| UKZN DRIVES TRIPARTITE PUSH FOR INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS |
The University of KZN is leading a renewed push to strengthen collaboration between academia, business and the public sector through its SPARK KZN initiative at the Graduate School of Business-Westville on 24 June. Convened by the UKZN Foundation in partnership with the Department of Science and Innovation, the event aims to connect research with real-world industry needs. While KZN businesses will engage directly with academics presenting commercially viable projects, others are invited to share operational challenges that could benefit from research-driven solutions. The platform also highlights incentives such as the 150% R&D tax rebate. SPARK KZN is designed to unlock innovation, build partnerships and support a more competitive, knowledge-driven regional economy, the organisers say.
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| STORIES OF HOPE, RESILIENCE PAY TRIBUTE TO ACTIVE CITIZENRY |
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KPCA stalwart Glenn McArthur (front, left) and Campaign Manager Lara Edmonds (front, right) with some of the participants at the recent NGO Forum.
The revitalisation of the city took centre stage at a recent NGO Forum gathering under the auspices of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business. Addressed by KPCA Campaign Manager Lara Edmonds, the meeting was regaled by stories of hope and resilience to underscore a shared commitment to rebuilding the city.
Edmonds presented the KPCA Group’s inspiring Ellie Tale — a visual narrative highlighting progress driven by active citizens. The presentation also served as a clarion call to reclaim and restore Pietermaritzburg through collective action. With growing momentum behind civic initiatives, KPCA is inviting like-minded groups to engage, collaborate and amplify impact as part of a broader movement to renew pride and purpose across the city. Contact Edmonds at info@kpca.co.za
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| FUEL-LEVY ERROR OFFERS SMALL COMFORT TO DIESEL USERS |
Motorists face sharply higher fuel costs, though a calculation error by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has slightly softened the blow for diesel users. The department revised its increase to R5.27 per litre, down from R6.19, after misapplying a fuel levy adjustment. While this correction trims the rise, diesel still climbed to over R31 per litre, fuelling inflation concerns. Petrol hikes remain unchanged. The misstep raises fresh questions about administrative reliability, with broader implications for market forecasts, logistics costs and already strained consumers across the economy. (SOURCE: Daily Maverick)
See below: Zimbabwe pilots diesel-ethanol blend |
1975: Free, compulsory education for black children was introduced.
Elsewhere, in 1937, the Hindenburg dirigible filled with hydrogen went up in flames to signal the end of the zeppelin era.
Keen to give your diet a break? Today is as good as any other day, on International No-Diet Day.
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DOUBLE WHAMMY INTEREST RATE HIKE BY JULY?
Two SA rate hikes by July, BNP Paribas predicts, warning that sticky inflation and a weak Rand could force the South African Reserve Bank to tighten policy further. The current repo rate is 6.75%, with the prime lending rate at 10.25%, both unchanged in recent MPC meetings as policymakers weigh growth risks against price pressures. BNP says fuel and food inflation remain key drivers, while global uncertainty keeps pressure on emerging markets.
However, domestic demand remains fragile, and some economists expect the SARB to hold rates steady longer. Markets are now split between one or two possible hikes versus an extended pause through mid-year. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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NHI FUNDING, COSTS TOP OF MIND IN CONCOURT BATTLE
The proposed National Health Insurance Bill is under intense scrutiny at the Constitutional Court, where funding and costing gaps dominate arguments. The Board of Healthcare Funders says Parliament passed the bill without clear projections, warning the scheme could cost hundreds of billions of Rand annually once fully implemented. Critics argue no detailed benefits package or revenue model has been finalised, raising fears of higher taxes or reallocated budgets. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi maintains preparations are ongoing. The outcome could reshape healthcare financing, affecting medical schemes, taxpayers and the sustainability of universal health coverage ambitions nationwide. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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TRADE TARIFF DECISIONS HELD TO RANSOM BY STAFF SHORTAGES
Capacity constraints at the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) are delaying critical tariff decisions, raising concern among manufacturers and exporters. The agency, led by chief commissioner Ayabonga Cawe, is grappling with staffing shortages that have slowed investigations into import duties and trade remedies. Backlogs are mounting, affecting sectors reliant on timely protection or relief. To bolster funding, Itac is considering administrative fees for processing permits and certificates. However, industry players warn delays could undermine competitiveness, disrupt supply chains and weaken policy responsiveness at a time of heightened global trade pressures. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS NSFAS BOARD EXITS SPARK GOVERNANCE CONCERNS
A wave of resignations at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme has raised alarm over governance stability, after Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela accepted the departures of interim chair Mugwena Maluleke and board member Karabo Mohale. The exits have reduced voting members, casting doubt on the board’s ability to meet statutory obligations and maintain oversight. Government is assessing legal implications and consulting remaining members. Despite the uncertainty, authorities insist funding operations will continue uninterrupted, underscoring NSFAS’s central role in widening access to higher education for disadvantaged students nationwide. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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... AND FARMERS FRET OVER FMD STRATEGY FAILURES
Farmers and industry body FMD Response SA warn the state’s vaccination drive against Foot-and-mouth disease could fail, estimating a 90%–95% probability current measures won’t achieve herd immunity. Despite easing red tape, concerns persist over limited vaccine supply, slow rollout capacity and gaps in coordination across provinces. The group argues millions of cattle require rapid, repeated vaccination to curb transmission, yet logistical constraints threaten progress. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen faces pressure to tighten execution, as prolonged outbreaks risk deepening losses, disrupting exports and destabilising already vulnerable rural economies and food supply chains. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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MULTICHOICE DENIES COLLUSION TO WARD OFF R4 BILLION FINE
