| SPAZA-SHOP PARALYSIS HIGHLIGHTS OUTDATED MUNICIPAL POLICIES |
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Bongani Zuke, the owner of Bikelwayo Tuck Shop (left) and Msunduzi Municipality Town Planner Siphesihle Zondi.
A widening dissonance between municipal policy and on-the-ground realities facing informal traders came under scrutiny during a stakeholder dialogue hosted by the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business. Tuck shop owners from Ward 18 - that includes Westgate, parts of Bisley, Southgate, Grange and Oribi Village - told Msunduzi Municipality representatives that permit and licensing applications dating back to 2013 remain unresolved, limiting their ability to trade legally and expand sustainably.
Municipal officials outlined compliance and zoning requirements for spaza shops, but traders argued that financial and infrastructural barriers make many regulations impractical to meet. The engagement highlighted growing calls for simpler, more supportive regulatory systems that encourage compliance rather than exclusion.
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| CAREER FAIR LINKS STUDENTS WITH TOP EMPLOYERS |
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(ltr) Career Services Specialist Yolokazi Magaqa with Career Ambassadors Mbaluleki Fezeka Njoko (3rd year BComm), Nompumelelo Sbusisiwe Ntini (2nd year BComm) and Sibusisiwe Luthuli (alumna and trainee accountant at Mitchells’ Chartered Accountants).
Students at the Emeris campus in Pietermaritzburg gained valuable industry exposure during a recent Career Fair aimed at improving graduate employability and workplace readiness. Hosted as part of Career Services Week, the event connected students with recruiters, accountants, legal professionals and property firms for discussions on career development, digital skills, workplace ethics and interview preparation. Students also revisited their CVs and LinkedIn profiles while exploring internship and graduate opportunities.
Participating organisations included Momentum, Tyson Properties and Legal Aid South Africa, PNA Accountants, Momentum, Mitchells’ Chartered Accountants, Avon, Moore Midlands, Austen Smith Inc, Colenbrander Accountants and Auditors, Betterbond, Dobeyn Accounting Solutions and Tyson Properties.
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1950: The South African parliament passed the Immorality Amendment Act No. 21, which extended the 1927 Immorality Act to include all black people, including Coloureds and Asians.
Elsewhere, in 1926, the first flight over the North Pole was made in a semi-rigid airship.
It’s International Nurses Day, celebrated on the birthday of Florence Nightingale. It’s also International Plant Health Day! |
AUDIT TO SET SCENE FOR DURBAN-GAUTENG RAIL CORRIDOR UPGRADE
The strategic Johannesburg-to-Durban freight rail corridor is set to undergo a forensic-style assessment before large-scale repairs and upgrades begin, as authorities seek to determine the full extent of infrastructure deterioration along the 1400 km route.
The Industrial Development Corporation plans to enlist private sector specialists to help audit rail conditions, signalling systems and operational bottlenecks affecting one of South Africa’s most important logistics arteries. The corridor is vital for moving bulk exports and imported goods between Gauteng and the Port of Durban, but years of underinvestment, theft and operational failures have undermined efficiency. The review forms part of broader efforts to revitalise freight rail and restore confidence in the country’s transport network. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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KZN TRANSPORT 'WAR ROOM' TO CLEAR R2.6 BILLION BACKLOG
The KZN Department of Transport has established a special war room to accelerate payments to contractors following mounting complaints over R2.6 billion unpaid invoices linked to road maintenance and infrastructure projects. More than 200 contractors recently met with officials to raise concerns about delayed payments that have disrupted construction activity across the province. The department blamed technical problems and provincial treasury cash-flow constraints, while the KZN Treasury said the department entered the financial year carrying over R2.6 billion in unpaid accruals. Officials confirmed that about R700 million has since been paid to contractors and service providers. (SOURCE: EWN)
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TRACK-AND-TRACE SYSTEM SETS SIGHTS ON ILLEGAL IMPORTS
The National Consumer Commission is introducing a new digital track-and-trace system in partnership with the South African Revenue Service to strengthen import compliance and curb illicit trade. The initiative, part of the NCC’s 2026/27 plan, will enable real-time monitoring of goods entering South Africa through ports and supply chains. It aims to detect counterfeit, misdeclared and unsafe imports using shared databases and digital product identifiers. Officials say the system will support targeted enforcement rather than broad delays, while improving consumer safety and tax compliance. Authorities estimate illicit trade costs the economy about R100 billion annually, including billions lost through illegal cigarette imports and tax evasion. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
... AS DELAYS SHINE LIGHT ON TRADE SYSTEM IN CRISIS
A sharp decline in applications to the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) may indicate growing “loss of faith” among businesses in South Africa’s trade remedy system, according to trade consultancy XA Global Trade Advisors. Only one new import duty investigation has been filed in the past six months, the lowest level in ITAC’s 23-year history, despite mounting trade pressures on local industry. Analysts say firms are increasingly frustrated by lengthy delays, with 97% of current cases exceeding the six-month target period and some stretching beyond six years. Experts warn that slow approvals, staffing shortages and politically complex decision-making are undermining confidence in the country’s trade administration framework. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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NO CHANCE FOR UNDERGROUND POWER LINES, SAYS RAMOKGOPA
