| ROBUST SALES SET SCENE FOR COOPER PHASE AT HESKETH ESTATE |
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The Hesketh Estate boasts expansive views over Pietermaritzburg as well as top-class residential facilties, including a clubhouse and swimming pool. Despite ongoing infrastructure concerns, the Pietermaritzburg business community continues to show remarkable resilience, championed by the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business. A major signal of this confidence is the upcoming launch of Cooper, the latest phase of the fast-selling Hesketh Estate.
Backed by strong market demand, Cooper offers secure, contemporary homes from R1.125 million in the sought-after suburb of Hayfields. Hesketh Estate has outperformed expectations since its 2020 launch, with 142 sales in its first year and consistent price growth of 10–12% across unit types. Rental occupancy hit 97% by December 2024, with annual rental escalations of up to 10%. Hayfields, which has seen a 36% growth in adult population since 2011, boasts strong household incomes between R77 500 and R91 500 per month - highlighting its growing affluence.
The Cooper phase responds directly to demand for secure, high-quality, and family-oriented living, and offers amenities like green spaces, a clubhouse, and 24/7 security. It marks a bold vote of investor confidence in Pietermaritzburg’s future. |
| SAB ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME IS FOR READY-TO-GROW BUSINESSES |
| The SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme is now open for applications! This 18-month journey offers SA entrepreneurs business training, market access, one-on-one mentorship, and holistic support - including mental health services. If your business is over a year old, 51% Black-owned, SA-based, and run full-time, apply by 8 September at midday. Special focus: women, youth, rural entrepreneurs, and people with disabilities. Apply here or contact 086 181 9209. |
| LIKE IT OR NOT, AI WILL CONTINUE TO CHANGE HOW WE WORK |
1988: Angola, Cuba and South Africa agreed to a formal ceasefire to ultimately pave the way for Namibian independence.
Elsewhere, in 1974, Philippe Petit walked on a high wire between the newly built twin towers of the World Trade Centre, 411 metres above the ground. |
CONSUMER, MANUFACTURE REBOUND HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC RESILIENCE
The South Africa’s economy showed resilience in July with the BankservAfrica Economic Transactions Index (BETI) rising for the third consecutive month to 139.3, 1.9% higher than a year prior. BETI represents the entirety of interbank payments in South Africa and shows that consumer spending and manufacturing rebounded. The improved metrics were achieved 0 despite ongoing global uncertainties and trade tensions, including US import tariffs impacting non-commodity exports. Inflation eased to 3%, supporting salary growth for the second year running. Vehicle sales surged, and purchasing managers’ indices signaled expansion.
Electronic transaction volumes hit a record 177.5 million. Overall, broad-based gains across sectors indicate steady economic momentum amid challenges, with local firms adapting to external trade risks and supportive government initiatives. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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JSE SURGES PAST 100 000-MARK ON MARKET RECOVERY
The JSE All Share Index closed above 100 000 yesterday, rebounding strongly after last week’s dip amid US tariff concerns. Year to date, the All Share Index is up 18% and the Top 40 by 22%, outperforming the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (15%). Strong performances in mining, telecoms, and tech - plus a firmer rand - fueled momentum of the bourse that breached the 100,000 mark for the first time on 23 July. CEO Leila Fourie credited infrastructure upgrades and growing global investor interest for the gains. (SOURCE: Moneyw |
ELECTRICITY LIBERALISATION SPARKS INTEREST IN TRAINING
Growing interest in electricity market liberalisation is evident as over 60 participants attended the National Transmission Company South Africa’s (NTCSA) first official SAWEM School at Wits Business School. The initiative prepares stakeholders for the 2026 launch of the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM), which will enable competitive trading. More courses are planned nationwide, with graduation required for future market participants. NTCSA is scaling its Market Operations unit and awaits Nersa approval on key elements including the Market Code and wholesale tariffs. SAWEM is expected to improve price transparency, system reliability, and private sector participation in South Africa’s power sector. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
GOLD MINER INKS 10-YEAR GREEN DEAL FOR 10% OF ENERGY NEEDS
Gold miner Pan African Resources has signed a 10-year deal with NOA Trading to source 10% of its annual 112 GWh electricity demand from wheeled renewable energy. The agreement covers its operations in Mpumalanga and Gauteng and includes verified renewable energy certificates, enabling annual carbon savings of 137,000 tons. It complements Pan African’s existing on-site solar generation and planned expansion. CEO Cobus Loots calls the deal a strategic sustainability move. While NOA faces a legal challenge from Eskom over its trading licence, the partnership highlights miners’ growing demand for cost-effective green power amid South Africa’s accelerating 15.8 GW renewable energy pipeline. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
