| FALSE PROMISES RUBBISH DRIVE FOR PIETERMARITZBURG CLEAN-UP |
Pietermaritzburg’s service delivery failures have become a study in false promises and empty words. Like the “broken window” syndrome, the city’s rubbish-strewn streets act as a slow poison that normalises decay, eroding civic pride, and breeding resentment. Garbage collection has now faltered for a second consecutive week in an already patchy performance by Msunduzi’s waste services. The heroic efforts of the KPCA and other civic groups striving for a cleaner, safer city, are constantly undermined by municipal neglect. The filth reflects more than inefficiency; it symbolises a loss of accountability and consequence management. Businesses and residents deserve better, and overweight municipal employees trundling after a dumpster in December better not rattle gates for a “Christmas bonus”. Just saying. Derek Alberts (Editor)
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| SETTING THE PACE IN RACE TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY OUTSOURCING |
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KZN Regional Manager Barnard de Villiers of Hillcrest-based Associated Energy Services.
Meet a new member of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, Associated Energy Services (AES), a leading provider of outsourced energy and steam plant operations. Headquartered in Cape Town, AES operates regionally through offices in Johannesburg, Gqeberha, Cape Town, and Hillcrest. It manages energy plants across 26 client sites, with more than 70 boilers in service and a combined installed capacity exceeding 600MWth.
With almost 30 years of experience, AES offers comprehensive operations and maintenance management, boiler and energy project installations, and nitrogen and oxygen generation systems. The company provides end-to-end solutions designed to ensure maximum efficiency, guaranteed uptime, and measurable cost savings for industrial clients across multiple sectors.
“AES pioneered the energy outsourcing model in South Africa, establishing the largest footprint and team of qualified energy professionals in the industry,” said KZN Regional Manager Barnard de Villiers. “We continue to lead the shift toward low-carbon and sustainable thermal energy and partner with clients to explore gas, biomass, waste heat recovery, and other innovative technologies that drive decarbonisation and energy resilience.” Contact De Villiers on 076 091 4395. Click here for the website. |
| JOB HUGGING TAKING OVER JOB HOPPING IN WORKPLACE |
Forget job hopping - 2025 is the year of “job hugging.” Faced with uncertainty, employees are holding on tight to familiar roles, even when they’re unfulfilled. An authorative industry report reveals that 75% of employees plan to stay put until 2027, with 63% expecting the trend to grow. Loyalty? Not quite - just survival in an increasingly unpredictable job market.
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1980: Minister of education Ferdinand Hartzenberg announced the staged introduction of compulsory education for black children.
Elsewhere, in 1859, the first flying trapeze act without a net was performed by Jules Léotard in a one-piece garment that was named after him.
It’s also World Pneumonia Day today.
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ALL BETS OFF FOR GAMBLING GRANT RECIPIENTS, STUDENTS?
South Africa’s online gambling industry, valued at over R4 billion annually, faces a potential shake-up as lawmakers consider a ban preventing social grant recipients and students from betting online. The South African Bookmakers’ Association (SABA) confirmed that talks with government and regulators are underway to protect financially vulnerable citizens who rely on state support. SABA CEO Sean Coleman said the proposal aims to promote responsible gambling and prevent dependency-related harm.
