| BLASTING TO DISRUPT N3 TOMORROW, THURSDAY |
Motorists are reminded that SANRAL will implement full closures of the N3 between the Ashburton and New England interchanges tomorrow, 12 May and Thursday, 14 May as well as next Tuesday, 19 May from 15:00 to 15:30 for blasting operations near the Market Road bridge. No access will be allowed via interchange ramps during the closures. The R103 will serve as an alternative route, although significant delays are expected. Heavy vehicles are urged to delay trips or use staging areas where possible.
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| SPONSORS SUPPORT SETS SCENE FOR DAY OF SUBLIME GOLF |
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The winning quartet of (ltr) Gary Whalley, Cobus van Vuuren, Ash Roopchand and Boy Booysen representing PDC. Click here for the full gallery of pictures.
The weather gods smiled benignly on the Xtec PMCB Golf Day at the Maritzburg Golf Club on Friday with a light breeze drifting across the fairways. Foursomes representing companies took to the course in relaxed spirits with the team from PDC of Gary Whalley, Cobus van Vuuren, Ash Roopchand and Boy Booysen returning the best score. In second place was the SLG-sponsored team of Simphiwe Nzama, Siya Mbili, David Poole and Wayne Muller, followed the joint SLG-Hulamin team of Anand Naidoo, Rahim Shaik Ebrahim, Anesh Singh and Mark Gounder and the Barons quartet of Sunil Maharaj, Kapil Maharaj, Lee Chetty, Veetesh Maharaj in fourth place
The event was marked by strong camaraderie, with participants making the most of the opportunity to network, reconnect and share time in a convivial atmosphere. Once the golfing action concluded, proceedings moved indoors over supper and an awards ceremony recognising the winners, standout performances and an array of sponsors making the event possible
Special tribute was paid to Tinus Havinga for his organisation as well X-Tec (main sponsor), Santova (support sponsor) and Maritzburg Golf Club. The sponsors of tees and greens included Austen Smith, Remax Midlands and DVH, FNB, Key Pietermaritzburg, Garden City Commercials and Brink Towing Systems for supporting the popular putting competition.
Sponsors of prizes included PSG (nearest to the pin and chipping competition), Austen Smith, FNB, Brink Towing Systems, LC Packaging, Mech Tech, Natal Associated Chemicals, Apex, Somta, Woolridge Motors, Liberty Midlands Mall, Key Pietermaritzburg, Consort SA, Core Wellbeing, X-Tec, Thornleigh Wines and Umgeni Water.
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| ENTRIES OPEN FOR KZN WASTE MANAGEMENT AWARDS |
Entries for the KZN Waste Management Awards, launched in 1992 and now run under the IWMSA KZN Branch, are open. The awards recognise organisations across KZN for excellence in sustainable and responsible waste management. The biennial programme rewards businesses that apply waste hierarchy principles, reduce environmental impact and adopt circular economy practices. Categories include manufacturing, services and a new 2026 waste beneficiation award for companies transforming waste into value-added products. Entry is free and open to all qualifying organisations, with benefits including audits, expert feedback, efficiency gains and public recognition for cleaner, greener operational performance. Click here for more information and entry requirements.
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1959: FIFA recognised the National Football League to herald professional soccer in South Africa.
Elsewhere, in 1997, IBM's Deep Blue defeated Garry Kasparov, the first time a current world champion had lost a match to a computer under tournament conditions.
Some introspection will go a long way towards World Ego Awareness Day.
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ACCESS-CONTROL MEASURES HEADING FOR PRIVACY CRACKDOWN
South Africa’s Information Regulator is tightening scrutiny on office parks, gated estates and residential complexes over intrusive data collection practices that may breach privacy laws. The regulator’s latest code seeks to curb excessive copying of identity documents, unchecked facial recognition systems and the harvesting of visitor information beyond what is reasonably required for security purposes.
The measures apply to commercial and residential premises using access-control systems, amid growing concerns over how personal data is stored, shared and protected. The move signals a broader clampdown on surveillance-style security practices, with property managers and security firms expected to review compliance procedures or risk regulatory penalties. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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R2.13 TRILLION TAX TARGET IN PERIL IN MIDEAST WAR
New South African Revenue Service commissioner Johnstone Makhubu has warned that the Iran war and soaring fuel prices could derail South Africa’s R2.13 trillion tax revenue target for 2026. Government’s extension of fuel levy relief measures is expected to cost the fiscus about R17-billion, increasing pressure on public finances as economic growth slows. Makhubu said SARS may intensify efforts to recover part of the estimated R650-billion owed by taxpayers, while targeting illicit trade, VAT leakage and customs under-declaration. He cautioned that weaker economic growth poses the greatest threat, with around 86% of tax revenue dependent on overall economic performance. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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HILLSIDE POWER TALKS CLOUD SMELTER’S UNCERTAIN FUTURE
South Africa’s largest single electricity consumer, South32’s Hillside aluminium smelter in Richards Bay, faces mounting uncertainty as negotiations over future power supply arrangements intensify. The energy-intensive operation relies heavily on preferential electricity agreements with Eskom, but rising tariffs, supply instability and decarbonisation pressures are complicating long-term planning. Hillside plays a critical role in exports, industrial jobs and regional economic activity, making its future strategically significant for both government and industry. Analysts warn that failure to secure a viable energy framework could threaten the smelter’s competitiveness, while successful restructuring may become a blueprint for energy-heavy industries navigating South Africa’s evolving electricity landscape. (SOURCE: News24)
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LEARNER LICENCE FAILURES SPIKE AS NEW TEST TAKES EFFECT
