| PRIVATE SECTOR STEPS UP AIR SUPPORT IN MIGRANT PROTEST |
| GLOBAL BEST PRACTICE BOOST FOR TRADE HUB ENTREPRENEURS |
Senior Expert Services Specilaist Dr Steen Bjerre flanked by Trade Hub manager Lucrisha Polton (left) and Trade Hub co-ordinator Thobeka Khambule.
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) Trade Hub has strengthened its support for entrepreneurs following a three-week visit by Senior Expert Service specialist Dr Steen Bjerre. Working with Trade Hub manager Lucrisha Polton and co-ordinator Thobeka Khambule, he reviewed operational processes, shared international best practice and identified ways to improve service delivery. Through workshops, strategy sessions and business assessments, Dr Bjerre helped refine systems to make the hub more efficient and scalable. He also visited entrepreneurs participating in the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa Green SEEDS Programme, offering guidance to support business growth and regional economic development.
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| FOREST RESTORATION CHAMPION LEAVES LASTING LEGACY |
| The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business added its voice to messages of condolence from the city, business sector and environmental community over the passing of Janine Stephen, co-founder of the Ferncliffe Forest Wilding (FFW) with life partner, Connor Cullinan in 2021. After an accomplished journalism career in South Africa and overseas, Janine devoted the past five years to the restoration of Pietermaritzburg’s indigenous mistbelt forest and protecting biodiversity. She forged partnerships with international conservation organisations and found purpose in removing invasive plants and planting indigenous trees for future generations. Described as gentle, kind and selfless, Janine leaves a lasting environmental legacy. FFW will continue its restoration work in her honour. She is survived by Connor, her parents, Cherry and Richard, and sister Vanessa. |
| TOLL PLAZA-KEY RIDGE UPGRADE TO CAUSE TRAFFIC DELAYS |
Motorists using the N3 between Mariannhill Toll Plaza and Key Ridge should expect significant traffic disruptions as SANRAL begins a R6 billion, five-year upgrade of the 11.1km route. The project includes widening carriageways, building two new viaduct bridges, upgrading drainage, improving lighting and installing new barriers, signage and road markings. Reduced speed limits of 40km/h for heavy vehicles and 60km/h for light vehicles will apply through construction zones. Alternative routes, including the M13 and selected provincial roads, may be used during major incidents. SANRAL says the project will improve safety, freight movement and long-term road capacity.
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1961: The International Labour Organisation called for South Africa’s withdrawal at the Geneva Conference.
Elsewhere, in 2007, Apple released the first iPhone that revolutionised the smartphone industry.
Take your pick, it’s International Mud Day, International Day of the Tropics, and International Fisherman Day.
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MUNICIPALITIES SEEK AARTO DELAY OVER FUNDING CONCERNS
Municipalities are seeking a court order to halt the next phase of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) rollout, arguing they are not financially or operationally prepared. The law aims to reduce pressure on courts by handling traffic offences administratively while using a demerit points system to remove repeat offenders from the roads.
However, the South African Local Government Association says implementation costs will exceed revenue from fines, forcing municipalities to divert funds from essential services. Businesses have also warned they have insufficient time to adapt their systems before the planned 1 July rollout, while concerns remain over legal and administrative readiness. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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NERSA WARNS ESKOM TARIFF DEALS FAIL INDUSTRY
South Africa’s electricity pricing regime is failing to shield energy-intensive industries from soaring power costs, according to a report by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa). The paper says negotiated pricing agreements with Eskom have provided limited relief, leaving manufacturers exposed to steep tariff increases that threaten competitiveness and investment. Electricity prices have climbed by more than 1 100% since 2003, eroding the benefits of special pricing deals, as electricity sales to large users plunged from 71 629 GWh in 2004/5 to 43 143 GWh in 2024/25. Nersa argues that tariffs should better reflect the actual cost of supply, ensuring customers pay only for services they use while protecting key industries that support jobs, exports and economic growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SABS DELAYS IMPORT SAFETY CHECKS AFTER INDUSTRY CONCERNS
The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has suspended implementation of its proposed Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme while further consultations take place with industry and government. The measure was designed to stop unsafe and non-compliant imported products from entering the South African market by requiring goods to be certified before shipment from their country of origin. However, concerns over customs procedures, the programme's scope and implementation readiness prompted the delay. Industry warned the current framework could disrupt imports, while certification arrangements in China had not yet been fully approved by the Chinese authorities. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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DELTA TARGETS GROWING US RETIREE MARKET HERE
Delta Air Lines is expanding its focus on South Africa as rising numbers of retired Americans choose the country for its lower living costs, favourable exchange rate and attractive lifestyle. The airline sees growing demand for long-haul travel from retirees seeking affordable healthcare, scenic destinations and established expatriate communities. Improved air connectivity is expected to support tourism and longer-term stays while boosting local hospitality and related industries. South Africa has become increasingly appealing to foreign retirees whose pensions stretch further, creating opportunities for airlines, property developers, healthcare providers and the wider tourism sector as this niche market expands. (SOURCE: News24)
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OPENAI IPO DELAY SHAKES GLOBAL AI INVESTOR CONFIDENCE
OpenAI is reportedly considering delaying its planned initial public offering until 2027, as advisers question whether the ChatGPT developer can justify its targeted $1 trillion valuation. The company was last valued at $730 billion in February, but slowing growth, fierce competition and a lack of profitability have fuelled investor caution. The report unsettled global markets, with major backer SoftBank's shares falling sharply and dragging Japanese and South Korean technology stocks lower. Meanwhile, surging investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure continues to drive up memory chip prices, increasing costs for electronics manufacturers and consumers worldwide. (SOURCE: Finimize)
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CHINESE CARS HIT FAST LANE IN RECORD EUROPEAN MARKET SHARE
Chinese vehicle manufacturers captured a record 11% of Europe's new car market last month, driven by strong demand for competitively priced hybrid SUVs. Chinese brands now account for almost a quarter of new hybrid sales in the European Union, intensifying pressure on established automakers. European car shares have fallen about 40% since April 2024, while BMW has warned it may barely break even this year. Analysts say the industry's competitive edge is shifting from brand names to batteries, software and technology, where Chinese firms excel. Companies including BYD and Chery are also expanding manufacturing operations inside Europe. (SOURCE: Finimize)
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...AS VW WEIGHS DEEPER JOB CUTS AND FACTORY CLOSURES
Volkswagen AG is considering a major restructuring that could see up to 100,000 jobs cut and four German factories closed as it battles rising competition and weaker global demand. According to reports, chief executive Oliver Blume wants to reduce overhead costs by €11 billion by 2030 and streamline the group by separating some operations. The measures are aimed at improving competitiveness as the automaker faces pressure from Chinese rivals, US tariffs and sluggish sales. Labour unions have strongly opposed the proposals, warning they threaten workers and regional economies. The plans will be discussed by Volkswagen's supervisory board next month. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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AUSTRALIAN TEENS DODGE SOCIAL MEDIA BAN WITH EASE
Seven months after Australia introduced a ban on under-16s using social media, many teenagers continue to access popular platforms with little difficulty. Reports indicate that young users are bypassing age restrictions through inaccurate birth dates, shared accounts and other workarounds, raising questions about the effectiveness of enforcement measures. The legislation was intended to reduce online harms, including cyberbullying, harmful content and excessive screen time. Experts say stronger age-verification technology and greater cooperation from social media companies are needed. The experience highlights the challenges governments face in regulating children's access to rapidly evolving digital platforms. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.
Maya Angelou |
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