| META'S R288 BILLION DEAL SIGNALS SOCIAL MEDIA CHANGES, AND PAIN |
Meta’s proposed $18 billion (about R288 billion) settlement over allegedly addictive features targeting young users comes with an unusual twist: TikTok and YouTube are being invited to share the pain. Meta wants rivals to adopt similar screen-time limits, nighttime blocks and age-assurance measures. If they do, Meta’s own restrictions tighten, while part of its payment depends on competitors contributing too. In short, Meta wants an industry-wide solution – and apparently fewer lonely losers.
See below: Social media safeguards coming for children in South Africa |
| CITY GOES GREEN AS ARBOUR DAY CAMPAIGN TAKES ROOT |
(ltr) Aliyah Eichler and Lizalise Mlonzi, both from RVT Modelling, and Samuel Edmonds getting ready for the Arbour Day drive.
A new green campaign is taking root in Pietermaritzburg, with KPCA Group and Hayfields Mall joining forces to replace trees lost across the city. Hayfields Mall is sponsoring 10 indigenous trees, five of which were donated to schools at the recent Happy Earth Festival, while another five will be planted during Arbour Week, September 1–7, including at Victoria Park.
The campaign has already attracted interest from businesses, schools, Hatcheries Park and the KZN Museum, with Hayfields Mall considering further donations and becoming an annual Arbour Week sponsor. KPCA Group says the initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of urban trees while encouraging the community to become tree planters. Indigenous trees are being sourced at discounted rates from Andrew James of Indigenous Nursery.
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| TRAINING TO TURN FINANCIAL STRESS INTO WORKPLACE SUCCESS |
Financial stress can quietly undermine focus, productivity and employee wellbeing, a dynamic that Nikki Sinclair of So Much More tackles in a practical workshop to equip employees with tools to budget, manage debt, save and plan confidently. The session at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business on Thursday, 3 September aims to improve morale, engagement, retention and performance, leaving participants with practical strategies and templates they can use immediately. Contact Thabisile on (033) 345 2747 or at info@pmcb.org.za
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1499: Explorer and navigator Vasco da Gama completed his voyage round the Cape of Good Hope to India.
Elsewhere, in 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr, delivered his “I have a dream speech” in Washington.
No kidding, it’s International Read Comics in Public Day! |
SOCIAL MEDIA SAFEGUARDS COMING FOR CHILDREN IN SOUTH AFRICA
South African children could soon experience changes to Instagram and Facebook following a landmark US agreement aimed at strengthening protections for young users. The developments could influence how Meta platforms handle children’s accounts, parental controls, age verification and access to certain features.
While the agreement applies in the US, its implications could extend to other markets as governments worldwide increase scrutiny of social media’s impact on children.
South Africa is also considering stronger measures around children’s online safety, privacy and age-appropriate access. Any changes implemented locally could affect how young users interact with Meta’s platforms and how parents monitor their children’s online activity. The developments highlight growing pressure on technology companies to balance access with stronger protections for minors. (SOURCE: News24)
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PRODUCER INFLATION PLUNGE LIFTS RATE-RELEF HOPES
South Africa’s producer price inflation slowed sharply to 5.7% year on year in July, down from 7.5% in June, as lower fuel prices helped contain factory-gate costs. The decline gives the South African Reserve Bank additional room to keep interest rates unchanged, while easing pressure on businesses and consumers. The July figure was in line with expectations. Lower fuel prices were a key contributor to the moderation, with the impact filtering through production costs. The latest data follows a continued easing in producer inflation, strengthening expectations that the Reserve Bank may maintain its current rate stance. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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RAMOKGOPA’S PLAN TO PROTECT ESKOM FACES LEGAL HURDLES
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa wants major changes to help Eskom compete with private power producers, including potentially easing its obligations under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). He also proposes imposing similar social obligations on private electricity companies. However, experts question both the legality and necessity of the proposals. Eskom still controls about 70% of generation, meaning private producers may be the disadvantaged players, according to energy expert Anton Eberhard. Analysts say targeted PFMA exemptions could provide Eskom greater flexibility without abandoning Treasury oversight. They also warn that additional social obligations could raise electricity tariffs and undermine affordability and competitiveness. Eskom Green is expected to provide a crucial test. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AND LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO UNPLUG DANGEROUS CONNECTIONS
