| WHEN THE PRICE OF FOOD IS IN THE HANDS OF CONSUMERS ... |
Not all food is the same, and not all food prices are comparable, at least according to the PMBEJD Group’s basket of 44 items in its March review. The Household Affordability Index, in play since 2020, consistently lists Pietermaritzburg with the cheapest basket. In March, it was R5 002.77, about 6% below the average of the six centres monitored and 12% less than the most expensive basket from Springbok (R5 690.83).
The data is collected from 47 supermarkets and 32 butcheries across the country targeting low-income households. Much as the research is a proxy for price movements nationally, it also highlights a noticeable variance in prices between outlets serving different market segments in the same city. Or put differently, if you want to save on food costs, you’ve got to scour outlets other than your regular - and more convenient - supermarket, consider other brands, and buy in bulk.
In Pietermaritzburg for example, PMBEJD-monitored prices are noticeably cheaper than what you may find in a suburban supermarket. For reference, a loaf of brown bread at R14.49, potatoes (R8/kg), onions (R9.30/kg), tomatoes (R9.13/kg), tinned beans (R12.19/410g) and 10kg of chicken portions at R495.94 can be had.
Whether a well-heeled consumer is willing to trade the convenience of location and brand quality for a smaller grocery bill is a moot point. So too is the endless debate about substituting shop-bought produce, including pricy herbs, with growing your own, a timely reminder that food prices are mostly shaped by consumer decisions. Derek Alberts (editor)
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| BASADI FUND TO CLOSE FINANCE GAP FOR GO-GETTING WOMEN |
Janeesha Ragubeer (4th right) with some of the women invited to the Basadi-Women Growth Fund launch.
Business Partners Limited has launched the Basadi-Women Growth Fund, a new initiative designed to support women entrepreneurs and scale women-owned businesses across South Africa. The fund aims to address the persistent funding gap for female-led enterprises, offering access to competitively priced finance of up to R5 million per business. Business Partners Limited said the fund will empower women to expand operations, invest in innovation, and strengthen their market presence. For more information on how to apply, contact Elisha Dasarath on (033) 347 0120 or 072 586 9425 or at edasarath@businesspartners.co.za.
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| MIDEAST CEASEFIRE RELIEF AS OIL SLUMPS MOST IN 6 YEARS |
| A quick glance at the financial indicators in today's eBizBlitz will signal relief to most South Africans with the oil price the only indicator in red, showing a drop of more than 10% and the Rand trading around R16.40/$, functions of a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East. Globally, oil tumbled almost 19%, the sharpest drop in six years, and temporarily easing Strait of Hormuz tensions. Safe passage for 800 trapped vessels is expected. Analysts caution the relief is fragile, dependent on the ceasefire holding and uninterrupted energy flows, while investors strategically adjust positions amid uncertainty over longer-term Middle East stability. |
2010: A new species of hominid, Australopithecus sediba, estimated to be 2 million years old, was found at the Cradle of Humankind.
Elsewhere, in 1959, one of the first modern programming languages - Common Business-Oriented Language or COBOL - saw the light of day.
Those inclined towards the Chinese geomancy of flow and energy, it’s International Feng Shui Day. |
FUEL SURCHARGES STOKE PRICING, SUPPLY FEARS
Engen has implemented fuel surcharges on petrol and diesel sales following global oil price volatility, prompting concerns from government authorities. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy warned against unilateral price increases outside regulated frameworks, stressing that surcharges must comply with statutory guidelines.
Analysts say rising crude costs, exchange rate fluctuations, and supply chain pressures are driving the surcharges, which could add up to 45 c/litre at the pump. Consumer groups urged transparency and timely communication to avoid public backlash. Government officials signalled that failure to justify surcharges may trigger investigations or penalties, reinforcing the need for regulated pricing adherence and fair market practices. (SOURCE: News24) |
... AS FLIGHT TICKETS SOAR ON KEY DOMESTIC ROUTES
Air travellers are feeling the pinch as return fares surge on major South African routes due to rising airline surcharges. Cape Town–Johannesburg return flights are now about R2 000 more expensive, driven by fuel price volatility, airport fees, and foreign exchange swings. Estimated extra costs for Durban routes are also rising: Durban–Johannesburg returns up are expected to increase between R800 and R900, while Durban–Cape Town return fares are estimated to cost between R1 500 and R1 600 more. Both budget and legacy carriers have passed on these costs, prompting consumer concern. Regulators urge fare transparency, while experts recommend early bookings and comparing carriers and dates to manage travel expenses amid ongoing cost pressures. (SOURCE: News24) |
TRANSNET CRACKS FUEL-THEFT SYNDICATE
Transnet Pipelines welcomed the arrest of Sam Chavani Maswanganye, suspected member of a fuel theft syndicate operating across Gauteng, North West and Free State. Authorities, under Project Impi and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, seized two vehicles, high-pressure hoses, drilling tools and containers with petroleum traces. Maswanganye appeared in Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court, with bail and further investigation set for 9 April. Transnet said the arrest highlights law enforcement’s commitment to tackling fuel theft, which threatens pipelines, communities, and infrastructure. Investigations continue, with more syndicate members expected to be identified, aiming to curb growing disruptions in South Africa’s fuel supply. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
'SHAM' KZN-MOZAMBIQUE BORDER WALL IN R84 MILLION TENDER
A joint venture labelled a “sham” must repay R84 million in profits from a controversial border wall tender. The 8 km project along the KwaZulu‑Natal–Mozambique border aimed to curb cross-border crime, but the JV misrepresented its capacity, subcontracted most work, and inflated costs. South Africa’s procurement watchdog found breaches of tender rules and unfair practices. The court ordered repayment within 90 days, with asset seizures possible for non-compliance. Legal experts say this precedent signals stricter enforcement of public contracts and serves as a warning to other companies seeking to manipulate tenders, ensuring transparency and accountability in government procurement. (SOURCE: News24)
