| COURT APPEAL MARKS LOW POINT IN ANC’S MSUNDUZI TENURE |
The decision by the ANC-run Msunduzi Municipality to appeal the High Court ruling against its unlawful R27 million sponsorship deal with Royal AM doesn’t come as a surprise, its wanton disregard of public opposition to its failures and apparent willingness to committ political suicide does. The move shows a rudderless ANC more intent on preserving a dysfunctional status quo than addressing public disgust. By appealing, the court order is suspended, delaying accountability and draining ratepayers’ money. Opposition parties say this cynical manoeuvre prioritises political survival over service delivery, worsening residents’ frustration with failing governance. Derek Alberts (Editor)
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| CREIGHTON FARMER TO LEAD KZN CHALLENGE ON NATIONAL FRONT |
Creighton-based dairy farmer Dale Hutton (pictured above) has been named the 2025 KZN Toyota Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year, impressing judges with his data-driven, sustainable practices. His Kiwi-Cross dairy operation uses satellite-based pasture management, solar power, and digital moisture probes to improve efficiency and cut diesel use, while recycling wastewater for maize and kikuyu pastures.
Active in the Ingwe Farmers’ Association and co-founder of artisanal brand FatCow Creamery with his wife, Roxy, Hutton balances innovation with community involvement. He will now represent KZN in the national competition with the overall winner driving off in a new Toyota Hilux single cab bakkie. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
| QUIZ WHIZZES BATTLE IT OUT IN BID TO CONTEST GRAND FINALE |
(ltr, front) Lwandle Mthimkulu (Alexandra High School, Kayleigh Henderson (Grace College), Karabelo Morojeoe (Hilton College), Ryan Grobler (Hilton College), Sbahle Fakuda ( St Dominics Newcastle), Naomi Adeosun (Russel High School), and back, Ronan Naidoo (Hilton College), Rhys Tillet (Howick High School), Ty Kalayamoto (Hilton College) and Lwazi Mtshare (Wartburg Kirchdorf School).
Ten Grade 11 learners from Pietermaritzburg schools advanced to the IIE Varsity College National High Schools’ Quiz Regional round after excelling in the first round, which featured 47 learners from 12 schools. Ryan Grobler of Hilton College distinguished himself by securing a place in the Grand Finale. The quiz, conducted digitally via Kahoot across all eight IIE Varsity College campuses, tests knowledge in Geography, History, Science, Sport, and Current Affairs. The Grand Finale will be held on 13 September in Cape Town, with cash prizes of R10 000 for the winner, R50 000 for their school, and R6 000 for their teacher.
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1974: Guinea-Bissau gained independence from Portugal.
Elsewhere, in 1846, the patent for the first sewing machine with a lockstitch design was issued.
Grab your pencil liner and lipstick, today is International Make-Up Day.
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MODEST 0.8% GROWTH IN Q2 2025 BEATS EXPECTATIONS
South Africa’s economy expanded by 0.8% in the second quarter, outperforming analyst forecasts of slower growth. The improvement was driven by stronger mining output, a rebound in manufacturing, and resilient household spending despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Analysts note that while growth remains modest, the positive surprise signals greater resilience in key sectors. Consumer activity, buoyed by stable employment and easing inflation, also contributed to the uptick.
