| SEASONED LEADERSHIP TO PROPEL COMRADES TO NEW HEIGHTS |
Newly-elected Comrades Marathon Association chair Mark Leathers and vice chair Nontuthuko Mashimane. (Pic credit CMA)
The Comrades Marathon Association has appointed Mark Leathers as chair and Nontuthuko Mashimane as vice-chair after its AGM at Carter High School on Saturday. Both Leathers and Mshimane have completed the race and have served on the sub-committees to CMA leadership to the board. Outgoing chair Mqondisi Ngcobo will remain on the board to complete his current two-year term, having already served two full terms as chair. The newly-elected board also co-opted Lene Swart for her financial planning skills.
The full CMA board for 2025/2026: Mark Leathers (chair), Nontuthuko Mashimane (vice chair), Mqondisi Ngcobo, William Mtolo, Brenda Marolen, Carel Nolte, Rory Steyn, Alan Gray, Barry Holland and Lene Swart (co-opted).
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| BLUEBIRD COFFEE ROASTERY FLIES FLAG FOR KZN MIDLANDS |
Bluebird Coffee Roastery in Howick continues to shine in the South African sector with no less than four nominations in the 2025 Coffee Magazine Awards. The Coffee Box Drive-Thru also cracked the nod in the booming industry projected to post 11.7% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate). With an estimated 35 000 cafés nationally, growing consumer sophistication, and a shift to specialty, ethically sourced coffee, the downstream industry is primed for an accelerating contribution from domestic growers in KZN, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, currently supplying less than 0.5% of coffee consumed in South Africa. In this respect Dylan Cumming of Port Edward-based Beaver Creek is acknowledged for his efforts through the Red Berry initiative. Click here for the full list of nominees.
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| BRACE FOR FUEL INCREASES AT MIDNIGHT TOMORROW |
After several months of declining prices at the fuel bowser, motorists better brace themselves for increases at midnight tomorrow when the December regime kicks on. Both petrol and diesel are poised to rise on the back of firmer global oil prices and a weaker Rand. Estimates suggest increases of between 20c and 45c per litre for diesel and petrol, depending on the grade. The latest adjustments reflect normal month-end volatility, while longer-term trends still point to moderate price relief compared with last year’s peaks. (SOURCE: News24)
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1880: The railway line between Durban and Pietermaritzburg was completed.
Elsewhere, in 1834, slavery was abolished in the Cape Colony.
Observed with more purpose previously, World Aids Day is today.
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NERSA ON 5-YEAR MISSION WITH TRIO OF MARKET REFORMS
Nersa has taken three major steps toward South Africa’s competitive electricity future, approving a Market Operator licence for the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), new Grid Capacity Allocation Rules, and appointing a 14-member Electricity Market Advisory Forum.
The licence clears the path for the South African Wholesale Electricity Market, set to launch in 2026, though conditions were delayed pending NTCSA’s “independence roadmap” to address Eskom-related conflicts.
The new grid rules ensure fair, transparent access and stop inactive projects from blocking capacity. The EMAF will guide Nersa through the transition as South Africa moves toward a fully independent Transmission System Operator within five years, as required by the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS INDUSTRIAL GAS USERS BACK POOLING TO MEET DEMAND
South Africa’s industrial gas users have formed GasHub, a nonprofit pooling demand from nearly two dozen shareholders to secure long-term supply amid declining output from Sasol’s Mozambique fields by 2028. The initiative aims to attract international LNG suppliers and infrastructure investment. Planned LNG import terminals, including TotalEnergies’ Matola project, could link to the 537-mile Rompco pipeline. Gas will also help replace coal as South Africa retires plants. Sasol and Eskom are exploring gas aggregation. GasHub’s strategy addresses both short-term supply risks and long-term opportunities, ensuring industrial users maintain access to natural gas while leveraging regional LNG infrastructure for security and cost efficiency. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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STEEL SECTOR FRETS OVER EXPANDED REVIEW
The government’s expanded review of the steel industry - now covering pricing, safeguard measures and competition in local mills - has rattled producers and downstream manufacturers. Critics fear the broad scope will drag on key decisions, undermining investment just as global steel prices fluctuate. Industry insiders highlight the risk to the estimated 1 million direct and indirect jobs tied to South Africa’s metal and manufacturing sectors. They warn that further delays could raise costs, reduce competitiveness, and stall projects dependent on stable steel supply. Meanwhile, policymakers argue the comprehensive review is needed to safeguard long-term sustainability and fair trade. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SA POSTS R15.6 BILLION TRADE SURPLUS IN OCTOBER
South Africa recorded a R15.6 billion trade surplus in October, driven by R192.2 billion in exports against R176.6 billion in imports, SARS reported. Year-to-date, the surplus stands at R142.7 billion, slightly below 2024’s R148.1 billion. Exports rose 7.4% year-on-year, boosted by gold, diamonds and aluminium, while imports climbed 7.3%, led by crude oil and petroleum products. Trade with BELN countries delivered a R12.1 billion surplus, with R19.7 billion in exports. Excluding BELN, South Africa posted a more modest R3.5 billion surplus as global trade flows remained volatile. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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NON-BANK PAYMENT EXEMPTION PAVES WAY FOR DIGITAL ADOPTION