The plan includes enhanced ID verification linked to the Social Security Agency and student databases, along with stricter oversight by the National Gambling Board. While bookmakers broadly support the move, they warn implementation must avoid penalising legitimate players. The initiative forms part of wider reforms addressing gambling addiction and financial exploitation in South Africa’s fast-growing digital betting market. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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GODONGWANA’S MINI BUDGET TO GAIN FROM R18.5 BILLION WINDFALL
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s 2025 mid-term budget, to be presented tomorrow, will benefit from a substantial tax windfall due to soaring commodity prices, especially gold and platinum group metals. South African Revenue Service (Sars) reported R925 billion collected to September, exceeding forecasts by 2%, boosting revenue by R18.5 billion. This surge has been supported by global trade uncertainties and Trump’s tariffs, which pushed gold prices higher. Economists predict an additional R20 billion tax collection this fiscal year, potentially lowering the budget deficit and increasing credit rating upgrade chances. Two-pot pension withdrawals also contributed to stronger tax income amid record JSE gains. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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R20 BILLION CATO RIDGE PROJECT TO UP FREIGHT GAME
The R20 billion Insimbi Ridge Logistics Precinct officially broke ground this week, marking a major milestone in modernising the Durban–Gauteng freight corridor. Located 52 km from Durban Port, the privatel funded intermodal hub will link directly to the N3 and national rail via a 1.7 km private siding. The project, led by Assore SA PropCo and the Rail Development Corporation, is expected to create up to 10 000 jobs and begin operations by 2027. Anchor tenant FPT Group will establish a large cold-storage warehouse to support South Africa’s citrus export industry. KZN MEC Musa Zondi hailed the precinct as proof that public–private collaboration can drive logistics reform, ease port congestion, and attract long-term investment into the province’s freight network.(SOURCE: FreightNews)
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WILL NEW KZN PAYMENT SYSTEM BRING RELIEF TO SMALL BUSINESS?
KZN Treasury MEC Francois Rodgers is pushing for a new payment system to stop departments from procuring goods and services without funds to pay for them. His efforts come in the wake of a Public Service Commission (PSC) report that ranks KZN as the second-worst province for late supplier payments, behind only Gauteng. According to the PSC, provincial departments in KZN settled 75 031 invoices worth R11.2 billion after the 30-day deadline, while 25 052 invoices valued at R4.6 billion remained unpaid by March 2025. Nationally, R37.2 billion in invoices were paid late, and R17.8 billion remain outstanding. The PSC condemned the non-compliance as a “serious violation” of the PFMA, warning that it cripples small businesses, undermines job creation, and erodes public trust in government efficiency. (The Witness)
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NEWCASTLE STEEL-PLANT HOPES FADE AS IDC TALKS FAIL
Hopes of reviving Newcastle’s once-vital steel industry are fading after ArcelorMittal South Africa and the Industrial Development Corporation ended exclusive talks without agreement. The IDC’s informal R8.5 billion proposal failed to resolve the impasse, leaving ArcelorMittal free to seek other investors. The deal had aimed to cover about R7 billion in loans and interest linked to ArcelorMittal SA (Amsa). With Newcastle’s plant now closed and an Assmang-run iron ore mine idled, thousands of jobs remain at risk. The failed talks mark a blow to efforts to safeguard South Africa’s steel supply chain, as tensions rise between the company and government over pricing, subsidies and energy costs. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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SA UNEMPLOYMENT FALLS TO 31.9% ON 248 000 NEW JOBS
South Africa’s unemployment rate fell to 31.9% in Q3 2025, down from 32.6% previously, as the economy added 248 000 jobs. Statistics South Africa said the gains were mainly in trade, community and social services, and manufacturing. The expanded unemployment rate, which includes discouraged jobseekers, also declined slightly to 41.1%. Economists welcomed the improvement but warned it remains fragile amid weak growth, persistent power constraints, and global uncertainty. Youth unemployment, while easing marginally, still exceeds 44%, underscoring the need for structural reforms and investment in skills to sustain job creation and economic recovery. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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… AS MANUFACTURING OUTPUT EDGES UP 0.3% IN SEPTEMBER
South Africa’s manufacturing production rose 0.3% year-on-year in September, driven mainly by motor vehicles and food and beverages, each contributing 0.5 percentage points. Seasonally adjusted output fell 0.5% month-on-month, though third-quarter production was up 0.1% versus the previous quarter. Four of ten divisions showed growth, with furniture and ‘other’ manufacturing rising 8.4%. The wood, paper, and printing sector declined 5.4%. Manufacturing sales were flat month-on-month but rose 1.9% in the third quarter, supported by petroleum, chemicals, and motor vehicles - indicating modest resilience amid mixed industrial performance. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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… AND GOLDMAN PUNTS CREDIT RATING UPGRADE FRIDAY
