| BLOOMING GENEROSITY AMID GARDENS OF NATURE’S GLORY |
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(ltr) Thanda Mjadu (Nursing Services Manager, Sunnyside Village), Sonja Arpin (Woodgrove Village Housing Officer) and Angelique Swart (Sunnyside Village Manager) preparing for the Woodgrove Village Open Gardens.
The lush, temperate climate of Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands offers the perfect setting to celebrate creativity and compassion at the Woodgrove Village Open Gardens Weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, 25–26 October. Six stand-out gardens - open daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm - spread across 18 hectares of parkland, showcase imaginative ways that small spaces can express the individuality of their owners in celebration of the region’s rich biodiversity.
Visitors are invited to enjoy teas, light lunches, patronise a resident-run market, and view select homes on show. The event aims to raise funds to assist residents struggling with the cost of essential toiletries at a fellow-Mowena home, Sunnyside Village.
Tickets are R20 at the Woodgrove gate (cash only). For more information, or to donate items for the morning market, contact marketing@mowana.org.
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| DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY TO MARK MENTAL HEALTH'S 8OTH ANNIVERSARY |
Make mental health top of your mind and join friends and family for a special Dinner Dance Fundraiser to celebrate PMB Mental Health’s 80th Anniversary. Enjoy an evening of great food, music, and connection while supporting a meaningful cause. The event takes place on 25 October at Club Woodlander, 110 Allandale Road. Tickets cost R200 per person or R2000 for a table of ten. To book a spot or find out more, contact Philippa on 033 392 7230.
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| NO TIME TO WASTE AS 15 JANUARY EQUITY DEADLINE LOOMS |
1977: The US, Netherlands, UK, West Germany and Belgium recalled their ambassadors from South Africa for consultations.
Elsewhere, in 2002, Switzerland joined the United Nations.
It’s a mouthful, but today is dedicated to Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day.
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TOYOTA CALLS SMMES TO DRAGONS’ DEN PITCH SHOWDOWN
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) and the Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC) are calling on small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) to join the 2025 SME Accelerator, culminating in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch to industry leaders. This public-private initiative aims to empower black-owned businesses and strengthen South Africa’s automotive supply chain by developing them into competitive Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers.
Participants receive strategic guidance, commercial opportunities, and mentorship, with Tier 1 suppliers playing a critical role in supporting emerging enterprises.
TSAM CEO Andrew Kirby said inclusive growth as a responsibility, while DAC facilitator Meghan King highlights the programme’s potential to drive transformation, resilience, and competitiveness across the local automotive sector. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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DA SEEKS PROCUREMENT REFORM TO END RACE QUOTAS
The Democratic Alliance (DA) plans to use public pressure and negotiations within the government of national unity (GNU) to advance its proposed overhaul of South Africa’s public procurement system. The party aims to replace race-based preferences with a merit and efficiency-driven model to improve transparency and value for money. With 87 parliamentary seats, the DA is the second-largest party but needs coalition partners, including the ANC and smaller parties, to secure majority approval. The proposal forms part of the DA’s broader campaign to reform economic policy and promote nonracial, competitive public procurement practices nationwide. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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WILL IN-PERSON HEADCOUNT WEED OUT CIVIL SERVICE GHOSTS?
The South African government has mandated a full in-person verification of more than one million civil servants. According to the directive from the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), workers must physically confirm their employment status and attendance in departmental sessions. The move aims to eliminate “ghost workers” and secure payroll accuracy by cross-referencing records with the South African Revenue Service and Department of Home Affairs data. Labour unions have raised concerns over privacy and logistical implications, while the DPSA stresses the initiative’s role in strengthening public-service integrity. Departments are required to finalise all verifications within the coming months. (SOURCE: News24)
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RAF PAYS RECORD CLAIMS AS SCOPA PROBE WIDENS
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has paid R17.3 billion in compensation to victims and service providers over the past six months, fulfilling its pledge to clear claims older than 180 days. September marked a record R4.18 billion in monthly disbursements, with R694 million paid in a single day. The interim board, appointed by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy in August, continues to fast-track overdue settlements while improving governance. Meanwhile, former RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo may face a parliamentary subpoena after repeatedly ignoring requests to appear before Scopa’s inquiry into the fund’s financial management. Chair Songezo Zibi confirmed the committee will likely vote to compel Letsoalo if he fails to respond to its final summons. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
LAWYERS SOUND ALARM AS 13 KILLED IN TWO YEARS
South Africa’s legal fraternity is reeling after 13 lawyers were murdered over the past two years, sparking fears of targeted assassinations linked to corruption and criminal syndicates. The Law Society has urged authorities to prioritise investigations, warning that intimidation and violence threaten the rule of law. Many victims reportedly handled sensitive cases involving land disputes, organised crime, and government contracts. Legal associations are calling for enhanced police protection and stronger security measures for practitioners in high-risk areas. The killings highlight the growing dangers faced by professionals upholding justice in one of the world’s most violent societies.(SOURCE: Bloomberg).