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has exempted certain non-banks from traditional banking licence requirements - allowing them to carry out key payment roles under the new directive. This change opens the door for fintech firms and other authorised non-bank players to process payments, handle funds transfers, and operate clearing and settlement functions, under oversight. While SARB did not report exact figures, the directive is expected to expand competition, lower fees, and accelerate digital payment adoption by increasing the number of licensed payment providers. Compliance with prudential and operational rules remains mandatory, ensuring safety and stability alongside innovation. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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COMPCOM GREENLIGHTS R7.2 BILLIONN CURRO TAKE-OVER BID
The Competition Commission has backed the Jannie Mouton Foundation’s R7.2 billion bid to acquire and delist private-schools group Curro, imposing conditions to boost education for historically disadvantaged learners. The foundation’s R13-per-share offer represents a 60% premium to Curro’s 30-day VWAP in August and includes cash plus Capitec and PSG shares. Once delisted, Curro will be owned by a non-profit trust, with surplus funds reinvested in schools, facilities and bursaries. Shareholders must still vote, and final approvals from the Tribunal and Reserve Bank are pending. Delisting is expected late 2025 or early 2026. (SOURCE: Moneweb)
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ALTRON LAUNCHES FIRST DOMESTIC AI FACTORY
Altron has launched South Africa’s first operational AI factory, providing enterprise-level AI infrastructure as a service. Powered by Nvidia accelerated computing and hosted in Teraco’s AI-ready data centres, the platform now serves over five launch clients, including Dataviue, Lelapa AI, and MathU. With 800+ curated AI models, local data sovereignty, and enterprise-grade support, it enables companies to develop, train, and deploy AI solutions securely at competitive pricing. Partners Asus and HPE provide hardware and marketplace software, while Altron’s team offers specialised consulting, ensuring faster innovation. The initiative addresses African business challenges, boosts efficiency, and reduces offshore dependency, marking a transformative step in local AI adoption. (SOURCE: Engineering News
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A2X RETAINS 40 ISSUERS AFTER FSCA REVIEW
In 2023, A2X invited 43 companies for secondary listings through an opt-out admission process, allowing firms that accepted or did not opt out to trade on the exchange. After 15 months of trading, the FSCA launched a review, resulting in a 90-day enforceable undertaking and a R700 000 administrative penalty. Following the process, 40 companies, including major large-caps like Richemont, Glencore, Gold Fields, Harmony Gold, and Mondi, chose to remain listed. CEO Kevin Brady said the retention demonstrates confidence in A2X, strengthens liquidity, lowers trading costs, and reinforces competitive choice while clarifying listing procedures and regulatory compliance. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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UBER LAUNCHES TWO-WHEEL RIDES TO BEAT CONGESTION
Uber has rolled out its new motorbike ride option, Uber Moto, across more than 20 Johannesburg areas, offering commuters a faster, low-cost alternative for short urban trips. The service, already popular in other African cities, aims to cut travel times in traffic-heavy corridors such as Sandton, Rosebank, Randburg and Midrand. Fares start at significantly lower rates than standard Uber X trips, with improved efficiency for last-mile travel. Riders must wear provided helmets, while drivers undergo the same safety checks, licensing requirements and background screenings as other Uber partners, ensuring compliance and rider security. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SPAR PUTS FAITH IN GOURMET FORMAT FOR AFFLUENT MARKET
Spar is expanding into the premium segment with the launch of its new Gourmet store format, aimed at wealthier consumers seeking higher-end food experiences. The concept focuses on artisanal products, elevated fresh offerings and curated convenience ranges designed to compete directly with top-tier retail rivals. Executives say the move marks a strategic shift as Spar “challenges long-held norms in South African retail” by blending value, quality and upscale convenience under one brand. The rollout forms part of Spar’s broader effort to diversify its customer base, lift margins and strengthen its position in a highly competitive grocery landscape.(SOURCE: BDLive)
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SOUTH AFRICA RISKS FALLING BEHIND CONTINENTAL PEERS
S&P Global Ratings warns that South Africa could lose ground to faster-growing African economies, with national growth projected at just ~1.3–1.6% in 2025–27. By contrast, the broader region - Sub‑Saharan Africa - is forecast to expand by aound 3.8% in 2025, and growth for many African economies could reach about 4.5% in 2026–28.S&P notes that sluggish GDP performance continues to weigh on competitiveness, investment appetite and fiscal stability, widening the gap with more dynamic markets. Without decisive action to revive growth, address infrastructure failures and stimulate private-sector activity, South Africa risks losing further ground in a rapidly advancing regional landscape. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS AGOA EXCLUSION RISKS R28 BILLION DUTY-FREE EXPORTS
US Senator John Kennedy introduced the Agoa Extension and Bilateral Engagement Act (Agoa 2.0) to renew duty-free access for 32 African nations, excluding South Africa over ties to China, Russia, and Hamas. The Bill mandates strict eligibility, bilateral trade reviews, and potential sanctions under Global Magnitsky standards. Exclusion could cost South Africa $2.8 billion in exports, affecting automotive parts, citrus, wine, and textiles reliant on Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg logistics hubs. Agoa 2.0 aims to strengthen US-Africa trade aligned with American interests, while South Africa seeks certification to retain market access, preserve jobs, and protect established multimodal trade chains. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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The truth always turns out to be simpler than you thought.
Richard Feynman |
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