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has rejected proposals to place rural electricity lines underground, citing prohibitive costs and heightened risks of cable theft. The minister said converting overhead infrastructure would place significant financial strain on Eskom and divert resources from more urgent maintenance and grid expansion priorities. Calls for underground cabling have intensified following repeated outages caused by storms, vandalism and infrastructure failures in rural provinces. Ramokgopa said Eskom is instead intensifying preventative maintenance and strengthening existing systems to improve reliability. Government believes underground conversion is currently impractical for widespread rural deployment given South Africa’s fiscal pressures and ongoing electricity infrastructure challenges. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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RESERVE BANK ADDS ECONOMIST TO MPC
The South African Reserve Bank has appointed economist Konstantin Makrelov as the sixth member of its Monetary Policy Committee ahead of this month’s closely watched interest rate decision. Makrelov joins the committee at a time of heightened inflation concerns linked to global oil price volatility and geopolitical tensions. His appointment follows the departure of former MPC member Christopher Loewald and comes as Governor Lesetja Kganyago warns of a deteriorating inflation outlook. Markets will be closely monitoring the committee’s next meeting for signals on borrowing costs, inflation risks and the Reserve Bank’s response to slowing economic growth and external shocks. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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RISE OF SOLAR PUSHES ROOFSPACE TO THE LIMIT
Growthpoint Properties says it is nearing the limit of available rooftop space for solar expansion after rapidly scaling renewable energy installations across its property portfolio. The group has already installed more than 52MW of solar capacity at over 120 properties, making it one of the country’s largest private rooftop solar operators. Executives say strong tenant demand for energy security and lower electricity costs has accelerated installations, but suitable roof area is becoming scarce at many key sites. Growthpoint plans to explore battery storage and wheeled renewable energy alternatives as expansion options narrow. The shift reflects rising corporate investment in self-generation amid ongoing Eskom instability and escalating electricity tariffs. (SOURCE: News24)
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BALWIN PROFIT SURGES 36% ON RENTAL GROWTH
Balwin Properties reported a 21% rise in revenue to R2.7 billion for the year ended February 2026, driven by a 22% rebound in apartment sales to R2.4 billion as lower interest rates improved affordability. Like-for-like profit surged 36%, reflecting stronger underlying performance despite global uncertainty and weaker consumer sentiment. The group achieved a major milestone with its first rental development, The Eastlake, reaching 99% occupancy and supporting a R506.9 million investment property portfolio. However, shareholders received no dividend as the company prioritised debt reduction, lowering its loan-to-value ratio to 38.1% and strengthening its balance sheet amid a cautious capital allocation strategy. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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BOXER'S 3 400 JOB-GROWTH PUNCH LEAVES RIVALS REELING
Boxer Superstores has emerged as a standout performer in South Africa’s pressured retail sector, creating about 3 400 jobs while many competitors pursue restructuring and cost-cutting measures. The discount retailer expanded its footprint to 576 stores after opening 51 new outlets during the year, helping drive a 12.3% increase in sales. CEO Marek Masojada said Boxer’s focus on high-volume, low-price products enabled the retailer to lower shelf prices by 1.2% despite broader grocery inflation averaging 4.4%. Analysts say the retailer is gaining market share as financially strained consumers increasingly prioritise affordability and value-driven shopping in a weak economic environment. (SOURCE: Daily Maverick)
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SAA AT MERCY OF MIDEAST WAR AS COSTS EAT MARGINS
South African Airways is banking on a swift resolution to the Iran war as escalating tensions force the airline to reconfigure flight routes and manage rising fuel costs. The conflict has disrupted airspace across parts of the Middle East, adding operational complexity and increasing travel times on some international services. Despite the turbulence, SAA’s new leadership says the airline’s business fundamentals remain strong following its restructuring and recovery from business rescue. The carrier is closely monitoring fuel price volatility and regional security risks while adjusting schedules to maintain passenger safety and operational continuity. Industry analysts warn prolonged conflict could intensify pressure on already fragile global aviation margins. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
FRANCE TO INVEST R13.6 BILLION IN KENYAN PORT
France has announced a major €700 million (about R13.6 billion) investment in Kenya’s port of Mombasa, signalling renewed efforts to strengthen its influence amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Africa. The funding will support modernisation and expansion of the key East African logistics hub, improving capacity, efficiency and regional trade connectivity. The announcement was made during high-level discussions between French and Kenyan officials, alongside broader investment and partnership talks at the Africa Forward Summit. The move reflects Paris’s strategy to deepen economic ties on the continent as competition for influence intensifies. It also aligns with Kenya’s ambitions to position Mombasa as a leading gateway for African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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WONDERFUL WINTER LUNCH
Chamber Lunch is a fun networking event which includes a two-course meal, refreshments and lots of lucky draw prizes!
Put your business card in the Chamber pot and you may be drawn as a speaker at the next Chamber Lunch.
DATE: 19 May 2026
TIME: 12:30 – 14:30
VENUE: PMCB Offices - 1 Parkhaven, 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST: R290 (PMCB Members), R410 (Non-members) Incl. VAT |
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Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving; we get stronger and more resilient.
Steve Maraboli |
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