| SEEPARSAD RE-ELECTED TO AFRICA, WORLD HR BODIES |
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(ltr) AHRC Vice President Olusegun Mojeed (Nigeria), WFPMA President Peck Kem Louw (Singapore), Raj Seeparsad, and WFPMA Vice President Aida Josefina Troncoso (Dominican Republic).
Long-standing Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business director Raj Seeparsad was re-elected as president of the African Human Resources Confederation (AHRC) at the AGM of the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA) in Dubai recently. His tenure will continue through to June 2027.
Seeparsad was also re-elected to the WFPMA Board, representing Africa in global HR and people management. He pointed out that for the first time in the history of the WFPMA, the organisation is led by two women - President Peck Kem Louw from Singapore and Vice President Aida Josefina Troncoso from the Dominican Republic.
Seeparsad's election follows that of PMCB CEO Melanie Veness to the International Chamber of Commerce’s World Chambers Federation (ICC WCF) General Council for the 2025–2028 term, representing South Africa.
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| PAYING FORWARD TO MANDELA DAY NEXT FRIDAY |
The PCH took the plunge in its first-ever Ocean Swim Challenge that were among 14 charities sharing in the more than R1 million fund raising drive.
Mandela Day, next Friday, 18 July, is typically celebrated by giving to others who are less privileged. Several initiatives in the city and surrounds express the philosophy, including the wors roll drive by Pam Golding in aid of Life Changer that addresses the plight of the city’s homeless and destitute (see advertorial below).
The PCH (Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home) is counting on the Madiba spirit to help alleviate a cash crunch following the introduction of a new quarterly-payment policy for some NGOs. It struggles to meet monthly operational costs and has appealed for any financial assistance. FNB banking details: account type: Money on Call; acc number: 61093034331; branch code: 221325
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| TRUMPETING TARIFFS FOR POLITICAL ENDS, RAMAPHOSA ON POLICE CLAIMS |
Global trade is being upended by US President Donald Trump’s escalating tariffs, increasingly driven by other nations’ internal affairs. First, South Africa faces a 30% tariff, spurred by a false narrative of white farmer persecution - ironically harming the very white farming communities Trump once courted as political refugees (see below), and now Brazil has been slapped with a 50% tariff (see below) over a corruption trail against ex-president Jair Bolsonaro. Closer to home, President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on Sunday over the explosive claims by KZN police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against senior politicians and leaders of the police.
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1900: The battle of Silkaatsnek near Rustenburg marked the beginning of the guerilla warfare phase of the Anglo-Boer War.
Elsewhere, in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee's classic and Pulitzer Prize-winning book about racial inequality during the Great Depression, was published.
Today is an appropriate time to reflect on humanity, on World Population Day. It’s also World Horse Day. |
KZN TO BENEFIT FROM R13 BILLION BLENDED FINANCE POWER DRIVE
KZN is set to gain from a bold new national strategy aiming to electrify 1.6 million off-grid households by 2030. Unveiled by Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the plan moves beyond grid-only models, embracing micro- and off-grid technologies to tackle access gaps in provinces like KZN, Limpopo, and Eastern Cape.
Backed by a R13 billion allocation, the revamped strategy repurposes the Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP) into a blended-finance model designed to attract private and concessional investment. Public funds will de-risk infrastructure projects and create a viable pipeline for institutional investors. The approach repositions electrification as a rights-based development priority with measurable returns, while differentiated tariffs aim to balance affordability and industrial competitiveness. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AND UTRECHT SET FOR R700 MILLION ROADS UPGRADE
Utrecht in northern KwaZulu-Natal is set for a major infrastructure revival, with the provincial Department of Transport committing R700 million to overhaul its failing road network. MEC Siboniso Duma, introducing contractors on 8 July, declared “war” on potholes, pledging to improve key routes like the P40 between Paulpietersburg and Utrecht and the P41. The project promises better road safety, reduced travel times, and job creation through local contractor involvement. It forms part of a broader R13 billion provincial strategy to upgrade KZN’s 34,000-kilometre road network. With similar efforts underway in Ladysmith and Loskop, the region is seeing long-overdue infrastructure attention. (SOURCE: Building & Construction News) |
MAY UPTICK SNAPS 6-MONTH MANUFACTURING DECLINE
South Africa’s manufacturing sector showed signs of recovery in May, recording a 0.5% year-on-year increase after six months of decline, according to Statistics South Africa. Metals and machinery led the rebound with 4.3% growth, contributing 0.9 percentage points to the overall rise. Other divisions showing gains included glass and non-metallic minerals, wood and paper, textiles, and professional equipment. However, sectors like automotive (-6.7%), food and beverages, and chemicals continued to drag performance. Seasonally adjusted output rose 2% month-on-month - its best showing since July 2024. Despite this, manufacturing production fell 0.3% over the three-month period ending May, while sales slipped 0.7%, reflecting a still-volatile recovery path for the sector. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
RECALLS FOR 6 700 HINO TRUCKS, 159 VW GOLFS, 26 VOLVOS
