| CITY-BORN AUTHOR REWRITES C-SUITE LEADERSHIP NARRATIVE |
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Pietermaritzburg-born author and executive communications expert Charlotte Otter (pictured above) is launching a book that challenges leadership orthodoxies in South Africa. The book, We Need New Leaders: The New Reputation Equity for Diverse CEOs is being launched on Thursday, 18 September, at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business. Drawing on her MSc research and over 20 years’ global experience, Otter explores why diverse leaders remain underrepresented in the C-suite and how strategic reputation management can unlock doors long closed.
The book blends case studies, actionable tools and hard-won insights, showing underrepresented leaders how to embrace identity, own narratives, and thrive authentically. Far more than a leadership manual, it’s a call to action for boards, HR leaders and aspiring executives to break outdated moulds and champion inclusive, future-ready leadership. Click on the banner advert below to RSVP. |
| TURNING TYRE STEEL SCRAP INTO EXPORT GOLD |
Minenhle Mkhize and Dr Mehran Zarrebini inspect de-beaded steel wire taken from the side wall of a truck tyre.
The Mathe Group is installing a multi-million-Rand upgrade in Hammarsdale to recover “clean steel” from waste radial truck tyres - steel that accounts for roughly 30% of each tyre. New de-beading machines remove steel rings intact, preserving geometry and yielding a purer product worth three times more than scrap metal.
The investment includes a clean-steel mill, automated packaging line, and in-house cleaning to reduce rubber contamination from 10% to under 2%. Weekly exports of 108 tonnes filling at least four containers will head to India and South Korea, commanding double international prices, while boosting rubber crumb yield by 8% and operational efficiency. Full system rollout is scheduled by January 2026. (SOURCE: KZNB&I/Engineering News). |
| A TOAST TO ADMIN PROFESSIONALS AND A MORNING MAKE-OVER |
Celebrate Admin Professionals Month over a delectabe two-course meal at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business on Wednesdsay, 17 September. Also on the menu are wine, refreshments, networking with peers, and a chance to win lucky draw prizes. If that’s not enough, nominations are invited for a Marvellous Morning Makeover (valued at R1 550) by motivating why you should be considered to ceo@pmcb.org.za by close of business tomorrow. Bring your business card for a chance to speak at the next lunch. The cost is R310 for members and R410 (non-members). Book with Thabisile on (033) 3452747 or at info@pmcb.org.za.
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1980: The death sentence pronounced on James Mange in the Pietermaritzburg High Court was commuted to 20 years' imprisonment by the Bloemfontein Appeal Court.
2001: Two passenger planes hijacked by Al Qaeda terrorists crash into New York’s World Trade Center towers, causing the collapse of both and the deaths of approximately 2 606 people.
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TAX-NEUTRAL BLOW TO DAMPEN SAVINGS, COST EXPATS
Draft amendments to the Income Tax Act could deliver fresh blows to ordinary taxpayers. National Treasury wants to scrap tax-neutral treatment for collective investment scheme (CIS) mergers and asset-for-share transactions, ending long-standing roll-over relief. Tax experts warn this could create “stealth taxes,” undermining the compounding benefits that make CIS products attractive, at a time when fewer than 6% of South Africans can retire comfortably.
