| WORLD CHAMBER HONOUR FOR PMCB CEO VENESS |
Melanie Veness (pictured left) has been elected to the International Chamber of Commerce’s World Chambers Federation (ICC WCF) General Council for the 2025–2028 term, representing South Africa. Her appointment comes amid record participation, with over 500 chambers and 59 candidates in one of the most competitive elections in WCF history. The General Council sets the strategic direction of the global chamber network, promoting trade, digital inclusion, SME development, and international market access.
Veness’s election strengthens South Africa’s voice in shaping global business policy and cooperation. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity and commitment to advancing collaboration and growth through the international chamber community. “Cognisant of the faith shown in me and the importance of the work ahead, I am both honoured and humbled to serve,” she said. |
|
|
|
| ELEVATING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE IS A NO-BRAINER |
 |
Corporate Health & Wellness staffers Nobantu Khumalo (communications) and Omika Deokumar (liaison).
Meet Corporate Health and Wellness, a new member of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business that focuses on mental health in the workplace. Explaining that it offers a service contract to companies, Corporate Health & Wellness provides access to confidential therapeutic and support services to help employees manage personal and professional challenges that may affect their well-being and work performance. Services are provided by professional psychologists, social workers and mental health professions, with each having over 30 years of experience.
Citing current research by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) that 52% of employees face depression, stress and generalised anxiety disorder, Corporate Health offers a range of services to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. These include training managers and frontline employees, creating workplace mental health strategies, breaking the stigma, promoting psychological safe spaces, and supporting employees with common mental health disorders.
“Corporate Health & Wellness salutes companies that take proactive steps towards the well-being of their staff to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes,” it said. Contact the company on 082 340 1854 or at eap@corporatehealth.co.za |
| CHAMBER, BUSINESS FIGHTING CRIME AGM REMINDER |
| Members of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business are reminded that the 23rd Annual General Meeting will take place at 5.30 pm on 22 July at the PMCB offices. Members are urged to consult correspondence from the PMCB. The AGM of Business Fighting Crime (BFC) will follow directly afterwards. Nominations to serve on the BFC committee will be taken from the floor at the AGM, but nominations in advance can be emailed to BFC chair Kantha Naidoo at kantha@asmalls.co.za. |
1932: The term New Deal was coined by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Elsewhere, in 1902, SOS was adopted as the international sign for distress.
Today is World Sport Journalist Day.
|
ASSMANG TO CLOSE IN AUGUST, 600 JOBS ON THE LINE
Assmang, jointly owned by African Rainbow Minerals and Assore, announced yesterday it will shut down its ferrochrome smelter at Cato Ridge at the end of August. The shutdown is threatening 600 jobs. The decision comes as part of a broader cost-cutting restructure amid persistently low manganese alloy prices and soaring input costs. Assmang cited a 930% surge in operational costs since 2008 and continued financial losses as unsustainable. It said all efforts to sustain operations had failed.
The closure reflects mounting pressure on South Africa’s mineral processing sector, which faces global price volatility and rising domestic production expenses. (SOURCE: BDLive/Bizcommunity)
|
MOVES AFOOT TO DECLARE KZN LIVESTOCK DISASTER
Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal are urging the government to declare a provincial state of disaster as 167 foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks since April have devastated livestock production. Only 18 outbreaks have been contained, with movement restrictions poorly enforced, allowing infections to spread. Industry body Kwanalu says weak control measures threaten food security and rural economies. Farmers within the Disease Management Area face severe income losses, unable to trade livestock unless biosecurity standards are met. The KZN Red Meat Producers Organisation is calling for urgent policing, faster vaccine rollout, and funding - actions only possible if disaster status is granted to unlock critical resources. (SOURCE: The Witness) |
VBS RECOVERY SHINES LIGHT ON ITHALA LIQUIDATION CONUNDRUM
The South African Reserve Bank’s Prudential Authority has recovered nearly R730 million from the collapsed VBS Mutual Bank, nearly a third of the R2.3 billion looted. But focus has shifted to the unresolved case of Ithala SOC Limited. The PA filed for provisional liquidation in January, citing unlawful deposit-taking. However, Ithala, the KZN government, and its development arm are opposing the move. Progress on transferring deposits to registered banks has stalled due to limited cooperation and interest. Although a R2 billion state-backed guarantee has been approved for Ithala’s depositors, hundreds of thousands remain frozen as the legal dispute drags on. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
SA SEEKS TRADE DEAL REVISION AS TARIFF DEADLINE LOOMS
South Africa may revise its proposed Framework Deal with the US after Washington signalled plans to implement a standardised trade engagement model for sub-Saharan Africa. The deal, submitted in May, seeks tariff exemptions for key SA exports like vehicles, steel, and aluminium, and proposes collaboration on critical minerals and LNG imports. Talks in Luanda between SA Deputy Trade Minister Zuko Godlimpi and US Assistant Trade Representative Connie Hamilton confirmed the template’s development. With a 9 July tariff hike looming, SA has joined calls to extend the deadline, urging local industry to exercise patience as negotiations continue to safeguard market access. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
