| LEAN CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHTS DATA-DRIVEN DECISION-MAKING |
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(ltr) Maurice Kuhn (Training Leadership Consulting) and Tanya Hulse (Training Leadership Consulting) with keynote speaker Mark Graban and Gavin Tarr (FNB Commercial: Head of Working Capital Solutions) and Andrew Hudson (FNB Regional Director: KZN Inland) at the opening day of the KZN Lean Conference yesterday.
Keynote speaker Mark Groban at the KZN Lean conference yesterday challenged a familiar leadership instinct: react quickly when the numbers move, enforce the process and fix the person. Graban’s message at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business offered a more constructive alternative - react less, improve more. Good leaders distinguish meaningful signals from normal variation, using data to understand systems rather than jumping to conclusions.
His Shifting from Cop to Coach keynote connected operational performance with psychological safety, reminding us that people perform and improve when they feel safe to raise problems, question processes and learn from mistakes.
Across the programme, delegates explored practical approaches to lean leadership, continuous improvement and stronger systems. The emphasis was clear: sustainable performance comes from developing people, engaging teams and improving the systems, not simply policing compliance.
Day two shifts from keynote inspiration to practical application, with Graban’s workshops exploring better systems, leadership behaviours and learning from mistakes. Delegates will also experience Lean practice before an evening gala dinner. The event concludes tomorrow with a factory tour at Somta Tools, focused on its most effective Lean implementations.
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| SPECIALITY FOODS, AGRIBUSINESSES INVITE TO ROYAL SHOW PAVILION |
Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business members and affiliates are invited to apply for a place in the Farmer’s Weekly Royal Pavilion at the 2026 Royal Show, taking place from 7–11 October at the new Royal Showgrounds at Tweedie, Howick. The premium showcase is seeking high-quality KZN producers, makers and agri-businesses with a strong local story and connection to agriculture, food or craftsmanship.
Products sought include farm-to-table foods, speciality foods, meat and charcuterie, cheese and dairy, coffee, preserves, oils, honey, confectionery, craft beverages, botanicals and other distinctive locally produced goods.
The Pavilion will feature a demonstration kitchen and offer visitors opportunities to meet producers, discover products and buy locally made goods. Space is limited. PMCB members interested in participating should contact the Royal Show team as soon as possible.
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| KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL LANDS DIRECT ADDIS ABABA ROUTE |
Durban will gain a direct air link with Addis Ababa from December 11, when Ethiopian Airlines launches the new service. The route will be operated with Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with bookings already open. The connection will improve Durban’s access to Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive African network and international destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, requiring only one stop beyond Addis Ababa. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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1976: South Africa and Transkei signed a non-aggression pact.
Elsewhere, in 2011, the first Occupy Wall Street protest was held to highlight corporate greed.
It's a day of cowboy hats and boots, on International Country Music Day. It's also World Patient Safety Day. |
CALL TO CUT 44% FRESH PRODUCE WASTE IN FACE OF FOOD INSECURITY
South Africa loses or wastes an estimated 44% of its fruit and vegetables, according to University of Johannesburg research, despite widespread food insecurity. A survey of 161 retailers found the problem is driven less by unwillingness than by inadequate infrastructure and support.
Almost 96% of informal traders lacked access to dedicated waste facilities, while 87% received no government support and nearly 70% cited financial constraints. Both formal and informal retailers largely viewed disposal as their only practical option, despite alternatives including donation, composting and processing. Researchers are calling for coordinated government, municipal and business action, including better infrastructure, stronger food-donation networks and circular-economy initiatives to turn waste into compost, animal feed and bioenergy. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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COURT STANDS FIRM ON 2 274 ANC ELECTION CANDIDATE EXCLUSION
The Electoral Court has upheld the exclusion of 2 274 candidates from the November 4 local-government election, potentially putting the ANC’s control of several town councils at risk. The candidates were nominated but not properly submitted on the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s computer system before the August 28 deadline. The ANC blamed a technical glitch and challenged their exclusion, while the IEC argued that due process had not been followed. The court ruled for the commission on Wednesday. The ANC plans to appeal. More than 29 million voters and 546 parties are registered for the poll. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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LAMOLA REJECTS US PRESSURE ON SOUTH AFRICAN POLICY
International relations minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa will not surrender its domestic or economic policy to US pressure, amid escalating tensions between Pretoria and Washington. Lamola criticised US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of visa restrictions targeting South Africans linked to policies Washington opposes, including land expropriation and affirmative-action laws. He called for countries to resist what he described as US attempts to impose its will, while backing closer Brics+ economic cooperation. US officials have warned of further measures if Pretoria does not change course. South Africa remains the US’s largest African trading partner, with about 600 American companies operating in the country. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS US VISA CURBS RAISE BUSINESS TRAVEL CONCERNS
New US visa restrictions affecting some South Africans have raised concerns among businesspeople who support or participate in black economic empowerment (BEE) initiatives. Washington says the measures target foreign nationals involved in or supporting policies it considers racially discriminatory, including certain South African policies. No individuals were named when the restrictions were announced. The measures have heightened uncertainty for South African executives and entrepreneurs travelling to the US. Pretoria has rejected Washington’s characterisation of its transformation policies, saying they seek to address inequalities created by apartheid. The restrictions add another point of tension to already strained bilateral relations. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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INFLATION EXPECTATIONS EASE AHEAD OF RATE DECISION