Another proposal would tax non-income CIS distributions as capital gains. Treasury also seeks to tighten the “remuneration proxy” definition, raising liabilities for expatriates receiving employer-provided benefits like housing. Critics argue these changes erode savings incentives and risk damaging investor confidence. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
... AS SARS GOES ALL OUT TO RECOUP MISSING R20 BILLION
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is intensifying efforts to collect R20 billion in outstanding tax debt after missing its first-quarter recovery target. Commissioner Edward Kieswetter told Parliament that while SARS has improved compliance and broadened the tax base, economic pressures and persistent non-payment continue to weigh on collections. The revenue authority is ramping up enforcement, including garnishee orders and asset seizures, to close the gap. SARS has already recovered billions in unpaid taxes this year but admits that the scale of delinquent accounts remains a challenge. The drive forms part of broader measures to stabilise public finances and strengthen revenue. (SOURCE: News24) |
NERSA ON WARPATH OVER 'CATASTROPHIC' R54 BILLION BLUNDER
The National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) has suspended a senior staff member and commissioned an independent audit after admitting to a R54 billion “catastrophic” error in Eskom’s tariff calculations. The blunder, blamed on a data-entry oversight, significantly understated Eskom’s revenue requirements, affecting electricity price hikes. Nersa chair Thembani Bukula told Parliament’s energy committee that accountability measures were being enforced, including a probe to strengthen internal systems and prevent future lapses. The incident has raised alarm over governance and oversight at the regulator, already under pressure to balance Eskom’s financial sustainability with consumer protection amid the country’s ongoing energy crisis. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
... AS RAMOKGOPA WARNS OF STEEL SMELTER CRISIS
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has warned that South Africa’s soaring energy costs are unsustainable, placing the future of the country’s smelters at risk. Addressing Parliament in the wake of Nersa’s R54 billion tariff miscalculation, Ramokgopa said the sector has already shed jobs at alarming levels, with higher electricity prices set to accelerate closures. He stressed that smelters, vital to industrial output and exports, cannot remain viable under escalating costs. The warning underscores the broader economic fallout of rising energy prices, with fears that South Africa could lose critical industrial capacity unless urgent reforms balance Eskom’s revenue needs with industry survival. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
CONSTRUCTION SECTOR IN DOLDRUMS DESPITE PARTIAL REBOUND
South Africa’s construction industry continues to face prolonged weakness, with overall sentiment remaining below long-term averages. While non-residential projects - such as commercial and industrial developments - are showing tentative signs of recovery, the broader sector remains in a rut due to sluggish infrastructure investment, weak private demand, and tight financial conditions. Analysts warn that despite isolated growth pockets, the industry still lacks the momentum to drive sustained expansion. Persistent policy uncertainty and project delays further weigh on confidence. Without stronger state-led infrastructure programmes and improved investor sentiment, the construction sector’s recovery is expected to remain uneven and subdued. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
RAMAPHOSA HINTS AT POSTBANK-AFRICAN BANK MERGER
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signalled that the government is open to merging Postbank and African Bank to form a new state-owned bank aimed at expanding financial inclusion. He emphasized that “all assets” may be leveraged to serve the estimated 3.9 million unbanked South Africans, particularly in rural areas. While backing the idea of a state bank, Ramaphosa cautioned that Postbank must first strengthen its governance, financial stability, and meet prudential licensing standards before being integrated. He also emphasised that African Bank’s private shareholders would need to be aligned in any merger arrangement (SOURCE: News24) |
GROWTHPOINT TO PAVE WAY FOR WALMART ENTRY
South Africa’s largest landlord, Growthpoint Properties, is preparing to accommodate US retail giant Walmart as it eyes a stronger local presence. Industry sources suggest Growthpoint is in advanced talks to provide prime retail space that could accelerate Walmart’s expansion strategy in South Africa. The move comes as the global retailer seeks to capitalise on shifting consumer trends and rising demand for value-focused shopping amid economic pressures. Growthpoint, with its extensive retail property portfolio, is well placed to facilitate the rollout. While details remain under wraps, the potential partnership signals a significant shake-up in the country’s competitive retail landscape. (SOURCE: News24) |
... AS ROBUST DOMESTIC PORTFOLIO POINTS TO STELLAR 2026