Goldman Sachs predicts South Africa will secure a sovereign credit rating upgrade this week, citing improved fiscal discipline and smaller deficits. S&P Global Ratings, which currently rates SA at BB- with a positive outlook, is due to announce its review on Friday. Economist Andrew Matheny said Treasury’s stronger fiscal performance - narrowing the deficit to about 4.6% - supports an upgrade. The move would boost investor confidence and signal progress in fiscal consolidation after years of bailouts and sluggish growth. While most analysts agree an upgrade is likely, Citigroup expects S&P to wait until 2026 for confirmation of sustained economic improvement. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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NEW ERA DAWNS FOR NATIONAL PAYMENT FACILITY
South Africa’s financial landscape is entering a “new era” following the Reserve Bank’s acquisition of a stake in PayInc, paving the way for the creation of a national payment utility. The move aims to streamline payments, enhance financial inclusion, and reduce transaction costs across the economy. Officials say the initiative will foster greater interoperability between banks and fintechs, improving efficiency and security for consumers and businesses alike. By consolidating payment infrastructure under a centralised framework, the project is expected to modernise South Africa’s financial system, drive innovation, and support economic growth, while maintaining strong regulatory oversight. (SOURCE: News24/BDLive))
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LOCALLY-MADE CHOLERA VACCINE GOES ON TRIAL
South Africa has begun clinical trials for its first locally developed cholera vaccine, marking a major milestone in domestic vaccine production. If proven safe and effective, it will become the first vaccine fully manufactured by Biovac - from formulation to final packaging. The trials aim to strengthen national health security and reduce reliance on imported vaccines amid recurring cholera outbreaks in Southern Africa. Biovac, a public-private partnership between government and industry, says local production could ensure faster response times, lower costs, and greater access across the continent. Results from the early testing phase are expected within the next year. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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COMPETITION WATCHDOG WANTS JSE FINED OVER A2X BATTLE
The Competition Commission has referred the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) to the Competition Tribunal, seeking a fine of up to 10% of its turnover for alleged anti-competitive conduct against rival bourse A2X. The regulator accuses the JSE of exclusionary practices, including forcing brokers to use its broker dealer accounting (BDA) system, restricting interoperability and raising costs for smaller players. A2X, which holds 38% of the secondary trading market, says the JSE’s rules stifle fair competition. The JSE denies all allegations, insisting it has cooperated fully and will file its formal response to the Commission’s complaint early in 2026. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS FIDELITY SCRUMS DOWN FOR A LISTING ON JSE
Fidelity Services Group, South Africa’s largest private security company, plans an IPO on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, advised by Absa, Deutsche Bank, Nedbank, Standard Bank and RMB Morgan Stanley. CEO Wahl Bartmann - a former Springbok flank - has led the firm’s rapid expansion through acquisitions including SSG Holdings and Tyco’s ADT South Africa. Fellow ex-Bok captain John Smit serves on Fidelity’s board, strengthening its leadership pedigree. Employing over 69 000 people across guarding, residential, and cash-in-transit services, Fidelity aims to leverage growing demand for private security amid record violent crime. South Africa now counts 2.7 million registered security workers, compared with just 150 000 police officers. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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UK OVERTAKES SA AS TOP ZIM REMITTANCE SOURCE
The UK is set to surpass South Africa as the largest source of remittances to Zimbabwe this year, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube revealed. Treasury estimates show 28.6% of the $2.72 billion inflow will come from the UK, compared with 27.5% from South Africa. Economic instability has driven Zimbabwean professionals abroad, particularly to Britain, boosting transfers. The US, Australia, Botswana, and Canada remain key contributors. Remittances are Zimbabwe’s second-largest foreign exchange source after mining exports. Despite the UK’s recent ban on care visas, the continued migration trend underscores the country’s reliance on diaspora income amid chronic inflation, currency volatility, and persistent economic hardship. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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A small act is worth a million thoughts.
Ai Weiwe |
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| Dollar | R17.15 | + 0.08% | | Pound | R22.51 | + 0.17% | | Euro | R19.85 | + 0.05% | | Yen | 0.110796 |
| | Yuan | R2.41 | + 0.07% | | Bitcoin | $ 103 501.70 | + 0.83% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 584.90 | + 0.33% | | Gold | $ 4 115.39
| - 0.26% | | Oil | $ 64.91
| - 0.26% | | All Share | 111 187.44
| + 0.31% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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