| PUSHING BOUNDARIES TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN GROUP DYNAMICS |
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Trainer Dirk Calitz (top, left) guiding participants to help unlock the power of positive group dynamics in action. Words and pictures by PMCB intern Mvelo Ximba.
Trust Dirk Calitz of Outdoor Educators to liven up a training session on team effectiveness at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business last week. The workshop brought to life the dynamics of exceptional teamwork through a series of engaging activities, including a practical group challenge that encouraged communication, trust, and collaboration.
The energy was electric as participants laughed, strategised, and supported one another in real time, demonstrating the power of positive group dynamics in action. Throughout the workshop Calitz guided the group through essential topics such as the values that shape high-performing teams, how to foster an inspiring team environment, and the importance of positive thinking in unlocking collective potential. The session also encouraged individuals to reflect on their own contributions as team players and leaders, igniting a renewed sense of motivation and unity.
Attendees left the session with practical tools and fresh perspectives to take back into their daily work. The event was also a reminder of what can be achieved when individuals align with shared values, communicate openly, and commit to a common goal.
Click here for the remainder of the 2025 PMCB business skills programme.
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| HULAMIN ADDS FINISHING TOUCHES TO R500 MILLION MILL |
| Hulamin has finalized the critical final phase of its R500-million capital investment to enhance its canbody stream, completing the widening of its cold rolling mill during a 25-day shutdown in July. Initiated in 2022, the project aims to meet rising demand for locally produced cans by reducing imports and improving efficiency for local manufacturers. The upgrade enables production of wide-width canbody coils previously imported. With phases one and two finished in 2024, Hulamin now focuses on product qualification and commercial readiness by early 2026, strengthening its sustainability and competitiveness in the regional can market. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
| RUST-OUT: WHEN WORKPLACE BOREDOM UNDERMINES MOTIVATION |
1991: Ismael Mahomed became the first black judge appointed to the Supreme Court of South Africa.
Elsewhere, in 1948, the London Olympic Games was officially opened.
Hold the note, on World Steelpan Day honouring the instrument from Trinidad and Tobago, the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century.
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BRACE FOR SHORT-TERM INFLATION BLIMP, WARNS KGANYAGO
Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago cautioned that inflation is expected to rise in the coming months before easing back toward the 3% medium-term target. The bank’s recent 25 basis-point rate cut to 7% reflected optimism that inflation will settle at the lower end of its 3%–6% target range, potentially allowing for further rate reductions.
However, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana criticized the cut for bypassing established consultation processes and denied plans to revise inflation targets soon. The ongoing tension highlights the delicate balance between controlling inflation, supporting growth, and maintaining economic stability. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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… AND PLAYS DOWN 30%-TARIFF IMPACT
The Reserve Bank expects only a modest economic impact from new 30% US tariffs on local exports, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. Governor Lesetja Kganyago said the US accounts for just 7% of exports, less than China or Europe, and the tariffs trim 2025 growth forecasts by only 0.1 percentage points. While industry groups warn of job losses, markets remain calm, with investors confident businesses can adapt and pivot to alternative markets. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
FAST-TRACK VISA SUCCESS PAVES WAY FOR EXPANSION
South Africa’s home affairs minister Leon Schreiber has expanded the trusted tour operator scheme (TTOS), adding 45 approved operators to the existing 65, now totalling 110. The digital-first system fast-tracks visa approvals for vetted operators in India and China, reducing delays from weeks to under 24 hours. Since its February launch, TTOS has brought 25,024 extra tourists, creating an estimated 1,924 jobs. Operators assume responsibility for the visitors they bring, streamlining travel and boosting tourism. Schreiber says upcoming electronic travel authorisation and event-specific visas will further cement SA’s position as a global destination despite ongoing economic headwinds. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
ESKOM BURNS R5.8 BILLION DIESEL TO KEEP LIGHTS ON
Eskom has burned R5.84 billion in diesel between April and early August 2025 to power its open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs), almost 50% of last year’s total spend, but insists it remains within budget. The utility says improved plant stability has reduced load-shedding risks, though outages above 15,000MW could trigger up to 21 days of stage 2 cuts this winter. Economist André Lourens notes reliance on OCGTs is higher than last year, while setbacks at Koeberg’s nuclear units - including cracks in new steam generators and further shutdowns before licence expiry - threaten longer-term grid reliability despite short-term supply gains. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
MOODY’S FRET OVER TRANSNET’S R130 BILLION DEBT
Moody’s has downgraded Transnet’s baseline credit assessment (BCA) to caa1, citing high execution risks in its debt-reduction plan and reliance on government guarantees. The long-term corporate family rating remains Ba3 with a stable outlook, supported by R145.8 billion in state guarantees covering nearly all debt redemptions for five years. Moody’s flagged persistent structural weaknesses, unsustainably high interest burdens, and slow progress on asset sales and private-sector participation. Transnet’s debt exceeds R130 billion, with interest coverage below 1x until at least 2027. While operational reforms continue, a lasting fix for its capital structure remains elusive, keeping investor concerns high despite improved market confidence. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