The National Consumer Commission has confirmed vehicle recalls by Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo in South Africa. Toyota is recalling over 6 700 Hino 500 trucks due to missing or incorrect cage bolt spanners. VW is recalling 159 Golf 8 models - both GTI and R variants - due to potentially defective front passenger seat belts, posing a serious safety risk. Volvo is recalling 26 XC90 plug-in hybrids (2025 models) over intermittent brake function failures. The NCC has noted a rise in automotive recalls and urges affected consumers to visit approved dealerships for free vehicle inspections without delay. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
ABSA, PRUDENTIAL AUTHORITY HEAD TO COURT OVER PITYANA BLOCK
Absa and the Reserve Bank’s Prudential Authority (PA) will appeal a June 2025 Pretoria High Court ruling that found the PA acted unlawfully in blocking Sipho Pityana’s 2021 nomination as Absa chair. The court ruled the PA overstepped its powers and bypassed due process under the Banks Act. Pityana claimed the PA relied solely on hearsay from former Absa chair Maria Ramos about his AngloGold Ashanti resignation, denying him a fair hearing. Though not seeking reinstatement, Pityana said the case was about accountability and legal precedent. He urged Parliament to investigate the Reserve Bank’s independence and uphold proper governance in financial sector appointments. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
SA'S BRIBERY FIGHT GETS THUMBS-UP FROM OECD
South Africa has made notable progress in tackling foreign bribery ahead of its June 2027 report to the OECD. Despite damage from State capture, the OECD Working Group on Bribery acknowledges the country’s improved co-operation in transnational corruption cases. Since 2014, South Africa has opened 18 new foreign bribery investigations and initiated its first court case in 2019. The Phase 4 review credits dedicated officials and multi-agency collaboration. However, challenges remain. The OECD recommends strengthening whistleblower protection, enhancing company liability, improving legal frameworks, and expanding evidence-gathering across borders to secure sanctions and avoid future governance failures. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
SA TO CASH IN ON REWEIGHTED EMERGING MARKET INDEX
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is considering changes to its $200 billion (about R3.6 billion) GBI-EM Global Diversified Index that could benefit countries like South Africa. The proposed amendments would reduce the index cap for large bond issuers such as China, India, and Indonesia from 10% to 8.5%, allowing smaller emerging markets with higher yields—like South Africa, Brazil, and Colombia—to gain a larger share. While higher yields come with greater risk, they also offer stronger potential returns for investors. The changes aim to diversify the index further and increase average returns, though they remain under consultation and are not yet finalised. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
OPEC+ UNDER PRESSURE TO TURN OFF SUPPLY TAPS
OPEC+ is considering pausing further oil production hikes after completing its planned 2.2 million-barrel revival in September, with a final monthly increase of 550 000 barrels. Delegates say discussions are preliminary, but rising inventories, weak Chinese demand, and surging US output are fueling oversupply concerns. Brent crude slipped to $69.68 a barrel following the news. The group fears further increases could push prices below $60 later this year, as forecast by JPMorgan and Citi. A final decision is expected at an August 3 video conference. Despite large announced hikes, actual output has lagged due to capacity limits and overproduction corrections. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
TARIFFS TO IMPACT SA FARMERS TRUMP VOWED TO PROTECT
US President Donald Trump’s looming 30% tariff on South African exports threatens to cripple the country’s citrus industry - ironically harming the very white farmers he once encouraged to migrate to America. The tariff, set to take effect August 1, would end duty-free access under AGOA, undermining $100 million in annual citrus exports. Sixth-generation Western Cape farmer Krisjan Mouton calls it “a huge blow.” The Citrus Growers’ Association warns 35,000 jobs in Citrusdal alone are at risk. While South Africa seeks new markets in China and India, red tape and global competition make quick pivots challenging. |
... AND WEIGHS ON AFRICAN NATIONS TO TAKE IN DEPORTEES
President Donald Trump’s administration has raised the possibility of relocating deported migrants to Africa during a summit with five African leaders in Washington. Leaders from Gabon, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Liberia were consulted on whether their nations might accept problematic asylum seekers who’ve remained in the US for years. Liberian President Joseph Boakai confirmed the discussions, stressing the US isn’t forcing the issue but seeking collaboration. This follows a US Supreme Court ruling allowing deportations from Djibouti to South Sudan - despite concerns over South Sudan’s instability. The five West and Central African nations are viewed as more viable due to their current political stability. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
... AS BRAZIL BRACES FOR 50% TARIFFS OVER EX-PRESIDENT TRAIL
US President Donald Trump has unveiled a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, one of the highest yet in his sweeping tariff campaign, citing political interference in Brazil’s prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The levies, effective from August, target multiple nations, with 30% tariffs also imposed on Algeria, Libya, Iraq, and Sri Lanka. The unprecedented move to influence foreign judicial matters through trade policy rattled markets, sinking Brazil’s real by nearly 3%. President Lula da Silva warned of retaliatory measures. Trump’s escalating tariff threats, now aimed at BRICS nations and key sectors, have triggered global uncertainty ahead of the August 1 deadline. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
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It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all - in which case, you fail by default.
J.K. Rowling |
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