Eskom is urging households, businesses and communities to report unsafe electricity connections, warning that illegal connections, exposed wires and damaged infrastructure can cause electrocutions, fires and network failures. The utility says around 200 public safety impacts linked to electricity incidents have been reported, while many more may go unreported. Residents encountering fallen or low-hanging wires, open electrical boxes, damaged meters, vandalised transformers or connections crossing roads and rooftops should move away, warn others and immediately notify Eskom or their municipality. Eskom says early reporting can prevent injuries and fires, reduce outages and protect employees and contractors. Communities are also urged to support teams removing dangerous illegal connections. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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IDC OPENS DOOR TO PRIVATE INVESTORS AFTER 86 YEARS
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is considering bringing private investors into the state-owned development financier for the first time in its 86-year history. The move is aimed at strengthening funding capacity and expanding the IDC’s role in supporting South Africa’s manufacturing revival. The initiative could provide additional capital to back industrial projects while broadening the institution’s ability to support businesses and economic development. The proposal marks a significant shift for the IDC, which has traditionally operated as a wholly state-owned institution. The move comes as government seeks greater private-sector participation in investment and industrial development, particularly amid pressure to accelerate economic growth and job creation. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS FOSKOR, MOZAL LOSSES PUSH IDC INTO RED
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has reported a loss as setbacks at major investments Foskor and Mozal weighed on its financial performance. The state-owned financier is simultaneously shifting its focus towards greener investments and projects supporting South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Challenges facing Foskor and Mozal have highlighted the risks attached to large industrial assets and reinforced the need for portfolio diversification. The IDC remains central to funding industrial development, infrastructure and strategic sectors, but its evolving investment approach increasingly prioritises renewable energy, green industries and sustainable economic growth. The pivot comes as South Africa seeks greater private investment while addressing industrial competitiveness, energy security and climate-related pressures. (SOURCE: News24)
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SARS, TREASURY CHALLENGE COURT RULING ON VAT
SARS and National Treasury are asking the Constitutional Court to overturn a ruling limiting the finance minister’s power to change VAT. The Democratic Alliance argues that only Parliament can approve such changes, while government warns that the judgment could create significant fiscal risks. The dispute centres on whether the minister has sufficient legal authority to adjust the VAT rate without parliamentary approval. The case has wider implications for government’s ability to respond to changing revenue pressures and manage the national budget. It also raises broader questions about the constitutional limits on executive power and Parliament’s role in approving tax measures. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS 0% VAT RULE ON EXPORTS EXTENDED TO PRIAVTE OPERATORS
Exporters can now apply South Africa’s 0% VAT rate when movable goods are delivered directly to privately operated terminal operators for export. The amendment by National Treasury and SARS removes uncertainty caused by regulations that previously recognised delivery to port authorities but not private terminals. The change brings tax rules into line with how export cargo is actually handled at facilities such as Richards Bay Coal Terminal. Previously, exporters risked losing zero-rating where goods were delivered to a private terminal rather than Transnet National Ports Authority, despite using port infrastructure. The revised rules resolve this operational mismatch and provide greater certainty for exporters. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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GEMS SUSPENSION WON’T DISRUPT MEMBER SERVICES
Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) services will continue operating normally despite the suspension of principal officer Stan Moloabi, Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi has assured members. Buthelezi said the board’s decision would not affect healthcare services or benefits, while urging the scheme to strengthen measures against fraud and abuse. He said protecting members’ interests required stronger systems to detect and prevent fraudulent claims and other abuses. The suspension follows growing scrutiny of GEMS governance and financial decisions, including contentious contribution changes. Buthelezi’s comments seek to reassure public servants that the scheme remains operational while internal governance issues are addressed. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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REFINERY OUTAGE CURBS OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL JET FUEL