MultiChoice has rejected allegations by the Competition Commission of collusion involving set-top box supplier Altech, pushing back against claims it blocked potential market entry. The watchdog is probing whether anti-competitive agreements helped entrench MultiChoice’s dominance in pay television. If found guilty, the broadcaster could face penalties of up to R4 billion, a significant financial and reputational blow. MultiChoice maintains it has acted within the law and will cooperate with the investigation. The outcome could reshape competition dynamics in South Africa’s broadcasting and subscription TV market. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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GERMAN SUITOR EYES PPC TO CEMENT AFRICA ROLE
Heidelberg Materials is considering a potential acquisition of South Africa’s PPC, a cement producer valued at about R9.4 billion. The German group is in early talks with banks to appoint advisers as it evaluates a possible full takeover. PPC operates mainly in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana and has recently benefited from stronger earnings amid rising infrastructure demand. The move reflects growing interest from global cement players in African assets, supported by a large infrastructure financing gap across the continent. Rivals have also targeted regional producers. No formal offer has been made and Heidelberg has declined to comment on ongoing discussions. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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EMIRATES FLIGHTS TO SOUTH AFRICA BACK ON TRACK
Emirates has restored most of its global flight network, including key routes to South Africa, following disruption from conflict in the Persian Gulf. The airline says 96% of operations are now back online, with more than 1 300 weekly flights to 137 destinations across 72 countries. South African services have largely resumed, with three daily flights to Johannesburg and four weekly to Durban. Cape Town remains reduced at three weekly flights. The carrier says passenger demand is recovering, supported by flexible rebooking, stopover benefits and loyalty incentives, alongside improved in-flight connectivity on selected aircraft using Starlink systems technology. (SOURCE: Engineering News).
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ZIMBABWE PILOTS DIESEL-ETHANOL BLEND
Zimbabwe is trialling a diesel-ethanol blended fuel as part of efforts to reduce import dependence and stabilise transport fuel costs. The pilot programme, supported by local ethanol producers, aims to improve energy security while cushioning consumers from volatile global oil prices. Authorities say the blend could lower diesel import bills, though performance and supply consistency will be closely monitored before wider rollout. It comes amid broader economic pressure, with the government exploring alternative fuel strategies, including higher ethanol blending ratios, to support farmers, reduce foreign currency strain, and encourage a more sustainable domestic energy mix over the medium term period. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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GLOBAL PUBLISHERS TAKE ON META OVER AI TRAINING
A group of major publishers, including News Corp, The New York Times Company, and other international media groups, has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, alleging unauthorised use of copyrighted journalism to train its AI systems. They claim Meta’s models were built using scraped articles, including paywalled content, without licensing or compensation, eroding news revenue and intellectual property protections. Meta argues its training relied on publicly available data and falls under fair use. The case intensifies global scrutiny of AI training practices and could establish precedent for how publishers are paid - or not - for data used in generative AI systems worldwide. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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MUSK TO PAY R25 MILLION OVER EX-TWITTER TRANSGRESSIONS
Elon Musk has agreed to pay $1.5 million (about R25 million) in a settlement over allegations that he failed to properly disclose his early share purchases in Twitter, now X, during the acquisition build-up, according to regulatory filings. The case centred on claims that delayed disclosure gave him an unfair advantage in accumulating a significant stake before announcing it publicly. Musk did not admit wrongdoing as part of the agreement, but accepted the financial penalty to resolve the matter. Regulators timely disclosure rules are essential for market transparency and investor protection. The settlement closes one of several legal disputes linked to the deal process. (SOURCE: AFP)
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TRAINING - COID ACT & INJURY ON DUTY
Significant changes have been made to the COID Act that will impact on EMPLOYERS as not included in the previous Act of 1993.
TRAINER: Jennie Heesen – Pro HaS Consultants
Some of these changes are as follows:
• Fines and or penalties for noncompliance of Employers with active involvement from the Inspectors of the Department of Employment & Labour.
• Requirements to be actively involved in rehabilitating injured employees.
• Employees allowed to claim beyond that which was allowed before i.e. transportation to and from work, on work related training etc.
Injuries on Duty are a costly affair with many hidden costs.
One of the additional costs incurred can be attributed to the way Workmen's Compensation forms are completed or the information captured incorrectly online due to the possible lack of understanding of those required to do so.
Once completing this workshop, the candidate will have a clear understanding of the requirements of the Act and how to complete the online submissions and other WCL forms in a manner that will save the Company unnecessary costs.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
All members of staff involved in completing documentation or uploading information online for those who become ill or are injured at work. Members of the finance department required to complete the annual assessment forms for Workmen's Compensation. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 13 May 2026
Time: 08:30 – 12:30
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (excludes vat) PMCB Members: R680 p/p, R645 p/p for 3/more, R595 p/p for 5/more Non-members: R900 p/p, R885 p/p for 3/more, R850 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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The only thing standing between you and outrageous success is continuous progress.
Dan Waldschmidt |
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