| MOVING DEBT AROUND WON'T HELP IF YOUR HABITS DON'T CHANGE |
| GREEN-FOCUSSED ENTREPRENEURS COMMIT TO EU PROGRAMME |
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(ltr) Thobeka Khambule (PMCB Trade Hub Coordinator), Sugeshnee Naidoo, Nomandla Dlamini, Shashika Jaggernath, Rashmee Ramdeen, Keeran Ramdeen, Jitesh Roy and PMCB Trade Hub Manager Lucrisha Polton.
The first cohort of entrepreneurs under a programme funded by the European Union got a taste of what lies ahead in their journey towards sustainable enterprise development in KZN at the Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business Trade Hub.
Funded through the EU’s Investing in Young Businesses in Africa (IYBA) initiative, the Green SEED programme is part of a wider pan-African effort implemented in countries including South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Benin and Togo.
The participants are all green-focused entrepreneurs working in sustainable production, resource efficiency and environmental innovation. Participants were introduced to the programme framework, expectations and growth pathways. Over the coming months, they will receive mentorship, expert guidance and tailored support to scale operations, improve resilience and unlock new market opportunities.
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| BUILDING MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE ON PEDIGREE OF PRECISION |
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GSJ Manufacturing has expanded into a state-of-the-art operation spanning 700 square metres.
Meet GSJ Manufacturing, an engineering company and a new member of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business. Based in Mkondeni, GSJ is expanding its footprint as it builds on steady growth since its founding in 2020. Established to address a production bottleneck for BRiNK Towing Systems, GSJ has evolved from a small workshop into a 700m² operation at the Edison Industrial Park in Mkondeni.
GSJ specialises in precision cutting, bending and CNC machining of steel tubing, supported by investment in advanced tube laser technology and ISO9001:2015 quality standards.
Led by George Meyer and his team, the firm is now broadening its capabilities and targeting both local and export markets, positioning itself as a reliable partner in specialised, high volume, tube manufacturing. Contact GSJ on (033) 401 0012 or at george@gsjman.co.za. Also view the website here. |
1997: AWB leader Eugene TerreBlanche was convicted of attempted murder and assault.
Elsewhere, in 2005, the first video - Me at the Zoo - was uploaded to YouTube by co-founder Jawed Karim.
Start reading, on World Book and Copyright Day. It's also World Table Tennis Day! |
POOR DATA PAVES WAY FOR CONSUMERS TO LOAD UP ON DEBT
Buy-now-pay-later services and online gambling are raising serious concerns about consumer debt exposure, with Mobicred warning lenders lack visibility over borrowers’ total obligations. CEO Rian van der Merwe says fragmented data means consumers can stack multiple commitments across platforms without proper affordability checks.
Rapid growth in digital credit and betting has intensified risks, particularly among younger users drawn to easy access and instant gratification. Industry players are calling for clearer regulation and improved data-sharing to prevent over-indebtedness. Analysts caution that without intervention, rising defaults could strain households and undermine confidence in South Africa’s fast-evolving fintech and digital payments ecosystem. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS INFLATION EDGES UP ON RISING FUEL-COST PRESSURES
South Africa inflation rose to 3.1% year-on-year in March, matching expectations, according to official data. Economists warn the increase is just the start, with April likely to show a sharper jump toward 4% as fuel and electricity costs surge. Rising global oil prices, driven by geopolitical tensions, have pushed domestic fuel prices higher despite a temporary tax adjustment. Electricity tariffs also increased by over 8%, adding further pressure on households. The South African Reserve Bank may now face increased pressure on interest rates at upcoming policy meetings. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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... AND FLIGHT-TICKET PRICES HEAD FOR THE STRATOSPHERE
FlySafair says jet fuel prices at coastal airports surged 70% in a week after the Iran conflict, now making up over half of flight operating costs. The airline estimates the soaring fuel prices added R35 000 per flight and introduced a transparent, distance-based fuel surcharge, now extended to 7 August. The fee has pushed Johannesburg–Cape Town surcharges from about R167 to over R830, with some routes exceeding R1 400. Industry data from International Air Transport Association shows fuel prices doubling to around $200 a barrel. Depending on the route, return fares have climbed above R4 000 with peak travel nearing R9 000 per return ticket. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
See below: Lufthansa cuts 20 000 flights on soaring fuel bill |
COMPETITION WATCHDOG WANTS TO LEVEL PLAYING FILED
South Africa’s Competition Commission is considering policy reforms to better support small and emerging businesses, amid concerns that current frameworks favour dominant players. The watchdog is reviewing procurement rules, market access barriers and enforcement tools to level the playing field. Proposed changes may include stronger action against anti-competitive practices and measures to improve participation by SMEs in key sectors. Officials say the overhaul aims to drive inclusive growth and stimulate entrepreneurship. Stakeholders have welcomed the move, but caution that effective implementation and coordination across government will be critical to deliver meaningful impact. (SOURCE: News24)