South Africa is experiencing a sharp rise in learner’s licence failure rates following major changes to testing procedures aimed at tightening road safety standards and reducing fraud. Updated assessments place greater emphasis on hazard awareness, road signage interpretation and stricter pass requirements, catching many applicants unprepared. Driving schools and motorists say the revised system has increased pressure on first-time candidates, with some testing centres reporting significantly lower pass rates since implementation. Authorities argue the tougher approach is necessary to improve driver competence and curb corruption in the licensing process. Critics, however, warn that inadequate public education and inconsistent testing standards may unfairly disadvantage applicants and worsen existing licensing backlogs. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS COURT SLAMS RAF OVER R2.23 MILLION CLAIM REFUSAL
The Road Accident Fund has been ordered by the Western Cape High Court to pay more than R2.23 million to road accident victim Catherine Yiannakis after unlawfully refusing to cover medical expenses already paid by her medical aid. Acting Judge M Louw also issued a punitive costs order, criticising the RAF for pursuing what she called a “frivolous” defence despite binding court rulings confirming its liability. The dispute centred on payments made by Discovery Health Medical Scheme. The judgment intensifies scrutiny of the RAF’s repeated attempts to avoid medical claims through internal directives later challenged or overturned in court. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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TAU EASES MERGER RULES TO BOOST DEALS
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has moved to reduce regulatory hurdles for corporate mergers by raising thresholds that determine whether transactions must be approved by the Competition Commission. The changes are expected to exempt a greater number of smaller and mid-sized deals from mandatory scrutiny, potentially accelerating investment activity and lowering compliance costs for companies. Government says the reforms are aimed at improving ease of doing business while allowing regulators to focus resources on larger, more complex mergers with greater market impact. The move forms part of broader efforts to cut red tape and stimulate economic growth and corporate restructuring activity. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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DETTOL'S ANTI-BACTERIAL CLAIMS DON'T WASH, SAYS COURT
Consumer health brand Dettol has lost an advertising dispute against rival soap manufacturer Colgate-Palmolive over marketing claims linked to anti-bacterial protection. The ruling found that aspects of Dettol’s promotional messaging were misleading or insufficiently substantiated, handing a victory to the maker of Palmolive products. The case highlights intensifying competition in the personal care sector, where brands increasingly rely on scientific and health-based claims to attract consumers. Legal experts say the outcome reinforces stricter scrutiny of advertising standards and evidence requirements, particularly in hygiene and wellness categories where companies seek to differentiate products through claims of superior germ protection or health benefits. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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IRAN CONFLICT HITS MARION ISLAND FUEL SUPPLIES
South Africa’s remote Marion Island research base is facing fuel supply pressure after the Iran war disrupted global diesel shipments and delayed the departure of the polar supply vessel SA Agulhas II from Cape Town. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said shortages of specialised polar diesel, linked to instability in Middle East energy markets, prevented the ship from sailing on schedule. Officials said the sub-Antarctic base had about nine days of fuel remaining, although food supplies remain sufficient for several weeks. The disruption highlights how conflict-driven turmoil around the Strait of Hormuz is affecting even isolated scientific operations. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS OIL PRICES RISE ON US-IRAN FIGHT ESCALATION
Global oil benchmarks climbed about 1% as renewed fighting between the United States and Iran threatened an already fragile ceasefire and reignited fears over disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose to above $101 a barrel, while WTI crude also gained, reversing earlier losses linked to peace deal optimism. Traders remain focused on supply risks, with the strait carrying a significant share of global oil and LNG flows. Analysts warn price volatility is being driven by shifting geopolitical signals, ceasefire uncertainty, and repeated flare-ups in military exchanges that keep energy markets on edge. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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... AND TOYOTA BRACES FOR R70 BILLION HIT
Toyota Motor Corporation has warned that fallout from the Iran war will reduce its earnings by about $4.3billion (about R70 billion) this financial year, marking one of the largest corporate impacts reported since the conflict began. The disruption has strained global supply chains and pushed up energy costs, even as demand for hybrid vehicles continues to rise. Toyota reported a sharp decline in quarterly operating profit and forecast weaker annual earnings, citing production delays and higher input costs. The crisis has also hit Middle East sales while intensifying pressure on the global auto industry already facing tariffs and competition from Chinese manufacturers. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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US COURT SMACKS DOWN TRUMP’S GLOBAL TARIFF PUSH, AGAIN
A US federal trade court has struck down President Donald Trump’s temporary 10% global tariffs, ruling that the administration exceeded powers granted by Congress under the Trade Act of 1974. The split decision by the Court of International Trade followed a lawsuit brought by small businesses and the state of Washington after the Supreme Court of the United States previously rejected broader tariff measures earlier this year. The ruling intensifies uncertainty around Trump’s protectionist trade agenda, with legal experts expecting further appeals. Businesses are now likely to seek refunds and broader relief from tariffs already paid under the contested measures. (SOURCE: AP)
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On the other side of a storm is the strength that comes from having navigated through it. Raise your sail and begin.
Gregory S. Williams |
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| Dollar | R16.44
| - 0.30% | | Pound | R22.35
| - 0.19% | | Euro | R19.33
| - 0.08% | | Yen | R0.00 |
| | Yuan | R2.42
| - 0.39% | | Bitcoin | 80 666.95
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 032.00
| - 0.87% | | Gold | $ 4 678.27
| - 0.64% | | Oil | $ 104.47
| + 2.89% | | All Share | 117 566.22
| - 0.27% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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