| LORE OF LONELY ROAD INSPIRES 2026 COMRADES MARATHON |
Comrades Marathon board members (ltr) Alan Gray, Willie Mtolo, Barry Holland, Nontuthuko Mashimane, General Manager Alain Dalais, Chair Mqondisi Ngcobo, Isaac Ngwenya, three-time Comrades Marathon winner Tete Dijana, Race Director Sue Forge, Msunduzi Municipality Deputy Mayor Mxolisi Mkhize and Brenda Marolen.
The Comrades Marathon Association has launched the 2026 “Up Run” under the Setswana slogan Ska Fela Moya - “Don’t Give Up” - to celebrate the perseverance defining the world’s oldest ultramarathon. The 50th Up Run, set for 14 June 2026, also honours the late Cheryl Winn, former CMA Chair, whose legacy continues through the Comrades Amabeadibeadi Charity Drive. Having raised more than R75 million since inception, runners in 2026 will once again dedicate their sweat and sore muscles to worthy causes in KZN. Entries open on 27 October, with fees unchanged and prize money increased by 10%.
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| GLOVES-OFF ENFORCEMENT CAN DO WITH MORE VISIBLE POLICING |
Clamping down on trucks flouting N3 traffic laws with impunity will strike a blow for road safety.
A crackdown on KZN’s roads last week netted 52 motorists for drunk driving, filling Pietermaritzburg’s holding cells to capacity. Simultaneously, a RTI-led blitz uncovered a multimillion-Rand racket involving the transport of undocumented and undeclared goods, leading to the arrest of seven foreign truck drivers and impoundment of 14 abnormal-load vehicles.
Pouncing on the reckless and rogue elements is most praiseworthy, but the N3 - the most dangerous road in the province by far - can do with visible policing. MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said 489 drink-and-drive arrests since August and the threat of naming-and-shaming trucking companies underscore the resolve to end the road carnage.
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| OYSTER BOX CRACKS TOP 15, GOLF DAY CALL, AN APOLOGY |
The Oyster Box in Umhlanga was the only KZN entity to be included among the top 15 hotels in South Africa, according to the Readers’ Choice Awards based on feedback from thousands of Condé Nast Traveler readers. The list, almost predictably, is dominated by hotels in the Western Cape and topped by The Plettenberg, and followed by Babylonstoren (Franschhoek), Last Word (Franschhoek), Spier Hotel (Stellenbosch) and Last Word Long Beach (Cape Town). Click here for the full list of Africa’s top-rated hotels - including Morocco, Tanzania and Kenya.
A late reminder to golfers keen for a round, consider rolling up at the Maritzburg Golf club tomorrow morning for the Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home fundraiser. Tee-off starts at 8 am, 4-BBB stableford, R350 per player, snacks and refreshments included. For enquiries, call 084 4444503 or (033) 387 4004.
Thank you to eagle-eyed readers who pointed out yesterday's transposition of the Euro and Pound exchange figures. No such oversight today, here's to a good weekend. |
1893: The colony of Natal's first ministry was formed under Sir John Robinson as Prime Minister, minister of Education, and Colonial Secretary.
Take your pick, today sees the observance of no less than seven international commemorations. They include International Walk to School Day, World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, World Mental Health Day, and even World Porridge Day!
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STATE PENSIONERS BENEFITS INTACT DESPITE LOWER VALUES
The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) has cautioned that some members may see a drop in savings pot and resignation values following the introduction of the two-pot retirement system. The change, effective from September, allows limited early access to savings but adjusts how benefits are calculated. Members with lower accumulated contributions or shorter service periods will be most affected.
The GEPF says the reform aims to balance immediate financial relief with long-term pension sustainability.
Despite the reduction for some, the fund stressed that retirement benefits remain secure and aligned with the system’s broader financial preservation goals. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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… AS TWO-POT GEPF PAYOUTS ON HOLD FOR 2 WEEKS
The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) has suspended two-pot system payouts for two weeks to address administrative delays and system issues. Implemented in September, the new scheme allows members to access a portion of their retirement savings early, but high application volumes have strained processing capacity. The GEPF said the pause will ensure accurate verification and prevent payment errors. To date, more than 250,000 applications have been received, with around R3 billion already disbursed. Payments are expected to resume after system upgrades are completed. Members are urged not to reapply, as all valid claims remain in process. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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LOWER INFLATION ADVANTAGES A NO-BRAINERS, SAYS KGANYAGO
South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago said lower inflation has delivered “big wins,” reducing government borrowing costs and validating his decision to anchor rates near the 3% lower bound of the bank’s 3–6% target range. 10-year bond yields have fallen to 9.1% from over 11% in April. Kganyago noted that sustained low inflation encourages investment, growth, and employment, with food inflation expected to ease. The National Treasury is finalising a review of the inflation target, and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will soon formalise the new anchor, supporting a stable, predictable economic environment. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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… AS R8.6 BILLION FOREX PLAN STIRS RAMPANT GLOBAL INTEREST
National Treasury has received over 100 global proposals for its $500-million (about R8.6 billion) foreign currency financing initiative, aiming to diversify funding beyond traditional Eurobonds. The program considers bilateral term loans, private placements, structured notes, and ESG-linked instruments, with funding expected to comfortably meet the $500-million minimum target. Treasury Director Terry Bomela-Msomi highlighted strong interest from sell-side and buy-side institutions, 50+ boutique investment banks, and non-financial lenders. South Africa last tapped international markets in November 2024, raising $3.5 billion. Analysts suggest the Treasury may issue $1–$2 billion in hard-currency bonds in November, with borrowing costs favourable compared with other African sovereigns. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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AUGUST MANUFACTURING OUTPUT FALLS ON METAL DECLINES