However, structural challenges such as power shortages, logistics bottlenecks, and weak investment continue to weigh on long-term prospects. Economists caution that sustaining momentum will require reforms to unlock stronger, inclusive economic growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS RAND BASKS IN POSITIVE SENTIMENT
The Rand is holding onto its recent gains, trading around R17.50/$ to the Dollar, after foreign reserves rose and the greenback .weakened on expectations of aggressive US rate cuts..Analysts forecast Q2 GDP growth of roughly 0.5%–0.6%, bolstering sentiment. Confidence in the currency has improved as structural challenges such as freight rail and port inefficiencies continue to weigh on broader investor optimism. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
GNU TO CONFRONT SLUGGISH GROWTH
The Government of National Unity (GNU) will convene an economic indaba within two weeks to tackle South Africa’s sluggish growth and restore confidence among coalition partners. Ministers are expected to present detailed departmental plans outlining measures to stimulate investment, create jobs, and boost productivity. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille confirmed the gathering aims to foster collaboration across government while easing tensions within the GNU. Analysts suggest the indaba could provide clarity on policy direction, though concrete outcomes will depend on implementation. The meeting is positioned as a key step in rebuilding trust with citizens, investors, and international stakeholders. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... AS TRADE TEAM HEADS TO WASHINGTON FOR TARIFF TALKS
South Africa has dispatched a high-level delegation to Washington to engage with the Trump administration over punitive tariffs. Last month, US President Donald Trump imposed a 30% tariff on South African imports, intensifying economic pressure and threatening key export sectors. President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the team will present a revised trade proposal aimed at securing relief and safeguarding jobs. The move follows months of unsuccessful attempts to strike a deal. Analysts warn that failure to ease tensions could undermine bilateral trade relations, while success would protect vital industries and signal South Africa’s commitment to constructive economic diplomacy. (SOURCE:BDLive) |
ESKOM MOOTS SOLAR REGISTRATION EXTENSION
Eskom is exploring extending its current waiver of registration, connection, and smart meter fees for residential small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) PV installations up to 50 kVA. The exemption, in place since March 2023, is officially set to expire on 31 March next year. Eligible homeowners save up to approximately R9 132 and gain access to the Homeflex net‐billing tariff upon registration eskom.co.zaNews24Daily News. Meanwhile, OUTA (Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse) has urged homeowners to postpone registration due to unresolved compliance issues over low-voltage PV and battery systems and concerns about Eskom’s sign-off requirements. (SOURCE: News24). |
BLACK OWNERSHIP SURGES IN FINANCIAL SECTOR
Black South Africans have sharply increased ownership in the insurance and asset management sectors, reaching historic highs, according to the Association for Savings and Investment SA. Ownership in life insurers rose to 36% in 2025 from 19% in 2018, while asset management stakes climbed to 43% from 25%. Voting rights also surpassed transformation targets, with 49% in asset managers and 46% in life offices. Representation of Black executives rose to 50% in asset managers and 47% in insurers, though still below the 60% target. Asisa stressed that transformation must extend beyond compliance to deliver meaningful, inclusive change. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
ONLY 17% OF SA TENANTS BEHIND ON RENT
Fewer than 17% of South African tenants were in arrears during the second quarter of 2025, marking a record low, according to the PayProp Rental Index (News24, Bizcommunity). Despite rents growing 5% year-on-year to an average of R9 218 monthly - a rate above inflation - tenant payment compliance remained strong.. Lower inflation and moderated rent hikes, especially in Gauteng and KZN have helped ease financial stress. Rental growth measured 5.2% in April but slowed to 4.5% by June, the lowest monthly escalation seen in over a year. The combination of robust rent growth and declining arrears suggests resilience in South Africa’s residential rental market. (SOURCE: News24) |
UNION FEDERATION DEMANDS NATIONALISATION OF AMSA
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has called for the re-nationalisation of ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) warning of catastrophic job losses amid steel plant closures. The company is cutting operations that employ 3 500 workers and support about 100 000 indirect jobs after failing to resolve disputes with government over high costs and cheap imports. General secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said tariffs of 30% on exports to the US further threaten 100 000 jobs. SAFTU is pushing for urgent talks with government ministers, warning that without intervention, South Africa’s manufacturing base and long-term economic stability face severe decline. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