Inflation expectations moderated in Q3 2026 with expectations among analysts, businesspeople and trade unionists unchanged at 4.4%. Expectations for 2027 fell to 4%, from 4.2%, while 2028 expectations declined to 3.8%, from 3.9%. Five-year expectations also eased to 4%, from 4.1%. Household expectations dropped more sharply, with 12-month forecasts falling to 4.9% from 6%, their lowest level in nearly five years. Five-year household expectations declined to 8.3% from 9.1%. The Bureau for Economic Research survey comes ahead of the Reserve Bank’s September 23 rate decision, with the repo rate currently at 7%. (SOURCE: News24)
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TRANSNET UPS PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION WITH LNG TENDER
Transnet National Ports Authority has invited private operators to develop and run a small-to-medium-scale liquefied natural gas terminal at the Port of East London. The 25-year concession requires the successful bidder to design, finance, build, operate and maintain the facility before transferring it to TNPA. The tender is part of Transnet’s broader drive to bring private investment and expertise into its ports and rail network. Other initiatives include private participation at Richards Bay and Cape Town, while ICTSI operates Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 under a 25-year partnership. Eleven private rail operators have also received network access. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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STORAGE FEES SCRAPPED IN DURBAN TERMINAL RECOVERY
Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT) has waived all terminal storage charges while it tackles operational challenges, easing pressure on freight forwarders and their clients. The move follows talks between DGT, operator ICTSI, Transnet and industry bodies including the South African Freight and Logistics Association and Road Freight Association. DGT is also accelerating machinery maintenance, bringing in gensets to address power disruptions and developing a solution to improve its slot-booking system. Longer term, significant refurbishment and modernisation are planned, although equipment delivery faces long lead times. RFA says truck queues, booking constraints and inefficiencies are adding costs across the supply chain. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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FMCG RETAILERS BATTLE AS MIDDLE MARKET GETS SQUEEZED
South Africa’s FMCG sector is facing a growing “barbell effect”, with consumers favouring budget and premium products while squeezing the middle market. NielsenIQ found 64% of major FMCG categories experienced increased year-on-year price sensitivity. Private-label sales reached R53.5 billion in the first half of 2026, up 1.9%, but accounted for just 17.5% of sales. Independent brands generated R253 billion, rising 7.9% and capturing 82.5% of the market. Real retail sales increased only 0.4% in the second quarter, while the FMCG sector grew 6.2% in 2025. The six largest retail groups have added about 4 000 stores over a decade, taking their combined footprint beyond 11 000 outlets. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS SPAR GUILD BACKS EX-NAMPAK CEO FOR HOT SEAT
The Spar Guild of Southern Africa has backed former Nampak CEO Phil Roux for chairman of The Spar Group, as retailers seek to rebuild trust with the company. In a letter to interim chair Lwazi Koyana, the guild also proposed Spar Eastern Cape MD Conrad Isaacs and sustainability executive Kevin O’Brien for board appointments. The guild, the representative body for independent Spar store retailers, welcomed the resignations of chair Mike Bosman and deputy Shirley Zinn. It said it lacks confidence in Spar’s current executive team, although later clarified that management capability should be assessed by the board. Spar said its formal, independent succession process remains underway. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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VODACOM TO APPEAL KENYAN SAFARICOM RULING
Vodacom will appeal a Kenyan High Court ruling ordering the cancellation of its $1.6 billion (about R26.1 billion) purchase of an additional 15% stake in Safaricom from the Kenyan government. The court found the sale process failed to adequately involve the public and involved concealment of material information. Vodacom said it would approach Kenya’s Court of Appeal and seek a stay pending the appeal. The transaction, announced last December and completed in June, increased Vodacom’s effective Safaricom holding to 55%, reducing the government’s stake to 20%. Safaricom said it was reviewing the judgment and its implications. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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ETHIOPIA SLASHES BITCOIN MINERS’ POWER SUPPLY ON WATER WOES
Ethiopia has cut electricity supplies to Bitcoin-mining companies to just 23% of contracted levels as drought reduces inflows into its hydroelectric reservoirs. Bitcoin miners accounted for 35% of Ethiopian Electric Power’s revenue last year while consuming almost a third of the country’s 9 730MW generation. El Niño has contributed to a 20% decline in water inflows, prompting EEP to prioritise households and manufacturers. Ethiopia has power agreements with 39 Bitcoin miners, 31 already operational. EEP will reassess conditions in October and could cut supplies further or restrict exports. Its export-revenue forecast has been reduced 40% to $279 million (about R4.55 billion). (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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US RAISES RATES, SIGNALS ANOTHER HIKE TO TAME INFLATION
The US Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a 3.75%–4% range, its first increase since July 2023, as inflation remains elevated. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh said recent inflation readings showed insufficient improvement, with officials now signalling another hike this year. Median projections put the 2026 policy rate at 4.1%, up from 3.8% previously. The Fed also pushed back its expectation for inflation to return to its 2% target to 2029. The decision comes despite President Donald Trump’s pressure for lower borrowing costs. Treasury yields and the dollar rose following the announcement. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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I do not want the peace which passeth understanding, I want the understanding which bringeth peace.
Helen Keller |
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| Dollar | R16.30
| + 0.57% | | Pound | R21.83
| + 0.49% | | Euro | R18.71
| + 0.47% | | Yen | 0.104745 |
| | Yuan | R2.43 | + 0.54% | | Bitcoin | $ 75 409.12
| + 0.55% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 784.37
| + 2.34% | | Gold | $ 4 308.59
| + 1.05% | | Oil | $ 104.41 | - 1.13% | | All Share | 113 551.24
| - 0.41% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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