| FINE FARE AND FUN AT SUNDOWNERS WITH A PURPOSE |
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(ltr, back) Jackie Cameron, Ashleigh Dick, Eron Martin (Premium Wine Account Executive, KZN), Richard Duckitt (Bellingham wine maker), and front, Sophia Drakopoulos, Jackie Meyer (National Premium Wine Executive) and Deanin Davis (Regional Sales Manager, KZN).
Guests at the August “sundowners with a difference” evening at the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine indulged in a five-course degustation menu paired with wines from Bellingham. The iconic event is more than a quaint, fun-filled evening out, it’s also a testbed for students at the school to gain practical experience by pairing a dish with a wine.
The line-up ranged from the Pandemonium Grenache Blanc 2024 and Homestead Sauvignon Blanc 2025 to the Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Pandemonium Red Blend 2024 and Bernard Series Small Barrel SMV 2022. Dishes included pear, Gorgonzola and walnut puff pastry, smoked salmon-trout blinis, creamy spicy chicken livers, lamb kofta and a chocolate orange tart.
The success of the evening has whetted appetites for the next Sundowner in September that will feature Backsberg wines and another unique culinary experience.
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| PMCB ENTREPRENEURS TAKE THEIR PLACE AT SADC SHOW |
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Lucrisha Polton (PMCB Trade Hub Manager) and Dr. Gabor Molnar (Industrial Development Officer, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation)
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business was well represented at the ninth SADC Industrialisation Week at the Durban ICC, where several chamber entrepreneurs showcased their innovative and sustainable businesses to a regional audience. The event brought together government, business, investors and development stakeholders to explore industrialisation, trade and economic transformation across Southern Africa.
PMCB entrepreneurs gained valuable exposure and networking opportunities, including engagements with key stakeholders to highlight the chamber’s commitment to helping locally grown businesses access new markets, build connections and participate in regional value chains. The showcase also demonstrated how practical opportunities can turn entrepreneurial potential into sustainable regional impact.
See below: Ramaphosa stresses SADC unity as migrant tensions simmer |
| TICK-TOCK, FINAL CALL FOR TME MANAGMENT TRAINING |
A reminder that a practical time-management course takes place tomorrow, 19 August, at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business offices. Led by Tanya Hulse, the workshop will help participants prioritise tasks, manage procrastination, delegate effectively, improve workflow and meetings, and maintain energy. Managers and sales and marketing teams will benefit from practical tools to boost productivity. Contact Thabisile on (033) 345 2747 or at info@pmcb.org.za.
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1964: South Africa was banned from the Olympic Games.
Elsewhere, the 19th Amendment was ratified by a single vote to finally allow women in the United States the vote.
On your bike, it’s International Delivery Rider Appreciation Day.
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RAMAPHOSA STRESSES SADC UNITY AS MIGRANT TENSIONS SIMMER
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for greater unity within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as tensions over migration expose divisions among member states. Speaking after South Africa assumed the regional bloc’s 2026/27 leadership at its summit in Durban,
Ramaphosa stressed the need for solidarity and stronger regional cooperation. His appeal comes amid anti-immigrant protests outside the summit venue, highlighting growing public frustration over migration and its economic and social impact. While leaders reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to unity, disagreements remain over how countries should manage migration and address concerns about cross-border movement. The tensions pose a challenge to efforts to deepen regional integration, trade and economic cooperation, with South Africa expected to use its chairship to advance greater unity and coordinated development across the region.
