| READERS POLL: ARE YOU READY TO WORK FROM HOME, AGAIN? |
| UNLOCKING POWER OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES FOR GROWTH |
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Facilitator Timothy Obaje (8th left) with participants at the Small Business network reflecting the interest in leveraging community connections for business growth.
The Small Business network forum on Tuesday brought together enterprise owners and operators eager to tap into the power of local communities to drive growth. Led by Timothy Obaje, the session at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business highlighted how community engagement acts as “capital,” enabling entrepreneurs to strengthen customer relationships, collaborate with neighbouring businesses, and participate in local initiatives. Attendees explored practical strategies for leveraging networks, building partnerships, and transforming everyday interactions into new opportunities. By sharing experiences, participants learned how collective action can boost resilience, foster loyalty, and unlock sustainable business growth. The forum underscored that small enterprises prosper most when they actively contribute to thriving local economies.
Click here for the 2026 programme of networking and forum meetings. |
| DITHERING BRICS FOUND WANTING IN MIDEAST CROSSFIRE |
As US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran spark a global energy crisis, the BRICS bloc struggles to take a unified stance. India, holding the 2026 chairmanship, faces pressure to mediate amid conflicting member positions. Iran seeks condemnation of the attacks, but UAE and Saudi Arabia resist. China and Russia may support Iran, while internal divisions have already blocked multiple drafted statements, raising concerns about BRICS’ relevance in addressing major geopolitical crises.
See below: US, Iran singing of different hymns for peace |
1898: Hunting was prohibited in the area that is now the Kruger National Park.
2000: Russian intelligence officer and politician Vladimir Putin was elected president of Russia.
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ARE INTEREST RATE HIKES ON THE HOUSEHOLD PAIN MENU?
Rising petrol and food costs are stacking pressure on South African households ahead of potential interest‑rate hikes, suggesting mortgage holders may feel a double squeeze. Brent crude is trading above $100 a barrel, underpinning fuel prices that have already risen sharply in recent months.
Food inflation remains elevated, with basics up noticeably year‑on‑year, contributing to headline inflation well above the SARB’s 4.5% target. The South African Reserve Bank may tighten policy further to curb inflation, pushing the repo rate higher and lifting bond yields, which typically flows through to mortgage repayment increases. Consumers should prepare for higher monthly costs overall. (SOURCE: News24)
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MANTASHE WAGS FINGER AT FUEL HOARDERS
Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has vowed action against fuel hoarding as panic buying spikes demand by an estimated 10%–15% in some regions. Authorities say SA holds strategic fuel stocks covering about 20 days of supply, with industry reserves adding a further 30–45 days. Officials warn illegal storage and speculative stockpiling could trigger artificial shortages and inflate prices already pressured by oil above $90 a barrel. Enforcement teams will target offenders, with fines and possible licence suspensions. Government insists supply remains stable, urging motorists to avoid bulk buying that could destabilise distribution and worsen price volatility. (SOURCE: News24)
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AUDIT DISPARITIES SPARK SCRUTINY IN MEDICAL AID SECTOR
A probe into SA’s medical schemes industry shows black healthcare providers accounted for about 60% of fraud-related audits, despite representing a smaller share of practitioners. The Section 59 inquiry, led by the Council for Medical Schemes, found they were also more likely to face adverse outcomes, including payment withholds and sanctions. However, no evidence proved race was a direct trigger, with schemes citing risk-based algorithms. The regulator, which spent roughly R11.3 million on the investigation, has pledged a standardised code for audits to ensure transparency, consistency and fairness while preserving the integrity of anti-fraud systems. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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ENGINEERS URGE GREATER ROLE IN GOVERNMENT DECISIONS