ONE-STOP WALMART THROWS DOWN CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE
Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, will open its first branded stores in South Africa before year-end, intensifying competition in the country’s retail sector. Known for its “everyday low-price” model, Walmart aims to attract cost-conscious shoppers ahead of the festive season while directly challenging local giants such as Shoprite, Pick n Pay and Spar. The move complements its ownership of Massmart, which operates Game, Makro, Builders, and Cambridge Food. Unlike Massmart’s niche formats, Walmart-branded outlets will deliver a broader, one-stop retail experience. Analysts say this dual strategy signals Walmart’s long-term commitment, with its scale and efficiencies poised to disrupt pricing, reshape consumer expectations, and pressure rivals to defend their market share. (SOURCE: BDLive/Reuters) |
SPAR QUITS SWITZERLAND IN R1 BIILLION EXIT
Spar has sold its entire Swiss business in a R1.03 billion deal, marking the end of a costly investment that strained its balance sheet for years. The sale, to Tannenwald Holding, transfers full ownership of Spar Switzerland and its debt obligations. The decision follows a strategic review of Spar’s European assets, with the group opting to streamline operations and focus on stronger-performing markets. Analysts say the exit will free up resources, improve cash flow, and allow management to redirect capital toward growth opportunities closer to home. The move reflects ongoing restructuring aimed at strengthening the retailer’s global competitiveness. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
FSCA SEEKS GLOBAL HELP IN INSOLVENCY LAWYER'S MURDER
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has enlisted foreign regulators to investigate the sprawling operations of Edwin Letopa’s NTC Global Trade Fund and its crypto arm, Arbitrawallet. The entities, first flagged in May 2024 for offering unregistered financial services, are now under heightened scrutiny after the murder of insolvency lawyer Bouwer van Niekerk, who was pursuing the fund’s money trail. His killing and the resignation of business rescue expert Kurt Knoop have intensified concerns about the scheme’s scale and reach. Authorities aim to unravel what appears to be a complex pyramid structure with significant cross-border financial implications. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
OIL PRICES RISE AMID SUPPLY CONCERNS
Brent crude oil prices have experienced a modest increase, reaching approximately $66.66 per barrel for November delivery. This uptick is attributed to a combination of factors, including a "risk-on" market sentiment, expectations of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, and concerns over global supply disruptions. Notably, geopolitical tensions, such as the Israeli airstrike in Qatar and the U.S. push for tariffs on Russian oil, have added to market volatility. However, analysts caution that the overall outlook remains bearish due to rising inventories and increased OPEC+ production, which may exert downward pressure on prices in the coming months. (Reuters) |
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CHAMBER LUNCH
The Admin Pro's Chamber Lunch
Don't forget to book your PA in for the Admin Pro's Chamber Lunch, at which they can enjoy a lovely 2-course meal, refreshments, some networking with their peers and the chance to win a lucky draw prize!
In addition, all Admin Pro's booked for the lunch are eligible to be nominated for a "marvellous morning makeover( MMM)". You're encouraged to nominate your Admin Pro by emailing Mel (ceo@pmcb.org.za) a motivation as to why you believe they're a worthy recipient of the MMM not later than Friday the 12th September. The selected candidate will, on the morning of the lunch, enjoy a colour, wash and blowave to the value of R1000 from Hair Science and professional makeup application from Enhance Aesthetic & Beauty Clinic (value – R550).
Put your business card in the Chamber pot and you may be drawn as a speaker at the next Chamber Lunch.
DATE: 17 September 2025
TIME: 12:30 – 14:30
VENUE: PMCB Offices - 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST: R310 (PMCB Members), R410 (Non-members) Incl. VAT |
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Don't be intimidated by other people's opinions. Don't let their noise drown out your inner voice.
Steve Jobs |
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| Dollar | R17.51
| + 0.09% | | Pound | R23.68 | + 0.01% | | Euro | R20.53 | + 0.03% | | Yen | 0.118957 |
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 384.50 | + 1.01% | | Gold | $ 3 644.98
| + 0.51% | | Oil | $ 66.98
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| + 0.44% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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