNERS ADD PRESSURE TO CROWDED PRISONS
South Africa’s correctional system is under mounting pressure, with 30 289 foreign nationals among 173 368 inmates as of August 9. Foreign nationals account for 17.5% of the prison population, up from 27 880 in June. The increase comes as prisons operate significantly above approved capacity, intensifying concerns about costs, infrastructure and inmate management. The government says it costs about R463 a day to incarcerate each foreign national, amounting to millions of Rand daily. Zimbabweans comprise the largest group, followed by nationals from Mozambique, Malawi and Lesotho. South Africa and Zimbabwe have signed an agreement allowing eligible sentenced offenders to potentially serve their sentences in their home country, while government explores similar arrangements elsewhere. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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NIGERIAN REFINERY OFFERS 30% STAKE TO EAST AFRICAN NATIONS
Dangote Group has offered East African countries a 30% stake in a planned multibillion-Dollar refinery in Kenya, potentially attracting about $1.5 billion (about R24 billion)_in regional investment. Kenya could take a 10% stake worth roughly $500 million, while Ethiopia and Rwanda have expressed interest. The facility is expected to replicate Dangote’s 700 000-barrel-a-day Nigerian refinery and could cost up to $16 billion, with additional port infrastructure taking the total investment to about $20 billion. Construction is expected to begin in September. The refinery could process around 600,000 barrels of crude daily from oil fields in Kenya and Uganda. The project is projected to inject about $4 billion annually into Kenya’s economy. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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EARLIEST PICKING EVER PUTS DAMPENER ON BUBBLY FORECAST
French champagne producers are racing to harvest grapes after extreme heat and drought accelerated ripening, triggering the region’s earliest harvest on record. Picking began between August 12 and 17, about a month earlier than was once customary. Spring frost destroyed 43% of potential production, while drought further reduced yields. June temperatures reached 40°C in parts of Champagne, concentrating sugars and speeding ripening. Producers face tight logistical pressures, with thousands of seasonal workers required for hand harvesting. Despite the challenges, some growers report encouraging grape quality. Champagne shipped 266.1 million bottles last year, generating €5.7 billion (about R107 billion) in sales, highlighting the industry’s global economic importance. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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| BURSARIES, FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES AND OTHER INCENTIVES |
URGENT CALL: BEEFMASTER 2027 AGRICULTURE BURSARIES NOW OPEN
Final-year agriculture students can apply for two Beefmaster Group bursaries for 2027. Open to South African citizens studying Agricultural Economics, Animal Science or Animal Production, the bursaries cover tuition, accommodation and books. Applicants need a strong academic record and supporting documents. Applications close on 31 August 2026. Email CV, motivation and documents to blanche.mpiwa@beefmaster.co.za.
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R 150 MILLION BUSINESS PARTNERS JOBS FUND TARGETS 220 SMMES
South African SMEs can now tap into a new R150 million SME Youth Jobs Fund launched by Business Partners Limited to help create employment for young people aged 18 to 35. The fund aims to support about 220 SMEs and generate nearly 1 000 jobs by covering labour-related costs for up to two years. Qualifying businesses can access R250 000 to R2 million, with applications now open. SMEs need at least two years’ trading history and must demonstrate viability and a clear job-creation plan. Women-owned businesses are also encouraged to apply. To apply, click here.
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Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.
Marcus Aurelius |
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| Dollar | R16.01 | + 0.06% | | Pound | R21.84
| + 0.08% | | Euro | R18.69
| + 0.09% | | Yen | 0.100723 |
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 891.50
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