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CAR-MAKER POLICY STALLS ON THE STARTING GRID
South Africa's flagship automotive policy, the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP), is facing delays in its mid-term review. Originally scheduled for 2026, industry stakeholders, including the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), have called for an expedited review due to concerns that current targets are unachievable. The APDP aims to double vehicle production and employment and increase local content by 50% by 2035. However, since its inception in 2018, all three metrics have declined, with local content falling from 42% to 38% and vehicle production decreasing from 600 000 units in 2018 to 500 000 in 2024. Despite these challenges, no consultant has been appointed to lead the review process. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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… AS 500 000TH POLO ROLLS OFF ASSEMBLY LANE
Volkswagen Group Africa’s Kariega plant has produced 500 000 units of the latest VW Polo since the facelift model’s launch in 2021. The milestone car - a Kings Red Polo - rolled off the line in early October, destined for Germany. Of the total, 452 207 vehicles were exported and 47 793 sold locally. The plant, operational since 1996, now serves as the sole global exporter of Polos to Europe and Asia-Pacific, reaching over 30 countries. With nearly 2 million Polos built over 29 years, VWGA celebrates the model’s ongoing success in driving South Africa’s automotive exports. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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.. AND CAPE TOWN MULLS CARPOOL LANES TO EASE CONGESTION
Cape Town, home to over 4.7 million residents and nearly 1.2 million registered vehicles, is considering congestion charges and high-occupancy lanes to ease gridlocked roads. The city’s draft Travel Demand Management (TDM) strategy targets a 20% reduction in peak-hour car trips by 2030 through carpooling, cycling, walking, and remote work. Urban Mobility MMC Rob Quintas says road expansion only worsens traffic, adding that future investment must prioritise efficient, integrated public transport. The plan, open for comment until 13 November, will guide mobility planning up to 2050. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
DUBAI FINTECH EYS R26 BILLION JSE DEBUT
A Dubai-based financial technology group is preparing a massive R26 billion initial public offering (IPO) on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange - surpassing the market value of retail giant Pick n Pay. The listing, one of the largest foreign-led IPOs on the JSE in recent years, signals renewed confidence in South Africa’s capital markets. The firm, which operates across payments, lending, and digital banking, plans to use the proceeds to expand into sub-Saharan Africa. Analysts say the move could boost investor sentiment and liquidity on the exchange, which has struggled to attract major new listings. (SOURCE: News24).
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COPYCAT KFC'S CHICKEN A TAD TOO 'SALTY'
KFC South Africa has been ordered to withdraw an advert after the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) ruled it copied Chicken Licken’s distinctive storytelling style. The complaint, lodged by Chicken Licken, argued that KFC’s Salty campaign mimicked its humour, tone, and creative format, misleading viewers into associating the ad with the rival brand. The ARB agreed, citing repeated instances of KFC imitating Chicken Licken’s award-winning campaigns. This marks the second such ruling in two years, with the board reminding brands to protect originality and respect intellectual property within South Africa’s fiercely competitive fast-food industry. (SOURCE: News24) |
US TRADE TARIFFS SLASH SME EXPORTS BY 46%
South African SME exports to the US have plunged 46% since April, according to the TUNL SME Export Index, which tracks 1 850 exporters. The drop follows the revocation of the $800 de minimis waiver on August 29 and new 30% reciprocal tariffs, pricing small businesses out of the US market. TUNL CEO Craig Lowman said the changes “landed like a sledgehammer” on local exporters, with SMEs now pivoting to alternative markets to survive.(SOURCE Engineering News)
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... AS HOPES RISE FOR SHORT-TERM AGOA EXTENSION
US President Donald Trump’s Africa envoy, Massad Boulos, says Congress is “moving positively” toward renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which expired on 30 September. The extension, expected to be short-term, will likely cover all eligible African nations. AGOA has boosted trade since 2000, enabling duty-free US market access. In 2023, two-way trade reached $47 billion, with US exports at $18.2 billion and imports at $29.3 billion. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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KENYA AIRWAYS, QATAR AIRWAYS SIGN CODESHARE DEAL
Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways have signed a new codeshare agreement covering 19 destinations, set to begin on October 26. The deal will allow passengers to book seamless connections through Nairobi and Doha, enhancing links across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Qatar Airways now operates three daily flights between Doha and Nairobi. The partnership aims to expand travel options, strengthen both carriers’ regional presence, and explore future cooperation in cargo, maintenance, airport operations, and sustainability. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
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TRAINING - ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
TRAINER: Mike Heesen – ProHaS Consultants
OVERVIEW
The primary goal of an investigation is to understand why an incident occurred, not just what transpired. This process not only involves identifying the immediate causes but also involves in many instances exposing underlying factors that may have contributed to the incident.
Understanding all aspects of an incident is crucial to develop an effective preventative measure, which is not only a legal requirement in terms of the Act, but it also has a financial benefit for the company concerned.
By the conclusion of the training, the delegate should have a sufficient understanding of this process to achieve the required outcomes. This process will then provide the employer with a meaningful investigation not only providing an understanding of the events that transpired but also suggesting suitable controls to prevent a possible future occurrence.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Management, Supervisors, and those tasked with Accident Investigations within the Organisation. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 28 October 2025
Time: 08:30 – 12:30
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (Excludes vat)
PMCB Members: R682.60 p/p, R643.48 p/p for 3/more, R595.65 p/p for 5/more
Non-members: R900 p/p, R882.60 p/p for 3/more, R852.17 p/p for 5/more
Please note: The company will be liable for payment unless CANCELLATION is received in writing 24 hours prior to the event. |
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Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.
Norman Vincent Peale |
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