| CYCLIST, 'HOUSE HUSBAND' NETTED IN DRUNK DRIVE CRACKDOWN |
A cyclist was among those tested for intoxication as the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) rounded up more than 120 drunk-driving arrests across KZN over the weekend. The unusual step formed part of a provincial crackdown in Estcourt, Empangeni and Kokstad and applied equally to all road users, including cyclists, the RTI said. Among those appearing in court yesterday were taxi drivers, a mayor’s bodyguard, a Gauteng metro police officer, truck drivers, an IT specialist, an Eskom technician, nurses, teachers, a “house husband” and a pensioner. Since August 2025, nearly 5 700 arrests have been made as enforcement efforts continue to target alcohol-related road deaths. (SOURCE: The Witness)
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| KZN'S PREMIER ART EXHIBITION TO SHOWCASE MORE THAN 1 000 WORKS |
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Art in the Country convenor Kathy Jacob flanked by Siyanda Baijoo-Motau (left) and Khethiwe Kunene from The Mindful Art Society, a Pietermaritzburg-based, non-profit organisation that uses art for personal growth, community building, and social change.
Guests at the official launch of the 2026 edition of Art in the Country had a sneak preview of what the fifth edition of KZN’s premier exhibition has in store when it opens from 28-31 May at Harrington House. Proudly sponsored by KZN SPAR, the exhibition will showcase more than a 1 000 works by 69 top artists under the atmospheric giant marquee at Harrington House.
“I’m excited by the diversity of talent on show,” said convenor Kathy Jacob. “The local exhibitors complement the selection of artists from across the country, some of whom were at our first event in 2022.” A host of top-selling artists will be joined by 15 new exhibitors from across the country and KZN, including the North Coast and South Coast.
As per the norm, catering by the Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine wll be complemented by a comprehensive musical programme that includes the Maritzburg College Jazz Ensemble, the marimba bands from Hilton College and Cowan House, and a line-up of local musicians.
Jacob paid tribute to key sponsors KZN SPAR, Brokoop Insurance Brokers, Nedbank, Harrington House, Superspar Hilton Quary and Tops, Harcourts Hilton, and The Witness.
Opening hours are from 9 am to 8 pm Thursday to Saturday and 9 am to 4 pm on Sunday. Entrance is R30 per person, R20 (pensioners) and R10 for scholars.
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| BUSINESSES URGED TO RESIST MK LABOUR DESK INTIMIDATION |
Following a spate of visits by the Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO) that represents itself as the MK Party labour desk, businesses in the city are urged not to engage with their representatives. Instead, advises the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, unwanted visitors should be directed to the departments of Labour and/or Home Affairs. The groups use intimidation tactics and insist on private engagements that could later complicate trespassing charges. Employers are reminded that sharing employee data may contravene the Protection of Personal Information Act. Incidents should be reported to SAPS. Companies that have opened a case are urged to contact PMCB CEO Melanie Veness on 033 345 2747 who is meeting with the Senior Public Prosecutor to discuss the prosecution of these cases. “The sooner we see some arrests, the better,” she said.
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1982: The Group Areas Amendment Bill maintained separate residential areas, schools and amenities for different races, but excluded sports venues from its provisions.
Elsewhere, in 1934, the photo allegedly showing the Loch Ness Monster, appeared in the Daily Mail. The image was exposed later as a toy submarine with a head and neck made of wood putty.
Get creative today, on World Creativity and Innovation Day. |
FURNITURE REMOVAL FIRMS IN HOT WATER OVER PRICE COLLUSION
Major furniture removal firms, including Stuttaford Van Lines, Pickfords South Africa and Ellerines Furniture Removals, have admitted to colluding on thousands of tenders, the Competition Commission confirmed. The companies coordinated bids over several years, inflating prices and undermining fair competition across corporate and government contracts. Authorities estimate the conduct may have cost clients millions.
Settlement agreements and administrative penalties are being pursued as part of enforcement action. The case underscores persistent cartel behaviour in service industries, with regulators warning that further probes and sanctions could follow nationwide. .(SOURCE: News24) |
GODONGWANA MOOTS 2-MONTH EXTENSION OF FUEL-LEVY RELIEF
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says a R3 per litre fuel levy cut could be extended by up to two months as global oil volatility persists. Introduced in April, the relief has reduced pump prices but is costing the fiscus an estimated R4bn to R5bn per month. National Treasury is weighing inflation benefits against revenue losses, with fuel costs a key driver of consumer prices. Economists say extending the measure could help contain inflation near 5%, but warn prolonged support risks widening the budget deficit and limiting fiscal space.(SOURCE: News24)
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… AS 60% IMPORTS SOURCED FROM AFRICA, ASIA, ATLANTIC BASIN
The Fuel Industry Association of South Africa says about 60% of South Africa’s fuel imports are being re-routed away from the Gulf for April–June 2026 due to Strait of Hormuz disruptions. CEO Avhapfani Tshifularo said shipments are increasingly sourced from West Africa, the Atlantic Basin and Asia, alongside suppliers such as Nigeria, Angola, Ghana and Brazil. Daily monitoring of stock levels and vessel movements is being coordinated with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and Transnet. Officials stress there is no immediate shortage, but diesel remains under pressure, with global prices elevated and logistics costs rising sharply. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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S&P GLOBAL SET TO MAINTAIN RATINGS OUTLOOK
S&P Global Ratings is expected to maintain South Africa’s credit rating and positive outlook, citing gradual fiscal consolidation and improved economic stability. Analyst Samira Mensah said downside risks remain, with the outlook potentially reverting to stable if reform momentum slows or growth disappoints. Key concerns include debt levels, infrastructure constraints and global volatility. However, ongoing efforts to stabilise Eskom and improve logistics are supporting sentiment. Investors are watching policy implementation closely, as sustained progress could strengthen confidence and lower borrowing costs over the medium term. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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PRIVATE SECTOR URGED TO HELP BOOST FMD VACCINATIONS