SOUTH AFRICA JOINS PUSH FOR REAL DIAMONDS
South Africa has joined an international initiative to boost the appeal of natural diamonds amid growing competition from lab-grown alternatives. The cabinet approved participation in a program funded by a 1% levy on diamond companies' annual revenues from rough diamond sales. This effort, led by the Natural Diamond Council and signed by major producers including De Beers, aims to strengthen marketing and demand for natural diamonds worldwide. South Africa, the sixth-largest producer, faces declining production and sales, with lab-grown diamonds gaining favor due to lower costs and ethical appeal, pressuring the traditional diamond industry. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
MK PARTY COMES A CROPPER IN WORKPLACE INTERVENTION
The MK Party suffered a legal blow after inserting itself into an unprotected strike at Boomerang Fruits over overtime underpayments. Despite management’s swift promise to fix the error, workers picketed, some “striking for MKP.” The Labour Court found the party acted as a proxy trade union - issuing statements, attending mediations, and assisting in legal charges - despite denying active involvement. The court imposed a costs order, barred further interference, and reaffirmed that political parties should advise, not participate, in workplace disputes. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
EU AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS NEED STRATEGIC RESET
South Africa must rethink its EU agri-food export strategy as growth slows despite steady volumes, a Stellenbosch–Mendel University study warns. Citrus, grapes, wine, apples, pears, and avocados dominate shipments, but non-tariff barriers and shifting EU demand are eroding competitiveness. Researchers recommend targeting faster-growing Eastern European markets, investing in ports and electricity to reduce costs, resolving regulatory disputes, and diversifying into BRICS and high-growth Asian markets to ensure long-term resilience beyond current EU trade deals. Without strategic change, South Africa risks losing ground in a market it has long dominated. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
MINERAL DEMAND HELPS TO THAW ZIM-UK TRADE TIES
After nearly 30 years of strained relations, Zimbabwe and the UK are rebuilding diplomatic ties driven by global demand for critical minerals. In June, UK Minister Lord Ray Collins met President Mnangagwa, marking a significant thaw since tensions peaked under Robert Mugabe’s rule. The UK aims to finalize $1 billion in deals spanning agriculture, finance, telecoms, renewable energy, and minerals. A flagship project is the 30MW Vungu solar energy investment. Historically close post-independence, relations soured in 1997 over Britain’s refusal to fund Zimbabwe’s controversial land reform, but both nations now seek mutually beneficial economic growth. |
… AND AFRICA'S MINERALS HOLD KEY TO GLOBAL CLEAN-ENERGY SHIFT
Africa should focus on boosting critical mineral production to support the global clean-energy transition, says Africa Finance Corp president Samaila Zubairu. Accounting for less than 4% of global emissions, Africa’s own carbon output is negligible, so reducing emissions is less impactful than increasing energy access. With 570 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lacking electricity, expanding hydropower is crucial; only 11% of the continent’s 340GW hydropower potential has been developed. Africa’s vast natural gas reserves could be utilized without significantly increasing global emissions, driving economic growth while supporting global energy needs. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
SHOCK US TARIFFS ROIL GLOBAL GOLD MARKET
The US has stunned bullion markets by imposing tariffs on one-kilogram and 100-ounce gold bars, reversing expectations of exemption and driving New York futures to record highs. The move threatens trade flows from Switzerland, Hong Kong, and London, widening price gaps with global benchmarks. Industry players fear supply disruption, legal challenges, and knock-on effects for futures trading. Analysts warn of strained refining capacity and heightened volatility until tariff scope is clarified, while Swiss diplomatic efforts to reverse the decision have failed, deepening tensions in US–Swiss trade relations already strained by earlier surges in gold exports. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
'VOLATILE' CRYPTO COINS BOOM SPARKS INSTABILITY FEARS
A surge in listed companies pivoting into “digital-asset treasury firms” (DATs) to buy cryptocurrencies has raised fears of market instability, particularly in volatile altcoins like Solana and TON. In 2025, DATs announced $79 billion (about R1.4 trillion) for Bitcoin and $25 billion for altcoins, fueling rallies but risking forced selloffs if share prices fall below net asset value. Bitcoin faces lower risk due to higher liquidity and major holders’ reluctance to sell. Executives warn a collapse of a large DAT could end the current bull run. Insider trading concerns, banker-driven deal proliferation, and lack of yield strategies heighten the fragility of this speculative boom. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
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Where focus goes, energy flows.
Tony Robbins |
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| Dollar | R17.70 | + 0.35% | | Pound | R23.85 | + 0.16% | | Euro | R20.65 | + 0.17% | | Yen | 0.120043 |
| | Yuan | R2.47 | + 0.18% | | Bitcoin | $ 122 130.40 | + 4.45% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 316.20
| - 0.81% | | Gold | $ 3 367.72
| - 0.87% | | Oil | $ 66.01 | - 0.18% | | All Share | 100 885.16 | + 0.21% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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