JUNE AUTO SALES SURGE 18.7% AS EXPORT RISKS MOUNT
South Africa’s new-vehicle sales rose 18.7% in June to 47 294 units, driven by strong consumer and fleet demand, according to naamsa. Passenger car sales climbed 21.7% to 32 570 units, while light commercial vehicles rose 14.9%. Medium truck sales jumped 24.7%, but heavy trucks and buses slipped 3.1%. For the first half of 2025, overall sales are up 13.6%, boosted by affordable imports. However, local model sales dropped 14%. June vehicle exports rose 7.9% to 36 343 units. Naamsa warns shifting trade policies, especially from the US, threaten export-reliant growth and urges market diversification and regional trade expansion. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
TRANSNET HAULED TO COURT OVER DELIVERY FAILURES
ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa) has taken Transnet to the Competition Tribunal, alleging abuse of market dominance after Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) missed over 40% of delivery targets in 2024. Amsa, which relies on TFR to transport iron ore, says poor service, surging tariffs, and operational disruptions have hiked costs and hurt production. Transnet, whose rail and port infrastructure monopoly is under reform, is opposing the case and filed an exception application, claiming no legal basis exists. Amsa, battling cheap imports and high electricity costs, recently secured R1.7bn in IDC funding to delay its long steel division closure amid mounting pressure. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
75% HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TAKE DIM VIEW OF NHI REFORMS
Despite President Cyril Ramaphosa praising Steve Biko Academic Hospital as a model for National Health Insurance (NHI), 75% of South African professionals believe the NHI will worsen healthcare. Profmed’s State of Health report reveals deep concern over affordability in the private sector and poor access and skills in the public system. Although 70% of respondents are generally satisfied with healthcare, 90% doubt the NHI will bring real change. Experts question the plan’s financing, impact on existing medical aid benefits, and implementation strategy. Many call for more practical reforms to improve access and equity across the system. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
TOP DOG HANDS OVER COLLAR AFTER 40 YEARS AT SPCA
Marcelle Meredith, long-serving CEO of the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), will retire on 30 June after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Known for her unwavering commitment to animal welfare, Meredith played a pivotal role in shaping national and international animal protection policies. Under her leadership, the NSPCA gained statutory authority through the SPCA Act of 1993. Esté Kotzé, deputy CEO since 2011, will succeed Meredith from 1 July. Kotzé, who joined in 2007, will be supported by COO Grace de Lange, ensuring continuity in the NSPCA’s mission to protect all animals. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
SA IN FOCUS AS CHINA TARGETS AFRICA FOR AUTO GROWTH
South Africa is emerging as a strategic hub in Chinese automakers’ expansion across Africa, as brands like BYD, Chery, and GWM ramp up their presence amid growing trade restrictions in the US and EU. Leveraging competitive pricing and plug-in hybrid models, Chinese firms are targeting Africa’s underdeveloped auto market, with plans for local assembly and dealership growth. Chery is rolling out eight new hybrid models, while BYD expands its EV lineup. Despite infrastructure challenges, Chinese carmakers see rising demand and policy incentives as key enablers. South Africa’s mature auto sector offers a launchpad for broader market access across the continent. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
AFRICAN AIR CARGO TRAILING GLOBAL TRENDS
Africa's air cargo sector continues to struggle, with African airlines seeing a 2.1% year-on-year drop in demand in May 2025, and Africa-Asia traffic plunging 14.6%, despite a 2.7% rise in capacity. In contrast, global air cargo demand rose 2.2% overall, according to IATA. While Asia-Pacific led growth at 8.3%, North America declined by 5.8%. Global supply chain resilience and shifting trade patterns helped offset US policy impacts, especially on the Asia-North America lane, which slumped 10.7%. Yet strong gains were recorded on routes such as Europe-Asia (+13.4%) and Middle East-Asia (+10.8%), showcasing cargo's adaptability amid geopolitical and trade headwinds. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
FIERY MUSK-TRUMP FEUD RAISES SPECTRE OF DEPORTATION
Elon Musk has reignited his feud with Donald Trump, threatening to form a new political party after slamming the president’s tax cuts and spending bill as “political suicide.” Once a major Trump donor, Musk now calls the GOP the “PORKY PIG PARTY” and vows to support challengers to pro-Trump lawmakers. Trump responded with threats to investigate Musk’s businesses and even suggested deportation. Musk hinted at launching an “America Party” to break the Republican-Democrat “uniparty.” With tensions escalating and billions at his disposal, Musk’s re-entry into politics - despite previous withdrawal - could reshape the landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms and beyond. (SOURCE: AP) |
|
|
To be interesting, be interested.
Dale Carnegie |
|
|
|
| Dollar | R17.60 | - 0.02% | | Pound | R24.18 | - 0.12% | | Euro | R20.77 | + 0.01% | | Yen | 0.122753 |
| | Yuan | R2.46 | - 0.11% | | Bitcoin | R106 770.57
| + 0.97% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 353.66 | + 4.60% | | Gold | $ 3 334.58 | - 0.11% | | Oil | $ 66.92 | - 0.24% | | All Share | 96 911.22
| + 0.50% | | Repo | 7.25 | | | Prime | 10.75 | |
|
|
|
|
|