JSE-listed Growthpoint Properties reported strong 2025 financial results, surpassing guidance with distributable income per share (DIPS) of 146.3c, up 3.1% year-on-year, and total dividends per share (DPS) of 124.3c, a 6.1% rise. The South African portfolio outperformed, supported by the V&A Waterfront, lower finance costs, and capital recycling. Total revenue reached R13.3 billion, with operating profit up 5.5% to R8.7 billion. Like-for-like net property income grew 5.9%, while the V&A Waterfront saw 12.7% NPI growth. With strong liquidity, conservative leverage, and robust balance sheets, Growthpoint upgraded its 2026 guidance, signalling confidence in the property cycle’s recovery. (SOURCE: SENS) |
NISSAN PUTS FAITH IN NAVARA, EYES HYBRID ROLL-OUT
Nissan has reaffirmed its commitment to South Africa, keeping the Rosslyn plant in Pretoria operational despite global restructuring that may close seven other facilities. The plant, producing Navara pickups, will increase 2025 output by 20% over 2024, supported by strong local demand and exports to Egypt. Nissan is also exploring e-Power hybrid vehicles for South Africa, combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor to reduce battery costs and eliminate range anxiety, suitable for limited charging infrastructure. MD Maciej Klenkiewicz confirmed plans to expand the local portfolio with new SUVs from India and future electrification strategies. (SOURCES: Moneyweb/Reuters) |
NOT SO PURE LIQUI FRUIT TO DROP MISLEADING SLOGAN
The Advertising Regulatory Board’s appeals committee has ruled that Liqui Fruit’s trademark slogan, Nothing But Fruit, is misleading because it implies the product contains only fruit, when permitted additives like citric acid and Vitamin C are included. Pioneer Foods, a PepsiCo subsidiary, has been ordered to remove or amend the slogan across packaging, websites, and marketing materials. While the board upheld earlier findings that terms such as 100% Fruit Juice and sourcing claims were mostly compliant, it affirmed that “nothing” denotes absolute purity - a standard not met by the product’s actual composition. (SOURCE: News24) |
ANGLO, TECK MERGER CREATES R875 BILLION COPPER GIANT
Anglo American and Teck Resources have agreed to merge, combining their Chilean copper mines and entire companies in a deal valued at over $50 billion (about R875 billion). The merger will create one of the world’s largest copper producers, leveraging Quebrada Blanca and Collahuasi mines for an additional 175 000 tons of annual output. The combined company will be headquartered in Vancouver, with a “merger of equals” structure maintaining Teck’s leadership roles. The deal, years in the making, overcame complex negotiations, political interests, and shareholder approvals, aiming to capture industrial synergies and meet growing global copper demand amid a competitive mining landscape. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
CASH-FLUSH RE-INSURERS SOUND GLOBAL CLIMATE ALARM
The world’s leading re-insurers convened at the annual Rendez-Vous de Septembre (RVS) In Monaco this week against a backdrop of record profits but deepening climate concerns. Executives highlighted that while the sector has rebounded financially, it is retreating from catastrophe risk, raising premiums sharply and pushing deductibles higher. This shift is already straining the U.S. homeowners market, where “insurance deserts” are emerging as firms withdraw from disaster-prone areas. With climate change driving annual catastrophe losses toward $150 billion (about R2.6 trillion) - and Swiss Re warning of a possible $300 billion year - leaders cautioned that traditional insurance is nearing its limits without stronger global risk mitigation. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
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TRAINING - ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
TRAINER: Mike Heesen – ProHaS Consultants
OVERVIEW
The primary goal of an investigation is to understand why an incident occurred, not just what transpired. This process not only involves identifying the immediate causes but also involves in many instances exposing underlying factors that may have contributed to the incident. Understanding all aspects of an incident is crucial to develop an effective preventative measure, which is not only a legal requirement in terms of the Act, but it also has a financial benefit for the company concerned.
By the conclusion of the training, the delegate should have a sufficient understanding of this process to achieve the required outcomes. This process will then provide the employer with a meaningful investigation not only providing an understanding of the events that transpired but also suggesting suitable controls to prevent a possible future occurrence.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Management, Supervisors, and those tasked with Accident Investigations within the Organisation. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 18 September 2025
Time: 08:30 – 12:30
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (Excludes vat) PMCB Members: R682.60 p/p, R643.48 p/p for 3/more, R595.65 p/p for 5/more Non-members: R900 p/p, R882.60 p/p for 3/more, R852.17 p/p for 5/more
Please note: The company will be liable for payment unless CANCELLATION is received in writing 24 hours prior to the event. |
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The cleverest of all, in my opinion, is the man who calls himself a fool at least once a month.
Fyodor Dostoevsky |
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