| HUMANS FALLING OFF THE PACE AS ROBOTS STEAL THE SHOW |
Humanoid robots raced alongside human runners in Beijing’s half-marathon, with a Chinese-developed robot finishing in just 50 minutes, smashing last year’s record. The event showcased China’s fast-moving robotics ambitions and sparks amusement, as spectators joked about needing sneakers with better batteries to keep up next time for humans. Click here for a light-hearted look at the evolotion of technology.
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| WILL MSUNDUZI 60-DAY PLAN REVERSE THE SEWAGE FLOW? |
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Blocked drains, overflowing sewage and poor maintenance contribute to the city's sewage crisis. Image courtesy of M&G.
There is good news and bad news about Pietermaritzburg enduring sewage crisis - the Msunduzi Municipality has reportedly committed to producing an action plan within 60 days, but chances of an immediate improvement are slim.
Crumbling infrastructure and municipal incapacity bedevil an already complicated picture as reports paint a distressing picture of illegal dumping and blockages from non-flushable waste that are exacerbated by “make-a-plan” fixes that merely transfers the problem elsewhere The municipal mandarins face a daunting task given the national Department of Water and Sanitation’s Green Drop report highlighting a collapse of the city’s waste water treatment performance from 78% in 2021 to 30.2% in 2024 and concomitant median E. coli levels rocketing from 1 400 counts (CFU) per 100 mL in 2001 to 47 475 in 2025, a 34-fold increase.
That Pietermaritzburg is not the only municipality suffering the sewage stink is small comfort as a report by the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) points out. Addressing the draft White Paper on Local Government, IMESA blamed the sharp decline in municipal service delivery to plunging skills and poor compliance with professional qualifications. |
| OVERSUBSCRIBED COMRADES SUBSTITUTION, PROBLEM-SOLVING TRAINING |
The Comrades Marathon substitution process drew intense demand, with 4 832 applicants chasing just 2 444 available entries. The slots came from withdrawals logged between 16 and 30 March, all placed into a new ballot system replacing the previous first-come method. Race director Sue Forge said the ballot improved fairness despite inevitable disappointment. The 2026 race had already sold out its 22 000 entries in a single day. Runners must finalise qualifying details and medical information by 4 May or risk disqualification.
A business skills training session at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business tomorrow aims to sharpen structured problem-solving skills. Led by Tanya Hulse of Training Leadership Consulting, the programme introduces practical tools drawn from Lean principles and the PDCA cycle. Participants will learn to diagnose root causes, reduce bias and implement sustainable solutions across teams. The course also explores the A3 methodology popularised by Toyota. Contact Thabisile on (033) 3452747 or at info@pmcb.org.za.
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1968: An SAA Boeing 707 en route to London crashed after take-off from Windhoek airport. Of the 129 people on board, 122 were killed.
Elsewhere, in 1951, a human organ was surgically replaced for the first time when Romanian surgeon Dan Gavriliu used a section of the stomach to bypass the esophagus.
Today is International Cli-Fi Day dedicated to stories about people dealing with climate change. |
FUEL PRICE SPIKE OUTPACES SALARY GROWTH
Rising fuel costs and stubborn inflation are eroding household incomes, raising doubts over whether salary increases can keep pace. Recent data shows petrol prices climbing by more than R1.50 per litre in recent adjustments, while annual inflation hovers around 5% to 6%.
By contrast, average wage increases in many sectors remain below 5%, effectively shrinking real purchasing power. Economists warn transport and food costs - both heavily fuel-linked - are driving the squeeze. The South African Reserve Bank has cautioned that inflation risks remain elevated. Analysts say without above-inflation wage growth, many households will struggle to stay financially afloat. (SOURCE: News24) |
FUEL FORMULA UNDER SCRUTINY AS GLOBAL PRESSURES MOUNT
South Africa is reviewing its Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Basic Fuel Price formula as global supply chains shift sharply following Middle East disruptions. Officials say diesel pricing is under the most pressure, with current benchmarks still heavily weighted to Gulf markets that now account for virtually no imports. Supply has shifted toward the Atlantic Basin, including the US, Brazil and Mexico, alongside local output from Sasol and Natref. Authorities are also considering storage reforms and levy relief after a recent R3/litre cut. Diesel surcharges have emerged as import costs rise sharply. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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GRANT SCAMS AND DEDUCTIONS ON THE RISE, WARNS SASSA
The South African Social Security Agency has warned beneficiaries about rising exploitation linked to unlawful deductions and scam schemes targeting social grant recipients. Officials say vulnerable groups are being misled into unauthorised debit orders and fake “loan” arrangements that erode monthly payments. Sassa is working with law enforcement and financial institutions to identify perpetrators and block fraudulent transactions. The agency stressed that no legitimate service is allowed to deduct money without consent. Beneficiaries are urged to check statements regularly and report suspicious activity, as enforcement action intensifies against networks preying on grant-dependent households nationwide. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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CAR RECALLS DOUBLE AMID SAFETY PROBE
South Africa has seen vehicle recalls more than double over the past year, raising concerns about manufacturing defects and consumer safety. The National Consumer Commission is finalising an investigation into the scale and causes of the recalls, with findings expected to shape stricter enforcement. Affected models span major brands, including Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, covering issues from faulty airbags to electrical failures. Consumers are urged to check recall notices and ensure repairs are completed. Authorities warn non-compliance could pose serious risks, as scrutiny intensifies across the automotive sector. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS DEALER CONSOLIDATION ACCELERATES ON ASIAN INVASION
