| CLIMATE TOOL FOR ALL SEASONS, OPEN GARDENS AND A LIFESTYLE SHOW |
South Africa just got a new climate tracker that’s as serious as it is fun. You can check out heatwaves, cold snaps, heavy rain, and droughts from 1981 onward, updated quarterly. Aimed at insurers and businesses to manage risks, it’s also fun to play around with and spot weird weather trends. Actuarial brains built it, but anyone curious about climate patterns can have a twirl for free.
Speaking of climate matters, this weekend’s Woodgrove Village Open Gardens is tribute to our glorious weather in Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands. So too this weekend’s Lifestyle and Garden Show at the Vuleka Centre in Botha's Hill - inspired by the ertshile Garden & Leisure in the city - with the active support of 1 000 Hills Tourism (hello, Pietermaritzburg Tourism?).
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| GOLFERS TAKE AIM AT WHAT MATTERS MOST |
Sponsors, organisers and supporters getting into the swing of things ahead of the Community Chest’s 65th Anniversary Remarkable Man Golf Day.
Golfers have been honing their skills in preparation for the Community Chest’s 65th Anniversary Remarkable Man Golf Day on Friday, 31 October 2025, at the Maritzburg Golf Club. Headlined by Makhaotse Narasimulu and Associates, this year’s event celebrates two milestones - Community Chest’s 65 years and Makhaotse Narasimulu’s 25 years - while raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer.
Golfers, sponsors, and businesses are invited to “chip in” for a cause that matters. Expect prizes, pampering, and plenty of fun on the greens. To enter or sponsor, contact Angie on 072 791 0311 or at chestpro@communitychest.org.za. |
| BALSY CAMPAIGN TO (NOT) GIVE PROSTATE CANCER THE FINGER |
| A loud cheer to Circle Med for its cheeky Do You Have The Balls? campaign to promote prostate cancer testing thoughout November. It's not the first time that the Payn Street centre has discounted its services in its fight against cancer; recently it offered free pap smears to test for cervical cancer. Scroll down to the advertorial section for more about its civic-minded campaign. |
1964: Zambia gained independence from British rule.
Still on matters of state and statesmanship, today is United Nations Day. |
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RECORD R280 MILLION ZIMABALI SALES LEAD KZN PROPERTY REVIVAL
Zimbali Lakes on the KZN North Coast achieved a historic R280 million sales in the first nine months of 2025, bolstered by a significant new cash injection of R1.2 billion to deepen a major property and revenue boom. More than R75.8 billion in developments under way and another R95 billion in investments expected at the 2025 KZN Investment Conference, underpin investor confidence in the region is riding high.
Landmark projects include the R20 billion Sibaya Precinct, R15 billion Westown “new city”, and R2 billion Club Med Resort, backed by Absa Corporate and Investment Banking has financed more than R4.5 billion in catalytic projects, creating about 8 500 permanent jobs.
Elsewhere in the province, Pietermaritzburg is seeing growth through new residential estates and retail investments, while the Midlands continues to attract semigrants and eco-developers, confirming KZN’s rise as South Africa’s next property powerhouse. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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TRANSMISSION BOTTLENECKS DEFLATE WIND POWER
South Africa’s wind power industry is grappling with severe transmission bottlenecks, delaying the connection of new projects, experts said at Windaba 2025 in Cape Town. CEO James Cumming of Anthem warned that without coordinated grid applications, renewable generators must wait months - or years - for connection. Since REIPPPP 3 (2011–2015), which added 6.3 GW of renewable capacity, subsequent rounds have stalled wind expansion. REIPPPP 7, the latest cycle, has yet to alleviate grid congestion, affecting over 3 000 MW of awarded projects. Executives urge policy reform, stronger NERSA capacity, and collaboration between Eskom, independent producers, and private users to unlock South Africa’s renewable energy potential. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS GRID CRUNCH DRAWS FOREIGN GIANTS TO POWER PLAN
South Africa’s R440 billion grid expansion is drawing global interest as the country battles a chronic power crunch. The programme, launched to add 14 000 km of new transmission lines, has attracted bids from Adani Power, China Southern Power Grid, State Grid International, EDF, and local firms like SOLA and Mulilo. Government plans to add 59 GW of new capacity - 34 GW wind and 25 GW solar - over 14 years. The project’s first phase, enabling 3 000 MW, starts next year, backed by R10 billion in credit guarantees. Analysts say it’s a crucial test of South Africa’s ability to privatise grid infrastructure and accelerate its clean-energy transition. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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SHELL HEADS FOP COURT TO OVERTURN EXPLORATION BAN
Shell Plc has lodged an appeal against a Western Cape High Court ruling that revoked its environmental permit for offshore oil exploration in Block 5/6/7 off South Africa’s west coast. The oil major, supported by the South African government, argues the judgment misinterpreted environmental law and imposed limits beyond its scope. The dispute has stalled an estimated $1.6 billion in potential energy investments, according to Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe. The appeal, heard on October 16, comes as Shell and TotalEnergies prepare new drilling campaigns after major Namibian oil discoveries revived regional exploration hopes. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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AFRIMAT URGES STATE ACTION TO REVERSE 27% SMELTER DROP
Afrimat is sounding the alarm as South Africa’s ferrochrome smelting sector teeters on the brink. With the country’s smelters shutting down amid soaring power costs and weak demand, production fell 27% in the first half of 2025. Some 34 of 59 chrome-furnaces remained idle, and the industry once supporting 200 000 jobs now faces widespread job destruction. Afrimat is calling on the government for urgent support - such as electricity-tariff relief and incentives - to prevent further collapse, protect thousands of jobs, and preserve the steel supply chain that underpins thousands of mining and manufacturing roles. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SHOPRITE SALES UP 17% AS RIVALS SCRAMBLE TO CATCH UP
