| IT'S BACK TO DRAWING BOARD FOR MSUNDUZI ELECTRICITY TARIFFS |
The upshot of the High Court court ruling late Wednesday evening that set aside Msunduzi Municipality’s unlawful 2024/25 electricity tariffs is three-fold - City Hall has to come clean on its Cost of Supply (COS) figures, proper consultation needs to happen, and appropriate tariffs need to be calculatd by the end of June 2026. There’s several underlying issues in play here, not least the regulator’s role in the mess and compounded by the municipality’s chaotic approach that has, among other consequences, resulted in industrial users subsidising domestic users.
The legal ruling brought certainty to a drawn-out process dating back to 2022 - as explained by Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business CEO Melanie Veness to members yesterday - click here - and places the ball squarely in City Hall’s court. Equally important is for all stakeholders to participate in a fair, transparent and accountable consultation process. And the very least beneficiaries coat-tailing on the PMCB’s actions can do is show their support. - Derek Alberts (Editor) |
| GIVING EXPRESSION TO AN ETHOS OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY |
Angie Narayanan of the Community Chest (left) with a collection of school shoes, toys and toiletry packs handed over by The Wykeham Collegiate Deputy Head Cathy Thomson. .
Leading independent girls’ school, The Wykeham Collegiate (TWC), continues to pair academic excellence with a deep commitment to social responsibility. Rooted in an ethos that celebrates each learner’s unique talents, the school is a loyal supporter of the Pietermaritzburg & District Community Chest. As 2025 drew to a close, Wykeham extended its generosity beyond its annual donation by contributing school shoes, toiletries and 105 toys for children whose families cannot afford such essentials. Distributed through Community Chest partner NPOs, the donation brought timely relief and festive cheer, highlighting TWC's commitment to community empowerment.
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| WHEN A TOO-GOOD-TO-BE-TRUE OFFER SIMPLY CANNOT BE RESISTED |
| Anybody taken in by the Woolies promise of a box of meat for R200 if you’re over 40, complete with salivating testimonials under a “sponsored” tag, on Facebook? Turns out it’a a “whack-a-mole” scam; evertime a post is taken down, a new one rears its head. It’s not clear what the intention behind this scam is, but probably related to collecting data for nefarious purposes. Best Woolworths can do is what it’s doing, warning the greedy and gullible that if the offer sounds too good to be true, it more than likely is, and to rely on credible sources, like its official website. And yet, despite being beaten on the head for more than a week, the scam continues to circulate. Eish. |
1971: The first Cape to Rio yacht race set off on its 3 600 nautical mile journey.
Elsewhere, in 1919, Prohibition began in the US after the 18th amendment of the constitution prohibited the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors.
Spare a thought for Romanian Adriana Iliescu who, in 2005, became the world's oldest birth mother at 66. |
ZERO-TOLERANCE DRINK-DRIVING, BREATHALYSERS FOR TAXIS ON THE CARDS
Government plans to introduce a total ban on drinking and driving, alongside the rollout of breathalysers in taxi vehicles, to curb South Africa’s high road death toll. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act will be amended to remove any legal alcohol limit for drivers. Meanwhile, Santaco will begin installing breathalysers in taxis, starting with long-distance vehicles, preventing drivers who have consumed alcohol from operating them.
Preliminary festive season data shows a 5% decline in fatalities, with 1 427 deaths recorded, but Creecy called the toll a “national shame”. Authorities say enforcement and behavioural change remain critical. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS TREASURY SEEKS TOUGHER POWERS TO TRACK MONEY
National Treasury has invited public comment on a proposed bill that would strengthen South Africa’s ability to monitor money flows and combat financial crime. The legislation would expand the powers of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), enabling it to conduct lifestyle audits and improve tracking of cash moving into and out of the country. It also proposes tougher scrutiny of digital platforms by banks, stronger oversight of companies and non-profit organisations, and enhanced protection for whistleblowers. Treasury said the reforms address remaining weaknesses flagged by the Financial Action Task Force and will help prepare South Africa for its next international assessment starting in mid-2026. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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GODONGWANA URGES NHI TRUCE AMID LEGAL BATTLES
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has called for a truce in the growing legal battle over the National Health Insurance (NHI), urging stakeholders to seek agreement rather than prolonged court action. He said the nine court cases challenging the NHI’s implementation risk delaying progress towards universal health coverage and diverting attention from constructive solutions. Godongwana argued that differences should be resolved through dialogue focused on the most practical and sustainable way to deliver equitable healthcare to all South Africans. While acknowledging concerns raised by business, medical schemes and civil society, he stressed that universal health coverage remains a constitutional imperative. The minister said collaboration, compromise and policy clarity are essential to ensure the NHI achieves its intended social and economic objectives. (SOURCE: News24)
