| PINK HIGH TEA CELEBRATES SPRING RENEWAL IN PIETERMARITZBURG |
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(ltr) Glenn MacArthur, Jan Hankey, Belinda Butler, Jade Eden le Roux, Lara Edmonds, and Dr Liz Thomson.
The KZN National Botanical Gardens came alive as 190 ladies in dazzling pink and florals gathered for KPCA Group’s inaugural Hot Pink High Tea, celebrating Spring and Secretary’s Day.
Sponsored by Save Hyper and Muirheads Hiring, the event featured exquisite décor, delicious treats, goodie bags, prizes, and photo opportunities under Bonny’s Big Blooms. Gold Ellie Awards were bestowed on Dr Liz Thomson, Jan Hankey, Faye Brownell, Julie Ferreira, Rose Day, Caitlin Koch, Sherree Hamblin, Jade Eden le Roux, Sharryn Middleton, Tarryn White, and Khethiwe Kunene for their contributions to beautify Pietermaritzburg. KPCA Group Executive Director Lara Edmonds also thanked supporters Burkhard Schlosser, Freshline Flora KZN, Victoria Square Postnet, Fatboy, Classic Pots, Creative Laser Studio, Sole Hair & Beauty, and Touchwood Interiors. Consensus among guests was that the festive celebration inspired and uplifted women while benefiting KPCA Group and the Botanical Gardens. |
| CHAMBER CALLS FOR 2025 BUSINESS AWARD NOMINATIONS |
| The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) has opened nominations for the PMCB Business Awards 2025, celebrating excellence across the region’s business community. Member companies and individuals are invited to enter across seven categories, including Business of the Year (Manufacturing, Services, SOEs), Medium Enterprise, Small Business, Champion Entrepreneur, and Social Enterprise of the Year. Winners will be honoured at the chamber’s prestigious Annual Banquet, sponsored by Mi7 National Group, on Friday, 7 November. PMCB CEO Melanie Veness encouraged members to showcase innovation, resilience, and impact, noting the awards recognise businesses and entrepreneurs who drive growth and strengthen the local economy. Entries close on Tuesday, 30 September 2025. |
| BRACE FOR ROLLING N3 CLOSURES THIS WEEK |
| Travellers on the N3 to Durban are advised of rolling road closures to facilitate blasting next to the N3 Market Road overpass bridge as part of the ongoing construction between the Gladys Manzi Road and New England Road interchanges. Closures this week are scheduled tomorrow, 9 September and Thursday, 11 September, from 2.30-3pm. Access will not be allowed onto the N3 between Ashburton and New England Road interchanges and the R103 will be available as an alternative route. Sanral cautioned that substantial delays are likely. |
1886: The digging of gold was officially authorised to start the Witwatersrand gold rush.
Elsewhere, in 1991, the republic of Macedonia declared its independence from Yugoslavia after a 96% referendum vote in support.
In celebration of all things written and read, it’s International Literacy Day!
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POWER-FLUSH ESKOM VOWS TO TRIM TARIFFS IN SUMMER
Eskom enters summer with surplus power, virtually eliminating load shedding after reducing outages from 84 days in early 2024 to just 17 this year. The Generation Recovery Plan has restored 7 800 MW since 2023, including Medupi Unit 4 and Kusile Unit 6, with Koeberg Unit 1 returning with 930 MW. Up to 7 000 MW is held in reserve daily. Energy availability reached 66% in August, while unplanned outages dropped to 6 900 MW and diesel use fell sharply, saving R16 billion.
CEO Dan Marokane notes affordability remains key: tariffs must stay in single digits, and free basic electricity is expanding. Smart meters and operational efficiencies aim to curb illegal connections, ensuring a reliable, cost-effective grid. (SOURCE: Moneyweb/Engineering News)
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SARS TARGETS INFLUENCER-INCOME WITH EDUCATION PUSH
The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has confirmed that social media influencers must declare all forms of income - including free products, travel, and services - as taxable earnings. Influencers have now been added to Sars’s taxpayer segmentation model, alongside gig workers and government entities. With over R500 billion in unpaid taxes at stake, Sars is prioritising education campaigns through webinars and videos to improve compliance. Commissioner Edward Kieswetter stressed that voluntary compliance is key but warned that penalties will apply if income is concealed. The rise of digital marketing, shifting spend from traditional agencies to individuals, has placed influencers firmly in the spotlight of Sars’s crackdown on tax evasion. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
... AS ARBITRATION BODY LAUNCHES MEDIATION ACCESS CAMPAIGN
The Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) has initiated the "Justice Through Mediation" campaign to broaden access to mediation services for individuals and small businesses across South Africa. This initiative aims to alleviate court backlogs and empower a new generation of AFSA-trained mediators through mentorship from retired judges and legal professionals. The campaign offers free mediation services within specific financial thresholds, subject to eligibility criteria and mentor discretion. AFSA emphasizes the importance of quality mentorship and inclusivity in its transformative mediation model, striving to provide faster, fairer access to justice for all South Africans. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
TRANSNET RECOVERY ON TRACK WITH 10-MILLION TONNE FREIGHT SURGE
Transnet slashed its losses to R1.9 billion in FY2025, a 74% improvement from R7.3 billion the previous year, driven by a 10 million-ton surge in rail volumes. Revenue rose 7.8% to R82.7 billion, while EBITDA jumped 39.4% to R30.6 billion. CFO Nosipho Maphumulo credited Transnet Freight Rail, which contributed over half of profits. However, the group’s R144.7 billion debt remains a major hurdle. CEO Michelle Phillips said the turnaround strategy is gaining traction, with higher capital investment and government guarantees providing vital support. Transnet insists progress is real, though significant challenges lie ahead. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
... AS 11 PRIVATE OPERATORS READY TO CHANGE THE GAME.
Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips confirmed that negotiations are under way with 11 private train operating companies (TOCs) granted slots on the rail network, though operations could take 12–36 months to commence. Access to rolling stock remains a hurdle, prompting Transnet to prioritise a LeaseCo public-private partnership to lease surplus locomotives and wagons. Phillips called it a potential “game changer” in achieving the 250-million-ton annual rail target by 2030. TOCs could move 20-million tons annually, while Transnet Freight Rail targets 180-million tons. Despite infrastructure backlogs, theft, and R144.7 billion debt, Transnet remains committed to private participation under its turnaround strategy. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
DBSA POSTS RECORD R5.3 BILLION PROFIT
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) reported a record net profit of R5.3 billion for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, marking a 14.4% increase from the previous year. This performance was driven by higher net interest income and positive fair value adjustments, despite a currency loss due to the Rand's appreciation. Loan repayments reached a historic R27.4 billion, with cash flow from operations rising 24.5% to R6.8 billion. Asset quality improved, with the gross non-performing loan ratio decreasing to 3.2%. The DBSA also supported R91.3 billion in infrastructure development, including R2.6 billion for under-resourced municipalities through its "Partner a District" programme. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
CHINA’S TOURISM BOOM TO BRING R740 BILLION RELIEF
China’s domestic tourism and rising foreign visitor numbers could generate $42 billion (about R740 billion) in 2025, offering a crucial boost to its struggling economy, Bloomberg Intelligence reports. About $27 billion is expected from redirected domestic spending and $15 billion from visa-free foreign travel. While retail sales growth is slowing to 4.1% amid subsidy fatigue and property woes, tourism emerges as a sustainable driver. Companies like Trip.com, Xiaomi, Anta, and Midea may benefit. Analysts warn, however, that broader consumption stimulus remains modest, with authorities still reliant on investment-heavy models rather than demand-driven strategies. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
GOLD SETS NEW RECORD ON SOFT US DATA, RATE-CUT HOPES
Gold surged to a record $3 586.82 an ounce after weak US payroll data fueled expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Spot prices climbed nearly 1% to $3 580 in London, heading for a 3.8% weekly gain. Slower hiring and rising unemployment strengthened haven demand, with both gold and silver doubling over three years amid geopolitical and economic risks. Analysts warn that political pressure from President Donald Trump on the Fed could further boost bullion, potentially pushing prices toward $5,000 if investor confidence in US monetary independence falters. Treasury yields rose while the Dollar weakened, amplifying gold’s upward momentum. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
TESLA UNVEILS EYE-WATERING R17.6 TRILLION MUSK PAY PACKAGE
Tesla has proposed an unprecedented $1 trillion (about R17.6) compensation plan for CEO Elon Musk, aiming to secure his leadership for the next decade. The package ties payouts to ambitious goals, including expanding the robotaxi business and boosting Tesla’s market value from $1 trillion to $8.5 trillion. If achieved, Musk’s stake could rise above 25%. The plan follows a Delaware court striking down his 2018 $50 billion package. Tesla shares are down 16% this year, but the board hopes the incentives will keep Musk focused on growth in robotics and artificial intelligence, while reaffirming his grip on the company. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
APPLE PLANS SIRI MAKE-OVER TO MATCH AI RIVALS
Apple is preparing to launch an AI-powered web search tool in 2025, aimed at transforming Siri into a true “answer engine” and rivaling OpenAI and Perplexity. Dubbed World Knowledge Answers, the system will integrate with Siri, Safari, and Spotlight, using large language models for more accurate, conversational results. Apple is also testing Google’s Gemini AI model, with Anthropic’s Claude previously considered. The overhaul comes as Siri faces criticism for lagging behind rivals. Alongside AI-powered summarization and a redesigned interface, Apple is exploring new acquisitions to bolster its talent. The revamped Siri will debut in iOS 26.4 next spring. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
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Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.
Plato |
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| Dollar | R17.57 | + 0.13% | | Pound | R23.73 | + 0.11% | | Euro | R20.59 | + 0.13% | | Yen | 0.118834 |
| | Yuan | R2.46 | + 0.12% | | Bitcoin | $ 111 146.10
| + 0.47% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 392.47 | + 1.15% | | Gold | $ 3 593.95 | + 0.19% | | Oil | $ 66.68
| + 1.68% | | All Share | 101 532.16
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