Engineering leaders are pressing for professionals to occupy decision-making roles to secure sustainable infrastructure. The country faces a shortage of about 30 000 engineers in government and municipalities, while roughly 12 000 graduate engineers remain unemployed due to financial constraints. Industry bodies, including Consulting Engineers South Africa and South African Institution of Civil Engineering, advocate for representation on governance boards and technical advisory panels. Collaboration across engineering disciplines could fill critical gaps, fund infrastructure, and guide policy. Initiatives also aim to develop future engineers through STEM education, making engineering a catalyst for equitable, sustainable growth. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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ESKOM SMELTER TALKS HEAD FOR MELTDOWN
Talks between Glencore and Eskom over a discounted tariff are close to collapse, putting about 2 000 direct jobs and up to 10 000 across the value chain at risk. Power accounts for nearly 40% of ferrochrome production costs, while electricity tariffs have surged more than 300% over the past decade. Glencore has already idled furnaces, cutting output, and warns further closures are imminent without relief. The group has submitted a counterproposal, but time is running out. Failure to secure a deal could accelerate plant shutdowns and erode South Africa’s share of the global ferrochrome market. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
CONCOURT SMACKS DOWN R9 MILLION MASSMART STRIKE CLAIM
Constitutional Court of South Africa has dealt Massmart a setback in its bid to recover R9m in losses linked to a strike by Saccawu. The ruling blocks a direct damages claim at this stage, but leaves the door open for the retailer to approach the High Court to test its case. Massmart argues store closures and lost revenue during the industrial action caused significant financial harm. The judgment underscores the legal complexity of holding unions liable for strike-related losses, highlighting tensions between labour rights and corporate accountability in SA’s retail sector. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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FORMER VBS HQ FETCHES R42 MILLION, 56% BELOW VALUE
The former corporate headquarters of the defunct VBS Mutual Bank was sold at auction for R42 million, part of efforts to recover assets for creditors after one of SA’s largest banking scandals. The Rivonia property, once bought for about R75 million, now fetched significantly less, highlighting the erosion of value since the bank’s collapse and liquidation in 2018 amid widespread fraud and looting that saw roughly R2 billion siphoned from depositors and municipalities. The sale marks a further step in liquidators’ work to return funds to those affected by the bank’s downfall. (SOURCE: News24) |
PHILIPPINES DECLARES ENERGY EMERGENCY AMID OIL TURMOIL
The Philippines has declared a national energy emergency as Middle East conflict threatens fuel supplies and the economy. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. cited an “imminent danger” of critically low energy, with the country holding 45 days of oil as of March 20. Measures include forming a presidential committee to secure fuel, food, medicines, and essential services, as well as energy conservation and anti-hoarding actions. State energy firms may advance 15% payments on contracts, while transport authorities could subsidize fares and extend rail hours. Pump prices have more than doubled since February, raising fears of grounded flights and economic disruption. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
US, IRAN SINGING OFF DIFFERENT HYMNS FOR PEACE
The White House insists peace talks with Iran continue despite Tehran publicly rejecting US overtures. Nearly a month of conflict has killed over 4,500 people, mostly in Iran, with more than 1,000 fatalities in Lebanon and dozens across Israel and Gulf states. The war has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, shuttering 20% of global oil exports, sending Brent crude to $104 a barrel and WTI near $92. The US delivered a 15-point peace proposal via Pakistan, while Iran seeks guarantees, reparations, and transit fees of up to $2 million per commercial vessel. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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BRITISH AIRWAYS OFFERS BONUS TO FUEL-SAVVY PILOTS
British Airways has introduced a new incentive rewarding pilots who reduce fuel consumption on flights. The programme, aimed at lowering carbon emissions and cutting operating costs, offers bonuses based on efficiency metrics such as optimal flight paths, smoother landings, and weight management. Early trials showed savings of up to 2% per flight, translating into millions of litres of fuel annually. BA said the scheme aligns with its broader sustainability goals, encouraging behavioural changes without compromising safety. The airline hopes this approach will cut both costs and emissions, supporting a greener aviation future. (SOURCE: News24)
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