| 'UNDISCLOSED INCOME' LANDS KZN PENSIONERS IN SASSA TROUBLE |
The verification process to audit more than 93 000 social grant beneficiaries in KZN has disrupted the July pay-out process as SASSA intensifies oversight to ensure legislative compliance and prevent fraud. Some pensioners reportedly are caught in the crossfire and have been excluded this month, reportedly because of “undisclosed income”.
According to SASSA, the old age grant is payable to people over 60 who meet the qualifying criteria, including not earning more than R8 070 per month (or R96 840 annually), and not receiving another social grant.
A person 60 or older earning less than the threshold is eligible for a pro rata portion of the old age grant, depending on a means test to assess income and assets to determine their eligibility and the amount they may receive. A targeted campaign to root out fraud requires beneficiaries to report in person at SASSA offices or risk having their grants suspended. Reviews include cross-checks with other departments, including Home Affairs, UIF, and SARS to ensure integrity, improved record-keeping, and strengthening the social welfare system amid increasing financial strain. Contact Sassa's national toll-free Number on 0800 60 10 11 Monday to Friday, between 7.30 am and 4 pm. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
| SAPPI READY TO FIGHT FIRES AS WINTER SEASON DEEPENS |
As the winter fire season intensifies, Sappi Southern Africa is spotlighting its year-round firefighting efforts through its annual Regional Fire Readiness Competitions, held this July in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal. Marking a year since the tragic loss of seven firefighters in a local blaze, the event honours their legacy through renewed focus on training, teamwork, and preparedness. Frontline forestry teams from across Sappi’s operations competed in realistic fire scenarios - from hose-laying under pressure to defensive line cutting - designed to simulate real-time crisis conditions.
The competitions form part of Sappi’s broader fire management strategy across over 400,000 hectares, involving suppression plans, simulations, and cross-sector collaboration. “Preparedness starts long before smoke rises,” said Sappi Forests VP Duane Roothman.
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| Yesterday’s edition of eBizBlitz contained an unfortunate error by naming Dr John Buyers, President of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, as the CEO of PDC. He is, of course, the MD of Preformed Line Products (PLP), a role he has occupied for the past 17 years. We regret the error. |
1961: A UN committee to investigate conditions in South-West Africa (now Namibia) was barred by South Africa.
Elsewhere, in 1776: United States Declaration of Independence was adopted in Philadelphia by 13 colonies from the British crown.
It’s probably pure coincidence, but the USA is founded on the same day that Alice in Wonderland Day is observed. |
BUSINESS CONFIDENCE SLIPS ON PRIVATE SECTOR PERILS
South Africa’s private sector showed signs of strain in June, with the S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dipping to 50.1 - just above the neutral mark - signalling minimal growth. Business confidence fell to its lowest level since July 2021, as concerns over domestic and global policy uncertainty dampened outlooks. Output and new business volumes declined, especially in export markets, although the service sector showed resilience.
Despite subdued demand, firms modestly expanded staff and inventories, aided by improving supply chains and manageable cost conditions. However, input costs rose sharply, driven by wage and purchase price increases, while selling prices remained under pressure. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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… AS AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK CUTS GROWTH OUTLOOK TO 0.8%
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has cut South Africa’s 2025 growth forecast to 0.8% from 1.6%, citing global trade tensions - particularly US tariffs under President Trump - and weaker net exports. The US, South Africa’s second-largest export market, will reinstate a 31% import tariff on July 9, with sectors like agriculture expected to be hardest hit. Additional external risks include reduced development funding and China’s economic slowdown. Domestically, electricity shortages, infrastructure gaps, logistics challenges, and fiscal strain from state-owned enterprise bailouts further threaten growth. The AfDB urged faster structural reforms to strengthen resilience and boost economic performance in the face of rising uncertainty. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
R1 BILLION PHD PROGRAMME SETS 5 000-GRADUATE TARGET
The National Research Foundation (NRF) has invited expressions of interest from South African universities and public research institutions to host hubs for the Presidential PhD Programme. These hubs will lead collaborative PhD training in strategic areas such as digital innovation, biotechnology, and sustainability. With a focus on interdisciplinarity, resource sharing, and academic-industry-government collaboration, the hubs aim to boost innovation and graduate employability. They will also coordinate mentorship networks and track doctoral progress. Backed by a R1 billion investment, the initiative supports the National Development Plan’s target of 5 000 annual PhD graduates and strengthens national research capacity and global competitiveness. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity |
ESKOMS VOWS TO HUNT DOWN PREPAID-TOKEN FRAUDSTERS
Eskom has implemented sweeping governance reforms after uncovering a major breach in its Online Vending System (OVS), used to distribute prepaid electricity tokens. The 2024 forensic report revealed systemic physical and cybersecurity gaps, leading to widespread fraud and suspected internal complicity. In response, Eskom has introduced enhanced internal controls, restricted access to critical systems, and boosted monitoring. Employees implicated in the scam have been suspended, and investigations continue with law enforcement. The utility is also accelerating the rollout of a new, secure vending system. (SOURCE: Engineering news) |
TONGAAT’S R1.45 BILLION MILL UPGRADE PAYS OFF
Tongaat Hulett's three South African sugar mills – Maidstone, Amatikulu and Felixton – now top national rankings for sugar recovery, reflecting a major operational turnaround since entering business rescue in 2022. Backed by a R1.45 billion investment from the IDC, the company upgraded infrastructure, hired technical talent, and trained staff to enhance performance. CEO Gavin Dalgleish attributes the gains to a shift from reactive maintenance to performance-focused operations. Growers praised the improvements, citing renewed confidence in the mills. The company is finalising asset sales under Vision’s ownership and continues pushing for increased cane supply and protection from sugar imports. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
… AS TIGER BRANDS TOASTS WIN-WIN WOMEN BEAN FARMERS
Two women-led farms in Bronkhorstspruit have delivered their first harvest of small white beans to Tiger Brands’ Boksburg factory, marking a milestone in localising supply for the iconic Koo Baked Beans. Supported by SE Holdings and Tiger Brands, the farms received harvesting equipment, enabling them to contribute over 50 tons so far. The initiative helps reduce reliance on imports - previously 2 500 tons at 30% higher cost - and forms part of a broader plan involving 14 farmers. Tiger Brands aims to increase local bean procurement to 28 000 tons annually by 2030, boosting smallholder participation and enhancing food security through smart, inclusive farming. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
NUMSA READY TO STRIKE OVER 6% GAUTRAIN WAGE DEMAND
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has received a strike certificate from the CCMA following a wage negotiation deadlock with the Bombela Operating Company (BOC), which runs Gautrain. Talks broke down after BOC offered a 4.2% increase, while Numsa demanded 6%, citing rising living costs. Numsa accuses BOC of arrogance and warns of a possible crippling strike. BOC insists it has contingency plans to maintain uninterrupted service and seeks a fair resolution. Numsa argues Gautrain’s performance relies on its members and calls for intervention from the Gautrain Management Agency and the Gauteng provincial government. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
CITRUS TARIFF TRADE-OFF THREATENS DOMESTIC PORK SECTOR
South Africa’s pork industry faces a serious threat as US trade pressure mounts under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). To retain duty-free citrus exports to the US, South Africa is being urged to relax pork import protocols - potentially exposing its disease-free pig sector to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Industry leaders warn PRRS could devastate local farms, as it severely affects fertility and piglet survival. The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation insists current protocols are vital disease-prevention measures, not trade barriers, and must apply equally to all exporters to protect national food security and farm livelihoods. (SOURCE: FeightNews) |
BRICS TO COPY WORLD BANK GUARANTEE FUND
The BRICS bloc is set to launch a new guarantee fund backed by the New Development Bank (NDB) to reduce financing costs and attract private investment. Modeled on the World Bank's MIGA, the BRICS Multilateral Guarantee (BMG) mechanism aims to mobilize five to ten times the guarantee value in private capital for projects in developing nations. With technical approval already secured, the initiative is expected to be highlighted at the upcoming BRICS summit in Rio. It will not require new capital contributions and seeks to bolster investor confidence, particularly in infrastructure and climate projects, using the NDB’s strong credit rating. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
OIL ON A SLIPPERY SLOPE AHEAD OF TRADE TALKS
Oil prices dipped following their largest gain in nearly two weeks, as markets shift focus to US trade negotiations and the upcoming OPEC+ meeting. Brent crude fell 0.7% to $68.61 per barrel after a 3% surge, while West Texas Intermediate traded above $67. President Trump announced a trade deal with Vietnam, adding to recent agreements with the UK and China. Despite trade optimism, analysts expect the price rally to be short-lived due to caution ahead of OPEC+'s expected decision to raise output. US crude inventories rose for the first time since May, while seasonal demand and falling stockpiles supported prices. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
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Before we can forgive one another, we have to understand one another.
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