South Africa’s vehicle retail sector is undergoing rapid consolidation as Chinese and Indian automakers expand aggressively, reshaping dealership networks. Brands such as Chery, Haval and Mahindra are gaining market share with competitively priced SUVs and bakkies, forcing legacy dealers tied to Toyota, Volkswagen and Ford to rethink footprints. Dealer groups are merging or diversifying portfolios to stay viable amid shifting demand and thinner margins. Analysts say the influx of Asian brands is accelerating structural change in the market, with consolidation expected to continue as competition intensifies and consumer preferences evolve. (SOURCE: BDLive
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AIRPORTS OPEN DOOR TO GREATER PRIVATE ROLE
The state is considering expanded private sector participation in major airport operations as the Airports Company South Africa prepares a R21.7 billion infrastructure upgrade over five years. Key facilities including OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport are central to the plan. Officials say private capital could help ease funding pressure and improve efficiency amid rising passenger volumes and ageing infrastructure. The proposal signals a shift toward blended investment models, balancing state control with private expertise to modernise aviation infrastructure and boost operational performance. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS B-BBEE PROCUREMENT DRAFT MOOTS 40% THRESHOLD
The National Treasury has reinforced broad-based black economic empowerment requirements in new draft procurement regulations, requiring companies to demonstrate that at least 40% of prior procurement spending went to black-owned firms. The move is aimed at deepening transformation in state and private supply chains and tightening enforcement of existing empowerment frameworks. Businesses bidding for government contracts will face stricter verification of supplier records and ownership structures. Critics argue the rules could increase compliance burdens, while supporters say they will broaden economic participation. The draft forms part of wider reforms to public procurement governance and accountability.
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SIBANYE TARGETS PGM METALS FOR MEDICAL USE
Sibanye-Stillwater is expanding into cancer-treatment metals, targeting new growth beyond traditional mining. The group is focusing on Platinum, Iridium and Palladium, including isotopes used in precision oncology. Platinum underpins chemotherapy drugs like Cisplatin, while Iridium-192 is used in radiotherapy and Palladium-103 in prostate cancer implants. Demand is rising with advances in targeted treatment. Sibanye says its refining capabilities position it to supply high-purity materials, as it pivots toward healthcare markets and reduces exposure to volatile commodity cycles. (SOURCE: News24)
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RAMAPHOSA EYES R1.2 TRILLION SPANISH INVESTMENT PUSH
Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted an €62 billion (about R1.2 trillion) pipeline of 85 investment-ready projects, urging Spanish investors to deepen long-term partnerships in South Africa. Speaking at the South Africa–Spain Business Forum in Madrid, he said structured opportunities via InvestSA span green energy, critical minerals, digital infrastructure and pharmaceuticals. Trade between the two countries reached €2.8-billion in 2025, with South African exports up 10% to €1.3 billion. Spain has already committed over €2.1-billion to South Africa’s energy transition. Ramaphosa also warned against unfair carbon border measures, calling for finance and technology support for developing economies. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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DOLLAR DOMINANCE TO RULE THE GLOBAL ROOST
The US dollar is expected to retain its global reserve status, supported by the scale of the US economy, deep financial markets and strong institutional credibility, according to Franklin Templeton’s Sonal Desai. She argues no credible alternative exists, as the Euro lacks unified safe assets and the Chinese yuan remains constrained by capital controls. Despite political uncertainty and trade tensions, BIS data shows the dollar accounts for about 89% of global FX turnover. Analysts say recent weakness is cyclical, not structural, with the dollar still well above historical lows in real terms. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
HORMUZ STANDSTILL DERAILS US IRAN PEACE HOPES
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has ground to a near standstill, undermining fragile peace efforts between the United States and Iran. Iran has again restricted passage, warning it will block vessels while a US naval blockade remains in place. The waterway typically carries about 20% of global oil supply, amplifying market anxiety. Oil prices have surged, with Brent nearing $96 a barrel amid renewed disruption. Planned talks now face collapse, as both sides trade threats and conditions, leaving a lasting ceasefire increasingly unlikely. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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RARE FERRARI TO BLAZE NEW MONACO AUCTION RECORD
A rare Ferrari 250 GT is expected to fetch around R300 million (about R4.9 billion) at an upcoming Monaco auction, reflecting surging demand for elite collector vehicles. The 250 GT series has repeatedly broken price records in recent years, driven by scarcity, racing heritage and investor appetite for blue-chip automotive assets. Specialists say well-preserved examples are increasingly seen as alternative investments, often outperforming traditional markets. The Monaco sale is expected to attract global bidders, with provenance and originality key to valuation. The result could further cement the model’s status among the most valuable classic cars in the world. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Helen Keller |
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| Dollar | R16.38 | - 0.41% | | Pound | R22.11 | - 0.29% | | Euro | R19.26 | - 0.42% | | Yen | 0.103143 |
| | Yuan | R2.41 | - 0.02% | | Bitcoin | $ 74 254.46
| - 4.07% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 096.00
| - 0.81% | | Gold | $ 4 792.96
| - 0.84% | | Oil | $ 95.37
| + 3.81% | | All Share | 121 249.22
| + 2.13% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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