LOCAL-IS-LEKKER KEY TO SAVING 34 000 JOBS FROM SHEIN, TEMU
South Africa risks losing over 34,000 jobs in its clothing retail and manufacturing sector by 2030 if offshore e-commerce giants Shein and Temu continue to expand unchecked. A study by the Localisation Support Fund warns that these platforms captured R7.3bn in local sales last year - diverting demand from domestic producers. Despite recent policy steps, experts say more urgent localisation is needed. This includes compliance enforcement, stronger incentives for local sourcing, and digital supply chain upgrades. Without action, global platforms may cannibalise South Africa’s gains under the Retail-Clothing Masterplan and weaken efforts to build sustainable local industries. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
SHOPRITE DITCHES MALAWI, GHANA TO FOCUS ON SA
Shoprite Exits Ghana and Malawi to Refocus on SA Market Shoprite Holdings is selling its operations in Ghana and Malawi, continuing a strategic retreat from several African markets to concentrate on South Africa. The retailer, once Africa’s top food chain with presence in 15 countries, faced setbacks due to currency instability, high inflation, import duties, and dollar-based rentals. This follows previous exits from Nigeria, Kenya, and others. Shoprite expects its 2025 headline earnings per share from continuing operations to rise up to 19.4%, with sales projected to reach R252.7 billion. Capital allocations remain limited outside South Africa as the group consolidates to strengthen core operations. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK TOASTS R5.7 TRILLION CAPITAL BASE
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has grown its capital base from $93 billion (about R1.66 trillion) in 2015 to a record $318 billion (about R5.7 trillion) last year - its highest in 60 years. In 2025 alone, it issued $10 billion in global bonds to fund African projects. Under outgoing president Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the AfDB has maintained a AAA rating, led SDR innovations with the IDB, and issued $14 billion in social bonds. It mobilised $5 billion through risk guarantees, enabled Africa’s first Panda Bond, and unlocked $225 billion in investment interest via the Africa Investment Forum. Strategic capital optimisation continues to amplify the bank’s impact continent-wide. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
GOLD HOLDS STEADY AMID US ECONOMIC CONCERNS
Gold maintained its longest winning streak since February, trading at $3 383/oz after a 3% gain over four sessions. Fears of a US economic slowdown, weak services data, and a soft labour market have driven demand for safe-haven assets. Traders now see a 90% chance of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September, which typically boosts non-yielding assets like gold. Despite rising nearly 30% this year amid global instability and declining confidence in the dollar, gold remains range-bound below its April record of $3 500/oz. Silver and palladium were steady, while platinum dipped slightly. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
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TRAINING - HOW TO NETWORK YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS - RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
TRAINER: Brenda Eckstein – Brenda Eckstein International
OVERVIEW
Attend this energetic, fun workshop and it will help you to become a better personal networker while enjoying the process. Please note: this workshop does not cover social media, but rather, building relationships through personal contact.
Why do we need to build positive relationships? It helps us to recognise and optimise opportunities for business and personal growth. Scientific studies show that South Africa has the highest screen-time in the world and in many cases individuals feel a sense of personal isolation and inactivity. This makes going out and meeting people more difficult. Let's change that so that you enjoy positive interactions.
Outcomes: As a result of attending this workshop, you'll be able to:
• Introduce yourself in a way that leads to conversation.
• Practice simple techniques for building conversation.
• Learn how to be assertive yet maintain relationships.
• Plot your network.
• Strategize building stronger relationships with stakeholders.
• Compare the strengths and importance of various relationships
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This workshop is aimed at individuals in leadership or management positions and anyone who'd like to enhance their work and private lives through building positive relationships.
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 14 August 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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Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.
Abraham Lincoln |
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| Dollar | R17.73 | + 0.30% | | Pound | R23.70 | + 0.21% | | Euro | R20.69 | + 0.19% | | Yen | 0.120670 |
| | Yuan | R2.47 | + 0.27% | | Bitcoin | $ 114 563.80 | - 0.44% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 341.30 | + 0.16% | | Gold | $ 3 385.19
| + 0.48% | | Oil | $ 67.26
| + 0.61% | | All Share | 100 153 | + 0.48% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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