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COURT LIMITS EMPLOYER BAN ON JOB-SEEKING
The Labour Court has ruled that dismissing an employee for seeking work with a competitor can be substantively unfair, reaffirming limits on restrictive employment clauses. In Lucchini South Africa v CCMA, the court upheld the CCMA’s finding that the employee’s dismissal was unfair, but reduced compensation from 12 to six months’ salary. Crucially, the court found that a contractual clause barring an employee from taking preparatory steps to join a competitor violated constitutional rights to freedom of trade and was contrary to public policy. The judgment confirms that such clauses are generally unenforceable without a valid quid pro quo. (SOURCE: News24) |
... AS SANRAL LEVY BOOST FOR FUEL STATIONS SMACKED DOWN
Highway petrol stations have received a boost after a court set aside Sanral’s proposed levy aimed at funding upgrades to roads and service areas. The ruling found that the levy process was unlawful, preventing Sanral from imposing additional charges on fuel retailers operating along national routes. Industry players argued the levy would have increased operating costs and ultimately pushed up fuel prices for motorists. The court’s decision removes this uncertainty and offers temporary relief to highway service stations, which had warned that the levy could threaten profitability and investment. Sanral may now be required to revisit its funding model within legal limits. (SOURCE: News24)
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RISING INPUT COSTS UNDERMINE SA MINING COMPETITIVENESS
Surging electricity and water prices are eroding South Africa’s mining competitiveness despite strong commodity markets, Minerals Council South Africa warns. Power costs rose nearly 16% year on year in November 2025, while water tariffs increased 11.6% and labour costs about 6%. These pressures persist despite easing overall input inflation of 2.7%, helped by lower fuel prices, falling interest rates and a stronger Rand. Buoyant gold and platinum prices - forecast at $5 000/oz and $3 000/oz respectively - have masked structural weaknesses. The council says a lack of reform in electricity, labour and logistics continues to weigh on long-term growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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MARKET PUNISHES MR PRICE FOR R9.7 BILLION FOREIGN EXCURSION
Mr Price shares fell to a 52-week low of R162.56 as investors reacted cautiously to the proposed R9.7 billion acquisition of European retailer NKD. Concerns stem from limited financial information on the deal, making it difficult to judge whether the price represents good value. Analysts note that NKD’s growth lags the value segment, and the acquisition is unlikely to be earnings accretive in year one. Mr Price plans a capital markets day in early 2026 to clarify strategy, NKD’s positioning, and prospects. Until more details are disclosed, market caution is expected to persist amid broader retail sector weaknesses. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
BAT CALLS IT QUITS OVER FLOOD OF ILLEGAL FAGS
British American Tobacco has confirmed it will close its Heidelberg manufacturing plant by the end of 2026, ending local cigarette production after a 70-year presence. The company has begun a formal Section 189A consultation process affecting about 230 employees, expected to conclude by March 2026. BAT blamed the decision on the rapid growth of the illicit cigarette trade, estimated to make up around 75% of the market, alongside above-inflation excise hikes and policy missteps. Once closed, BAT will rely on imports to supply South Africa, while retaining its JSE listing and local sales operations. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
USED CAR MARKET ENDS 2025 IN THE FAST LANE
South Africa’s used car market closed 2025 on a firm note, with December sales showing strong year-on-year growth despite a softer month-on-month performance. AutoTrader data shows 30,742 vehicles were sold in December, 16.3% more than a year earlier, generating R12.89 billion in value. Average prices climbed to R419,537, reflecting resilient demand. Bakkies and affordable hatchbacks continued to dominate, led by the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, while models such as the Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 recorded sharp growth. The results point to a value-driven but resilient used car market heading into 2026. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
CULLINAN COUGHS UP 41.82 CARAT GEM WORTH R656 MILLION
Petra Diamonds has recovered a remarkable 41.82-carat blue diamond from its Cullinan mine in South Africa, reaffirming the operation’s status as a global source of rare blue gems. Classified as a high-quality Type IIb stone, the diamond displays strong colour and clarity and ranks among the largest blue diamonds found in recent years. While Petra has not yet assigned an official price, comparable Cullinan blue diamonds have previously sold for tens of millions of dollars, with similar stones achieving values of around US$40 million (about R656 million). The discovery supports Petra’s strategy of maximising value from exceptional stones. (SOURCE: News24) |
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Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.
Ralp Waldo Emerson |
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| Dollar | R16.36 | - 0.11% | | Pound | R21.89 | - 0.19% | | Euro | R18.98 | - 0.09% | | Yen | 0.103236 |
| | Yuan | R2.35 | - 0.12% | | Bitcoin | $ 95 585.50 | + 0.05% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 340.20 | - 2.62% | | Gold | $ 4 606.55 | - 0.19% | | Oil | $ 63.44 | - 0.47% | | All Share | 120 870.22 | + 0.01% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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