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DRUGMAKERS CHALLENGE BELOW-INFLATION MEDICINE INCREASES
Pharmaceutical firms are challenging South Africa’s medicine price increase of about 4.4%, arguing it falls below inflation and rising input costs. The Innovative Pharmaceutical Association South Africa and Pharmaceutical Task Group warn the gap could squeeze margins and threaten supply. Industry estimates show cost pressures, including logistics and currency weakness, rising by 6%–10%. Stavros Nicolaou said companies need transparency on the pricing formula or may pursue legal action. The sector supplies medicines worth over R50bn annually, and sustained under-recovery could lead to shortages, reduced product lines, and delayed launches, intensifying pressure on South Africa’s already strained healthcare system. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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MULTICHOICE PLEDGES R21 BILLION FOR LOCAL CONTENT
MultiChoice has committed R21 billion over three years to local content production, easing industry concerns following its takeover by Canal+. The investment, channelled through LicenceCo, aims to sustain South Africa’s film and television sector while supporting jobs and creative output. Filmmakers had feared reduced spending under new ownership, but the pledge signals continuity and growth. The funding will bolster original programming across platforms, including streaming. Industry stakeholders say the commitment is critical for maintaining momentum in local storytelling, ensuring competitiveness, and preserving South Africa’s position as a leading content hub on the continent. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
ICASA TIGHTENS RULES AS 100 000 HOPEFULS GEAR UP FOR ELECTIONS
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa has tightened broadcasting rules as campaigning begins for the 2026 local elections. The regulations place stricter obligations on the South African Broadcasting Corporation and other media to ensure fair, balanced and equitable coverage of political parties. Broadcasters must allocate airtime proportionally, avoid bias and clearly distinguish between news and political advertising. The move aims to safeguard electoral integrity amid expectations of over 100 000 candidates contesting. Icasa said compliance will be closely monitored, with penalties for violations, as authorities seek to promote transparency and credibility during a highly contested election period. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
ESKOM KICKS FOR TOUCH ON CHROME SMELTER DEAL
Eskom is seeking further extensions on a decision over electricity terms for the ferrochrome sector, as negotiations intensify. Power costs make up 30%–40% of smelting expenses, with tariffs rising more than 500% over the past decade, squeezing margins. The industry supports over 20 000 direct jobs and is a major export earner, but several smelters face closure without relief. Discussions include discounted tariffs or special pricing agreements to sustain operations. Analysts warn prolonged uncertainty risks further shutdowns, reduced exports and job losses, while Eskom must balance industrial support against its own financial recovery and revenue constraints. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
A2X EYES SLICE OF R120 BILLION ACTIVE ETF MARKET
South Africa’s A2X exchange is pushing to capture the booming actively managed ETF market, seeking regulatory approval for new listings. The local ETF sector has doubled in size over the past two years, with assets now exceeding R120 billion, driven by retail and institutional demand. CEO Kevin Brady says A2X aims to offer lower-cost, more flexible trading compared with the JSE, while encouraging innovation in fund structures. If approved, the move could attract additional fund managers and liquidity providers, expanding market choice and boosting trading volumes in a sector increasingly important for portfolio diversification and passive-investment strategies. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
FIRSTRAND MOOTS UK EXIT AS R13 BILLION CLAIMS WEIGH
FirstRand is reassessing its UK operations as mounting motor finance claims force it to raise provisions, denting earnings. Potential liabilities linked to compensation for past lending practices could reach about R13 billion, prompting strategic review. CEO Mary Vilakazi said the group is evaluating options, including a possible exit from the UK market. The uncertainty reflects tightening regulation and rising legal risks in the sector. Analysts warn the outcome could impact profitability and capital allocation, as FirstRand balances international exposure with a focus on core South African operations and long-term shareholder value. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
NIGERIAN REFINERY PUMPS 650 000 BARRELS DAILY
Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, Africa’s largest, has ramped exports of gasoline and urea to help countries affected by the Iran war supply disruptions. Operating at full capacity of 650 000 barrels daily, the Lagos-edge facility shipped 17 gasoline cargoes recently and increased urea exports, traditionally destined for the US and South America. Owner Aliko Dangote assured West, Central, and East Africa of steady supply, while seeking crude purchases in local currency to ease domestic fuel costs. Analysts say the refinery’s maximum output mitigates, but does not fully offset, high global crude prices, highlighting Africa’s reliance on local refining capacity. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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... AS ELECTRIC VEHICLE SALES SOAR TO UK RECORD
Rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East war are boosting electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the US, UK, and Asia. UK EV registrations hit a record 86,120 in March, with plug-in hybrids up 47%, while US used EV sales rose 12% in Q1 2026. Tesla slightly outperformed last year, and Thailand saw BYD and Chinese models top motor show bookings. Even Pakistan and San Francisco report strong demand. Experts say this shift reflects ordinary drivers seeking protection from volatile global energy costs, signaling a broad move toward battery-powered transport worldwide. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Education is not the learning of the facts, but the training of the mind to think.
Albert Einstein |
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| Dollar | R16.38 | + 2.58% | | Pound | R22.00 | + 1.56% | | Euro | R19.17 | + 1.66% | | Yen | 0.103798 |
| | Yuan | R2.40 | + 2.02% | | Bitcoin | $ 71 734.35
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 038.56
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| + 2.52% | | Oil | $ 94.42
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