Shoprite has tightened its grip on South Africa’s grocery market, posting a 17% rise in sales and expanding market share while rivals battle declining margins. Once buoyed by expectations of a growing middle class, Pick n Pay and Spar have been forced to rethink strategies as that segment shrinks under inflation and high unemployment. Shoprite’s low-price focus, R8 billion investment in store expansion, and growth in private-label brands have attracted millions of budget-conscious consumers. The group’s 1,000+ Shoprite and Usave outlets now dominate township and peri-urban markets, while digital platforms like Checkers Sixty60 boost convenience shopping. Analysts say its efficiency-driven model leaves competitors scrambling to reinvent themselves in an increasingly price-sensitive retail environment. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS CLICKS CASHES IN ON BEAUTY AND LOYALTY BOOST
Clicks Group posted stellar annual results, with earnings per share up 14.1% to 1 362 cents and turnover rising 5.3% to R47.8 billion. The retailer declared a total dividend of 886 cents, returning R2.7 billion to shareholders. Private-label sales climbed 10.7% to R9.7 billion, while ClubCard membership hit 12.6 million, generating 82.6% of sales. Clicks now operates 990 stores and 780 pharmacies, and rolled out 42 electric delivery vehicles in a major green initiative. (SOURCE: SENS)
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.... AND SPAR HEALTH PUTS ITS MONEY ON WHOLESALE MOVE
Spar Health, the pharmacy arm of SPAR Group, has acquired Aptekor Group, a Western Cape-based pharmaceutical wholesaler, marking a key step in its national expansion strategy. Pharmacy at SPAR currently operates 125 stores and aims to grow to 250 within three years, targeting a market valued at R120 billion annually. Aptekor, with 50+ years’ experience, serves over 300 pharmacies, hospitals, and doctors across the Western and Northern Cape and the Karoo. SPAR Health MD Jeremy Nicol said the acquisition strengthens independent pharmacies through supply reliability, logistics, marketing support, and loyalty programs, with further expansion planned into KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
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SASOL SOARS AS RUSSIAN SANCTIONS LIFT OIL PRICES
Shares in Sasol surged more than 7% yesterday outperforming the JSE All Share Index, as global oil prices climbed above $93 a barrel following new US and EU sanctions on Russian crude exports. The sanctions, targeting shipping and insurance firms, have tightened global supply, benefiting energy producers like Sasol. Analysts say every $1 rise in Brent crude adds roughly R800 million to Sasol’s annual revenue. Investors welcomed the boost amid steady local fuel demand and a weaker rand, which further enhances export margins. Sasol’s rally underscores its sensitivity to oil market dynamics amid global geopolitical tensions. (SOURCE: Bloomberg
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TOTALENERGIES GUILTY OF MISLEADING CLIMATE CLAIMS
TotalEnergies has been found guilty of “misleading commercial practices” by a French court, which ruled that the company made deceptive claims in 2021 suggesting it could reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and be a major actor in the energy transition. (Reuters) The judgment orders TotalEnergies to remove those statements from its website and publish the decision for 180 days or face daily fines up to €20,000. The court also awarded three NGOs €8,000 each and legal costs of €15,000. (SOURCE: AFP)
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PLATINUM SURGES AMID GLOBAL SHORT-SQUEEZE TURMOIL
Platinum markets faced intense volatility this week as a global short squeeze sent prices soaring. The London platinum premium jumped over $70 an ounce compared to New York futures, signalling tightening supply. Traders reported lease rates spiking as industrial users scrambled for metal ahead of China’s November 1 removal of a key VAT rebate, which is expected to curb imports. The squeeze follows months of market tightness driven by supply constraints and rebounding automotive demand. Analysts warn continued pressure could lift platinum above $1 200 an ounce, disrupting catalytic converter and jewelry manufacturers reliant on steady deliveries. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS GOLD REBOUNDS ABOVE $4 100 AFTER HEAVY LOSSES
Gold prices inched higher yesterday, rebounding after two days of sharp declines. Spot gold rose 0.4% to $4 119.74 an ounce in London, following a 6% slump earlier in the week. The metal remains up 55% this year, driven by safe-haven demand amid global economic uncertainty and expectations of a US interest rate cut. Analysts said the correction reflected technical pressure rather than a fundamental shift. Gold-backed ETFs recorded their largest daily outflow in five months on Wednesday, signalling investor caution. Meanwhile, silver gained 1.8%, and platinum markets tightened, trading $70 above New York futures. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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MUSK TURNS TESLA EARNINGS CALL INTO R17.3 TRILLION PAY PITCH
Elon Musk hijacked Tesla’s quarterly earnings call to lobby investors for approval of his $1 trillion (about R17.3 trillion) pay package, slamming proxy advisers ISS and Glass Lewis for opposing it. The billionaire argued he needs “enough control” to drive Tesla’s AI, robotaxi, and Optimus robot ambitions, joking he shouldn’t be “fired if I go insane.” Tesla’s CFO Vaibhav Taneja defended the deal, stressing Musk’s payout depends on shareholder gains. Investors vote November 6 in Austin. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Humble souls are fearful of their own strength.
William Gurnall |
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| Dollar | R17.34 | + 0.41% | | Pound | R23.10 | - 0.23% | | Euro | R20.13 | - 0.06% | | Yen | R0.1139 |
| | Yuan | R2.43 | - 0.08% | | Bitcoin | $ 111 174.60
| + 1.54% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 625.01
| + 2.92% | | Gold | $ 4 111.55 | - 0.37% | | Oil | $ 64.95
| - 0.96% | | All Share | 110 743.33
| + 1.75% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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