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FIRST LOAD-SHEDDING FREE WINTER IN 10 YEARS ON THE CARDS
South Africa could experience its first winter without load shedding in nearly a decade, signalling improved performance at Eskom. Energy experts say higher plant availability, reduced breakdowns and better maintenance have stabilised supply ahead of peak demand. Increased private generation and renewable energy capacity have also eased pressure on the grid. However, officials warn risks remain, including unexpected outages and fuel constraints. While the outlook is cautiously optimistic, sustained reliability will depend on continued operational discipline and investment. The milestone would mark a significant turnaround for the country’s energy security. (SOURCE: News24) |
... AS ESKOM BURNS 50% LESS DIESEL AMID OIL SURGE
Eskom has slashed diesel spending by billions of Rands reducing use by more than 50% year on year as additional coal-fired units return to service. CEO Dan Marokane said diesel burn dropped from about R30 billion in the previous period to near R12 billion, easing pressure from elevated global oil prices. Improved plant performance has cut reliance on open-cycle gas turbines, historically a major cost driver. Finance minister Enoch Godongwana said the savings support maintenance and investment plans, though global fuel risks and grid constraints remain. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND DECEMBER 2027 DEADLINE SET FOR GRID SPLIT
The government has set December 2027 as the deadline for Eskom’s grid separation, marking a key milestone in power sector reform. A task team will present proposals to Cyril Ramaphosa on implementing the complex restructuring. The new Transmission System Operator will take control of the national grid, oversee system operations, manage the wholesale electricity market and act as a central buyer. The move aims to improve efficiency, transparency and competition in electricity supply. However, execution risks remain, with policymakers balancing urgency against the technical and financial challenges of unbundling the utility. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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2 MILLION TURKISH DOSES UPS FMD FIGHT
Foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks have prompted South Africa to accelerate vaccination efforts after receiving 2 million doses from Turkey’s Dollvet. Authorities say a further 4 million doses have been ordered, alongside 5 million from Argentina, as the country targets inoculation of 80% of its 14-million cattle herd. The agriculture department will prioritise high-risk provinces and also extend protection to pigs, which are susceptible to the disease. Farmers have criticised the government’s response amid mounting livestock losses, with some threatening legal action. The campaign marks the largest vaccination drive in two decades. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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CAPITEC POSTS 23% PROFIT RISE, OFFERS DIVIDEND BONANZA
Capitec Bank reported record earnings, with headline profit rising 23% to R16.8 billion, slightly below estimates but marking a fifth consecutive high. The bank declared a total dividend of R79.80 per share, beating forecasts. CEO Graham Lee highlighted strong client growth and digital usage. Higher income offset rising credit impairments, while competition from rivals including Nedbank intensifies. (SOURCE: SENS)
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LUFTHANSA CUTS 20 000 FLIGHTS ON SOARING FUEL BILL
Lufthansa will cut 20,000 short-haul flights from its European summer schedule as jet fuel prices double in response to the Iran conflict. The reductions equal about 1% of available seat kilometres and are expected to save roughly 40 000 tons of fuel. The airline has already grounded 27 older aircraft and begun shutting its CityLine unit, while initial cancellations run through May. Industry-wide, capacity for May is down about 3%, with growth forecasts cut sharply. Lufthansa is also targeting 4 000 job cuts by 2030 and shifting operations to lower-cost carriers to protect margins.(SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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SPACE TECH TO MAP OUT GLOBAL COFFEE-FARMING FUTURE
A pioneering international initiative is using space technology to map coffee plantations worldwide, aiming to curb deforestation and support sustainable farming. Airbus Defence and Space has been selected as technical partner in the Coffee Canopy Partnership, backed by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and the UK government. Using high-resolution Pléiades satellites and AI, the project will create the first global, open map of coffee-growing regions. Major traders including JDE Peet’s, Louis Dreyfus Company and Sucafina are involved. The system will help detect deforestation risks, guide restoration and improve livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers globally. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS EXTREME HEAT THREATENS GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Meteorological Organization warn that extreme heat is pushing global agrifood systems to a breaking point, threatening over one billion livelihoods. Rising temperatures are damaging crops, livestock, fisheries and forests, with yields of key staples like maize, wheat and rice falling as heat exceeds critical thresholds. Recent data shows 2025 among the hottest years on record, intensifying droughts, wildfires and pest outbreaks. Experts say every 1°C rise reduces major crop yields by about 6%. Officials call for stronger early-warning systems and coordinated climate action beyond limited adaptation measures. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land. It is, at last, to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.
G.K. Chesterton |
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