| FULL FIELD GETTING INTO SWING OF THINGS AT CHAMBER GOLF DAY |
(ltr) The PMCB organising team of Leo Quayle, Kay Reddy, Tinus Havinga, Heidi Jadoo, Priyankha Mungroo, Thabisile Ngidi and Mvelo Ximba.
The XTec-sponsored annual PMCB Golf Day showcased impressive skill and camaraderie, with 29 teams teeing off on Friday at the Victoria Country Club. Players may have exhibited skill levels, but nevertheless had a swinging time on the course. We will do the event justice in tomorrow’s edition of eBizBlitz as we pay tribute to the team from the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business who made the day happen. |
| PAPERSCAN TO BOOST DIGITISATION IN HERITAGE MONTH |
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Melanie Rood and Bandile Sizani of PaperScan.
With Heritage Month celebrated in September, Pietermaritzburg-based PaperScan is underscoring the vital role of digitising records to safeguard history and memories to ensure organisational and cultural heritage is preserved for the future. The company, led by Melanie Rood and Bandile Sizani, works with businesses and institutions to digitise and safeguard their paper-based information. Their services range from document scanning to electronic records management, making it easier for organisations to access and protect valuable information.
“Every organisation carries a history in its files - from contracts and designs to patient records and council minutes,” said Sizani. “Preserving that heritage while making it useful today is at the heart of what we do.” PaperScan has already completed projects in healthcare, legal, education, engineering, and manufacturing sectors, tailoring solutions to meet governance and compliance requirements.
For businesses, the benefits extend beyond preservation, offering faster access to information, cost savings on storage, and smoother audits. “Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the past and its value for the future, and we urge organisations to see their records as part of that heritage,” said Sizani, “with digitisation ensuring they remain preserved and accessible for generations.” Contact PaperScan on 079 585 0429 or at melanie@paperscan.co.za. View the website here. |
| EARLY NOTICE: BUSINESS FIGHTING CRIME PADEL DAY SPONSORSHIP CALL |
Business Fighting Crime, the crime-fighting arm of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, is hosting its annual family fun day with a padel outing to the Maritzburg Golf Club on 18 October. More details to follow, but for now BFC chair Kantha Naiddo is inviting business sponsorship of the day, at R2 500, that includes exposure and the issuance of a Section 18A certificate for tax purposes. Contact Naidoo on 067 759 2908 or Heidi on (033) 3452747 or at pmcb@pmcb.org.za
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1853: First postage stamp in Africa was issued in the Cape Colony.
Elsewhere, in 1985, the wreck of the Titanic was found in the North Atlantic Ocean, 73 years after sinking on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City.
Today marks the first day of spring in the southern hemisphere, and is also observed as World Letter Writing Day.
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RAND, STOCKS SMASH DECADE-LONG RECORDS IN AUGUST
South African markets posted historic August gains, defying seasonal weakness. The Rand strengthened 3% against the Dollar - its best August performance since 2005 - while the FTSE/JSE All Share Index rose 3.4%, the strongest since 2006. Investors poured into bonds and equities as confidence grew in the coalition government’s reforms, fiscal discipline, and the Reserve Bank’s inflation control.
Elevated gold and platinum prices boosted mining shares, while companies like Sasol and Momentum reported improved earnings. Despite US tariffs on local exports, global risk-on sentiment, a weaker Dollar, and expected US rate cuts kept South African assets highly attractive. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
NERSA REGISTERS 111 NEW POWER PROJECTS WORTH R52 BILLION
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) registered 111 new generation facilities in the first quarter of 2025/26, adding 1 916 MW of capacity and R51.91 billion in investment. Since 2018, Nersa has approved 2 056 facilities with 12 757 MW capacity and R293 billion investment. Applications were processed in an improved 11-day average. Solar PV dominated registrations, reflecting South Africa’s solar potential. Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal led in project numbers, while the Western Cape topped capacity with 741 MW and R21.41 billion investment, followed by the Northern Cape and Free State with substantial renewable energy contributions. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
... AS STEEL-MAKER'S DISCOUNT TARIFFS SETS PRECEDENT
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (Amsa) application for discounted electricity tariffs at its Newcastle and Vanderbijlpark plants, overturning Eskom’s earlier rejection. Nersa ruled that Amsa “substantially complies” with criteria for long-term negotiated pricing agreements. Eskom, however, warned this sets a precedent for 130 other large users, potentially triggering a 25% tariff hike for remaining consumers. Critics argue Amsa’s survival - already supported by a R1.7 billion IDC bailout - should not burden others or distort competition, especially as its plants are outdated. The deal’s terms now return to Eskom and Amsa for negotiation. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
... AND AMSA PREPARES TO CUT 3 500 JOBS
ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa) announced plans to lay off 3,500 employees as it begins winding down its long steel operations. The decision comes amid declining demand and efforts by vehicle manufacturers to reduce reliance on Amsa’s specialty steel products. The move highlights ongoing challenges in South Africa’s steel sector, including competition, high costs, and market shifts. While aimed at streamlining operations, the retrenchments raise concerns over job losses and downstream economic impacts. Amsa and industry stakeholders are exploring strategies to manage the transition, mitigate disruptions, and support affected workers during the closure of the long steel unit. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