Agriculture stakeholders are calling for greater private sector involvement to accelerate vaccination against Foot-and-mouth disease, warning current government efforts may fall short of achieving herd immunity. Industry groups say delays, limited vaccine supply and centralised control are slowing the response as outbreaks spread nationwide, with nearly 1 ,000 cases reported. Farmers argue that allowing private distribution could expand capacity and speed up rollouts. The Department of Agriculture faces mounting pressure to revise its strategy amid economic risks to livestock and export markets. Without urgent intervention, the disease could further disrupt food security and agricultural trade. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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MARKET VALUE TO SET BAR IN EXPROPRIATION PAYOUTS
A court ruling has confirmed that market value remains the starting point when determining compensation under expropriation, reinforcing existing principles in Expropriation Act. The judgment clarified that while broader public interest factors may adjust the final amount, valuation must begin with the property’s market worth. Legal experts say the decision provides greater certainty for investors and landowners amid ongoing land reform debates. It also aligns with Constitution of South Africa provisions requiring “just and equitable” compensation. Analysts note the ruling could influence future policy and disputes over land acquisition by the state. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS LAND INVADERS, INSTIGATORS FACE R2 MILLION PENALTIES
Government plans to tighten laws against organised land invasions, proposing fines of up to R2 million and jail terms for those who incite or coordinate illegal occupations. Amendments to the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act aim to strengthen enforcement and speed up evictions while balancing fairness. The Department of Human Settlements says the changes will help curb growing pressure on public and private land. Courts would also be required to consider the scale and urgency of invasions. The move follows rising incidents in metros, where organised groups are increasingly targeting vacant land. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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PROCUREMENT HEAD START FOR LARGE-SCALE B-BBEE SUPPORTERS
Government is considering procurement rules that could reserve certain tenders for companies with at least 51% black ownership and requiring proof that around 40% of prior procurement spending went to black-owned suppliers. The proposal, under the National Treasury, forms part of broader empowerment reforms in state procurement. Businesses bidding for contracts may need to show compliance with these thresholds to qualify for designated opportunities. Critics warn the changes could narrow competition and increase compliance costs, while supporters say they will deepen transformation and broaden economic participation in public spending. The draft remains open for consultation. (SOURCE: News24)
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CANAL+ CALLS TIME ON SUPERSPORT WORLD CUP MONOPOLY
Canal+ says the FIFA World Cup will no longer be an exclusive premium offering of SuperSport, signalling a shift in sports broadcasting competition. The group has set aside nearly R2-billion to drive customer acquisition as it expands its footprint and challenges incumbent players, including MultiChoice. The move could reshape access to major sporting events, potentially broadening viewership beyond traditional subscription tiers. Analysts say increased competition may pressure pricing and accelerate innovation in content delivery across Africa’s rapidly evolving pay-TV and streaming market. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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PHALABORWA RARE EARTHS PROJECT OUTWEIGHS DIPLOMATIC SPAT
A US-backed initiative is targeting mining waste in Phalaborwa to extract critical rare earth elements, despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria. The project, led by Rainbow Rare Earths with support from International Development Finance Corporation and TechMet, involves processing 35-million tonnes of phosphogypsum. Planned output includes Neodymium, Praseodymium, Dysprosium and Terbium for use in electric vehicles and defence technologies. Backed by $50-million, production could begin by 2028. (SOURCE: AP)
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SEYCHELLES TOURISM DROPS 37% ON WAR DISRUPTION
Tourist arrivals to Seychelles fell 37% year-on-year in March to 23,746 visitors, the lowest since the Covid-19 downturn in 2021, according to official data. Authorities say the decline follows disruption to Middle East air corridors linked to the Iran war, with Gulf carriers responsible for about 40% of inbound traffic. Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein said alternative routes and added European flights via Air Seychelles have softened the blow, but connectivity remains strained. The downturn threatens foreign exchange inflows and could weigh on growth in the import-dependent economy if geopolitical tensions persist. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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US OPENS TARIFF REFUND PORTAL WORTH AT LEAST R984 BILLION
The US government has opened a refund portal after a court struck down tariffs imposed under Donald Trump, with businesses expected to claim back an estimated $60 billion to $80 billion (about R984 billion to R1.3 trillion) in duties. The ruling paves the way for importers across manufacturing, retail and technology sectors to recover years of payments. Officials say claims will be processed in phases, with priority given to verified filings. Analysts believe the refunds could boost corporate cash flow and ease pricing pressures, while also reshaping expectations around future US trade policy and the risks tied to tariff-driven strategies. (SOURCE: AFP)
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Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.
Seneca |
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| Dollar | R16.37 | - 0.15% | | Pound | R22.13 | - 0.12% | | Euro | R19.27 | - 0.05% | | Yen | 0.103012 |
| | Yuan | R2.40 | - 0.18% | | Bitcoin | R 76 053.10
| + 0.16% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 080.70 | + 0.03% | | Gold | $ 4 782.27
| - 0.80% | | Oil | $ 95.15
| + 1.44% | | All Share | 119 623.46 | - 0.32% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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