South Africa’s manufacturing production fell 1.5% year-on-year in August 2025, driven by declines in basic iron and steel, nonferrous metals, machinery (-5.9%) and food and beverages (-3%). Seasonally adjusted, production rose 0.4% month-on-month, following -0.8% in July. Over the three months ended August, output increased 1.5% compared with the previous quarter. Six of 10manufacturing divisions reported positive growth, notably food and beverages, chemicals, and motor vehicles, contributing most to gains. Manufacturing sales also rose 0.6% month-on-month and 3% over three months, signaling gradual recovery despite ongoing sectoral challenges. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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TOP 3 RECYCLERS DEMAND INQUIRY INTO SCRAP METAL POLICIES
Three major recycling bodies - the Recycling Association of South Africa (RASA), Metal Recyclers Association (MRA), and Scrap Recycling Coalition (SRC) - have called for an independent inquiry into all government scrap metal policies, including the price preference system (PPS) and 15% export tax. Their appeal follows a Competition Tribunal ruling on 6 October confirming a buyers’ cartel between 1998 and 2008 involving Cape Gate, Scaw SA, AMSA, and Columbus Stainless, which depressed market prices by as much as 30%. The recyclers warn that these policies threaten over 20,000 jobs in the metal recovery sector and stifle fair competition, urging urgent government intervention. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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R4.8 BILLION SASFIN LAWSUIT SPARKS BANKING ALARM
The South African Revenue Service’s R4.8 billion lawsuit against Sasfin Bank could have sweeping consequences for the financial sector, lawyers warned in court. Sars accuses Sasfin of assisting 19 companies - labelled “delinquent taxpayers” - to illegally transfer over R8 billion offshore without paying taxes. Sasfin’s counsel, Wim Trengove, argued that a ruling in Sars’ favour would expose banks to limitless liability for clients’ tax misconduct, potentially destabilising the sector. The case, launched in 2023, is the first of its kind in South Africa and could redefine banks’ responsibility in monitoring and reporting clients’ financial compliance.
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DEEPENING R27 BILLION RAF DEFICIT KEEPS AG AWAKE AT NIGHT
The Road Accident Fund’s (RAF) financial crisis has worsened, with the Auditor-General highlighting a R27 billion deficit and serious accounting irregularities. The latest audit found inadequate record-keeping, missing claims documentation, and noncompliance with financial management laws. Despite government assurances of reform, the RAF continues to rely on Treasury bailouts to meet its obligations to accident victims. The Auditor-General also warned of growing legal liabilities, now exceeding R400 billion, threatening the fund’s long-term sustainability. Calls are mounting for urgent restructuring to prevent collapse and ensure timely compensation to the thousands of South Africans dependent on the RAF each year. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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TRANSNET GETS HANDS ON R6 BILLION CHINESE LOCO SPARES
Transnet has received long-awaited accreditation from Chinese manufacturers, unlocking access to critical locomotive spares worth more than R6 billion. The move follows months of talks with China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) after a standoff that left over 300 locomotives idle - cutting freight capacity by about 26 million tonnes annually. The deal enables Transnet to source key components directly, restoring reliability and improving port-to-mine efficiency. It forms part of Transnet’s R100 billion recovery plan aimed at stabilising rail operations, reducing congestion, and boosting exports. Repairs are expected to accelerate, with dozens of locomotives returning to service in coming months. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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MAY 2027 REPRIEVE FOR ZIMBABWE, LESOTHO PERMIT HOLDERS
South Africa has extended the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) and Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) programmes until 28 May 2027, granting relief to about 180,000 Zimbabweans and 55,000 Basotho. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the 18-month extension allows the Immigration Advisory Board to devise a long-term policy. The extension shields holders from deportation or arrest but renews frustration among migrants seeking permanent residency. Advocate Simba Chitando of Zepha criticised the move as “buying time” without real reform, while immigration expert Jaco Brits said the delay provides breathing space amid ongoing consultations and political tensions around foreign nationals. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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RENEWABLE ENERGY TO SURPASS COAL FOR FIRST TIME
Global power generation is undergoing a historic shift, with renewables projected to overtake coal in 2026, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Solar and wind together are expected to generate over 10 300 terawatt-hours (TWh), compared to coal’s 10,200 TWh, marking the first time clean energy leads global output. Renewables already account for 30% of global electricity, up from 20% in 2015, and investments exceeded US$1.8 trillion in 2024. China, the US, and the EU contributed over 80% of new renewable capacity last year. The IEA says this milestone signals coal’s long decline amid global decarbonisation efforts. (SOURCE: AFP)
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Too many people buy things they don’t need with money they don’t have to impress people they don’t know.
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| Dollar | R17.19 | + 0.05% | | Pound | R22.86 | + 0.01% | | Euro | R19.88
| + 0.01% | | Yen | 0.112434 |
| | Yuan | R2.41 | + 0.12 | | Bitcoin | $121 751.10 | + 0.21% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 596.10
| - 3.04% | | Gold | $ 3 970.66
| - 0.14% | | Oil | $ 64.90
| - 0.44% | | All Share | 110 243.22
| - 0.66% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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