… AND FORD TO CULL AT LEAST 470 JOBS
Ford Motor Company has confirmed plans to cut at least 470 jobs at its South African operations, following notification to the Solidarity trade union. The announcement coincides with Ford’s decision to skip the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami, reflecting cost pressures in the local automotive sector. Other manufacturers also bypassed the event, citing high participation expenses. The job cuts highlight ongoing challenges for South Africa’s motor industry, including declining demand, rising costs, and the need to explore alternative markets. Stakeholders now face the task of managing workforce reductions while seeking strategies to sustain industry competitiveness. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
'LAWLESS' LANDFILLS GET UP AFROFORUM'S NOSE
AfriForum has sounded the alarm over South Africa’s landfill sites, warning that most operate without proper regulation, posing severe risks to public health and the environment. A survey of 169 sites revealed that only 22% complied substantially with minimum standards, while the majority risk polluting air, soil, surface, and underground water. The civil rights group described the sites as “lawless”, criticising government’s failure to enforce waste management laws. AfriForum stressed that poor oversight threatens both communities and ecosystems, urging authorities to prioritise compliance and accountability in waste management to avoid worsening health and environmental crises. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
SHELL TAKES WILD COAST EXPLORATION FIGHT TO CONCOURT
Shell and its local partner, Impact Africa, are heading to the Constitutional Court to defend their exploration rights on the Wild Coast. The companies argue that environmental groups opposing seismic surveys aim to “sterilise” oil and gas exploration entirely. Their R1 billion investment has been stalled since a high court interdiction in Makhanda four years ago. Shell insists the project is vital for energy security and economic growth, while activists warn of irreversible harm to marine ecosystems and coastal communities. The apex court’s decision will shape the balance between development and environmental protection in South Africa’s energy sector. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
TOYS R US EXPANDS FOOTPRINT WITH TOYZONE ACQUISITION
Toys R Us South Africa has expanded its footprint to 61 outlets after acquiring 13 ToyZone stores in Gauteng and Durban. Approved by the Competition Commission, the deal ensures all 94 ToyZone employees are retained and integrated into the group, with each store converted into a dual Toys R Us and Babies R Us outlet. Chair Phumla Mnganga said the acquisition strengthens product availability while preserving service continuity. The local toy market, valued at about R9 trillion in 2024, is projected to reach R15.8 trillion by 2033, with e-commerce sales already topping R1.2 billion and rapid adoption among young families. |
NOBEL LAUREATE TO HEAD G20 INEQUALITY PANEL
South Africa has established a G20 panel to address extreme global inequality, chaired by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz. Commissioned by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts will deliver its first report to G20 leaders when South Africa hosts the summit in November. Ramaphosa said inequality undermines dignity and progress, citing “vaccine apartheid” and rising living costs. Research shows the richest 1% gained $33.9 trillion since 2015 - enough to end global poverty many times. Stiglitz urged G20 nations to adopt fairer policies, though the US has criticised South Africa’s agenda. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
CHINA BOOSTS EXPORTS TO AFRICA BY 25%
China’s exports to Africa soared 25% year-on-year to $122 billion (about R2.2trillion) in 2025, outpacing growth in all other major markets as US orders slumped under Donald Trump’s tariffs. The surge is fueled by Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, infrastructure contracts worth $30.5 billion, and rising African demand for construction machinery, vehicles, solar panels, and steel. Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt are top buyers, with more nations entering currency swaps with China’s central bank. While critics warn of deepening trade imbalances and debt risks, Beijing is leveraging affordability, finance, and energy solutions to cement Africa as a key growth market and strategic partner. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
.. AS US COURT RULES TRUMP TARIFFS ILLEGAL
In a pivotal Labor Day weekend decision, a US appeals court declared most of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs illegal, ruling he overstepped his authority when imposing them. The panel upheld an earlier Court of International Trade ruling, finding Trump wrongly invoked an emergency law to justify the levies. However, judges sent the case back to determine whether the ruling applies broadly or only to specific litigants. For now, the tariffs remain in force pending further litigation. Legal experts expect the case will ultimately reach the US Supreme Court, setting up a landmark battle over presidential trade powers. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
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Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
Jim Rohn |
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| Dollar | R17.59 | + 0.36% | | Pound | R23.81 | + 0.12% | | Euro | R20.64 | - 0.04% | | Yen | R0.00 |
| | Yuan | R2.47 | + 0.36% | | Bitcoin | $ 108 043.90
| - 0.37% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 383.70 | + 1.43% | | Gold | $ 3 486.25
| + 1.09% | | Oil | $ 67.63 | + 0.27% | | All Share | 101 836.18
| - 0.03% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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