An unplanned stoppage at Sasol’s Natref refinery has curtailed jet-fuel supplies to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, prompting airlines to activate contingency measures. The disruption follows planned refinery maintenance compounded by a technical problem affecting a downstream unit. Sasol says it can continue partially supplying customers while working to restore normal operations. FlySafair, which carries more than half of South Africa’s domestic passengers, has secured additional supplies from alternative providers and is using increased aircraft fuel loads to manage potential shortages. The energy department has convened an emergency meeting with Airports Company South Africa and fuel industry representatives. Jet-fuel supplies have already been constrained by global disruptions linked to the Iran conflict. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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CONCOURT RULING LEAVES TONGAAT WITH R517 MILLION LEVY BILL
Tongaat Hulett faces a R517 million claim for outstanding sugar industry levies after the Constitutional Court dismissed its business rescue practitioners’ appeal. The court upheld the Supreme Court of Appeal’s finding that Tongaat could not suspend its payment obligations under the Sugar Industry Agreement during business rescue. The Sugar Association of South Africa says the company owes R517 million, although the timing and payment implications remain subject to legal advice and the approved rescue plan. Tongaat’s practitioners argue suspending payments in 2022-23 was necessary to prevent liquidation and preserve its sugar operations. Current levies have been paid since April 2023, while historical debts remain outstanding. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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CHERY RALLIES CHINESE SUPPLIERS IN LOCAL CONTENT PUSH
Chery is stepping up efforts to build a local automotive components network, bringing 23 Chinese suppliers to South Africa for its first supplier investment conference in Rosslyn, Pretoria. The initiative follows Chery’s acquisition of the former Nissan plant, where vehicle production is planned for late 2027, with a 40% localisation target by 2028. Suppliers are assessing South African capabilities, potential partnerships and investment opportunities across electronics, chassis, interiors, wiring, braking and thermal systems. Particular emphasis was placed on developing local new-energy vehicle components and a battery value chain, leveraging South Africa’s mineral resources. Government agencies outlined available incentives, infrastructure and investment support for companies establishing local operations. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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MAERSK SLAPS R24 000 SURCHARGE ON IMPORTERS
South African importers face a sharp increase in shipping costs as Maersk introduces a R24 000 emergency contingency surcharge on dry containers arriving from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Effective September 10, the charge applies equally to 20-foot and 40-foot containers bound for South Africa and Indian Ocean islands. Maersk cites prolonged voyage diversions, longer transit times, equipment repositioning, capacity constraints and rising operating costs behind the move. The surcharge will directly increase landed costs for affected imports, adding further pressure on businesses and consumers. Maersk says it will continue monitoring conditions and review the charge as circumstances change. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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US BRINGS BACK COURT FROM THE DEAD TO SEIZE IRANIAN OIL
The US Justice Department is preparing to revive dormant maritime prize courts, potentially giving authorities a faster route to seize and sell Iranian oil and other cargo captured from enemy or neutral vessels. The move is designed to strengthen Washington’s blockade of Iran while helping offset war costs. Prize courts, largely unused since World War II, would operate through federal district courts and allow prosecutors to seek ownership of seized assets. However, maritime lawyers expect legal challenges over international law, congressional authorisation and whether current hostilities justify the seizures. The initiative could also create operational difficulties for courts unfamiliar with prize proceedings. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS TRUMP UNVEILS LAKE AMERICA IN CANADIAN STAND-OFF
US President Donald Trump has renamed Lake Ontario “Lake America” for federal US use, adding a splash of cartographic drama to his ongoing trade feud with Canada. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney promptly declined the invitation to rename reality, noting the lake predates both countries. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also said her state would stick with Lake Ontario. About 52% of the lake’s surface lies in Canada. Trump, apparently not short of geographical ambition, suggested oceans could be next. The move follows failed trade talks and comes after his earlier renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.
William Blake |
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