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... AND PUNTS CASE FOR REGIONAL COMMON MARKET
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for deeper economic integration among SADC’s 16 countries, home to nearly 400 million people and abundant natural resources. He says the region should develop a dynamic common market, integrate industries and reduce trade barriers, including border delays, costly money transfers and differing customs procedures. Intra-SADC trade currently accounts for only about 20% of combined trade, despite the region’s minerals, energy, land and industrial capabilities. Ramaphosa wants regional corridors, including Maputo, North-South, Trans-Kalahari, Beira and Lobito, to carry goods, electricity, data and people. South Africa’s SADC chairship will prioritise practical integration, infrastructure, jobs and implementation of Vision 2050. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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NEW POLICY HUB AIMS TO BOOST SOUTH AFRICAN INNOVATION
The South African Innovation Ecosystem Policy Hub has been launched to strengthen collaboration across the country’s innovation landscape and improve evidence-based policymaking. The initiative enters a pilot phase running until 2028 and aims to connect universities, research institutions, businesses and entrepreneurs while turning research into practical policy. The partnership includes the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, CSIR, Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies and Stellenbosch University’s Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship. A key concern is South Africa’s low research and development investment, at just 0.66% of GDP, compared with a global average of about 2%. The hub seeks stronger R&D, collaboration and long-term innovation capacity. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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SPAR CHAIR, DEPUTY CHAIR QUIT IN BOARDROOM RUCKUS
The Spar Group has appointed Lwazi Koyana as interim independent non-executive chairman following the immediate resignations of chairman Mike Bosman and deputy chair Dr Shirley Zinn. The retailer said both directors retained the board’s full support but had concluded that stepping down was in Spar’s best interests. Koyana, a chartered accountant and Spar director for more than seven years, currently chairs the Risk Committee and brings extensive finance, governance and risk experience. The board’s Nominations Committee has begun searching for permanent successors. Spar said its executive leadership under CEO Reeza Isaacs remains unchanged, with priorities including improving retailer profitability, strengthening procurement and pricing, and boosting operational and distribution performance. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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BALWIN SHAREHOLDERS CLEARS WAY FOR R2.3 BILLION DELISTING
Balwin Properties shareholders have approved a R2.3 billion buyout backed by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), paving the way for the residential developer to leave the JSE. The consortium, comprising the PIC, Balwin founders and GRE Africa, is offering minority shareholders R4.35 a share in cash. The offer represents a premium to Balwin’s R4.25 share price when the deal was announced in July. The transaction received Competition Commission approval in July and is expected to become unconditional by October 5. Trading in Balwin scheme shares is scheduled to be suspended on October 14, with the company’s JSE and A2X delisting planned for October 20. (SOURCE: News24)
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT DEFENDS R15.5 BILLION HIV TENDER
The health department is defending its controversial R15.5 billion HIV drug tender in court, rejecting allegations by pharmaceutical company Cipla that the procurement process was flawed and involved collusive bidding. The department maintains that the tender was conducted properly and in line with procurement requirements. Cipla has challenged the award, raising concerns about how the process was handled and the companies involved. The case has significant implications for South Africa’s HIV treatment programme, which depends on reliable supplies of affordable antiretroviral medicines. The outcome could affect procurement practices, competition among pharmaceutical suppliers and government’s efforts to secure cost-effective treatment for millions of people. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS SAHPRA PULLS PLUG ON ENALAPRIL BLOOD PRESSURE DRUGS
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) has recalled four batches of Arya Pharma’s Enalapril 10mg medication after post-marketing surveillance identified results that failed to meet required specifications. The Class II Type A recall affects batches GQQ24053, GQQ24064, GQQ24066 and GQQ24067, manufactured in September and October 2024. Enalapril is used to manage high blood pressure. Patients taking the medicine have been urged to check their packaging and contact a pharmacist or healthcare professional if they have an affected batch. Sahpra stressed that patients should not stop taking their medication without medical advice. Pharmacies, wholesalers and suppliers must quarantine affected stock, stop distribution and return products through established channels. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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TYRE REBATE OFFER TEMPORARY RELIEF FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY
The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) has recommended a temporary customs-duty rebate on certain new pneumatic tyres used by agricultural and forestry vehicles and machinery. The recommendation follows an application by tyre manufacturer Tubestone covering tyres with rim sizes below 91cm, classified under tariff code 4011.70.10. Itac found no manufacturers of these tyres within the Southern African Customs Union, meaning import duties increase costs for tractors, harvesters and other machinery. Importers will require an Itac permit and must demonstrate that savings are passed through in lower prices. Regular verification will ensure the rebate does not undermine local tyre manufacturing. Anti-dumping, safeguard and countervailing duties remain excluded. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS CHICKEN DUMPING DUTIES FACE SCRUTINY
South Africa’s anti-dumping duties on frozen bone-in chicken from Germany, the Netherlands and the UK expire on August 22, prompting a sunset review by the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac). The duties, introduced in 2021, range from 31.3% to 73.33% for Germany, 3.86% to 22.81% for the Netherlands and 12.07% to 30.99% for Britain, depending on exporters. The South African Poultry Association wants the measures extended, warning that renewed dumping could hurt local producers and jobs. However, importers argue tariffs can raise food costs. The review highlights the delicate balance between protecting domestic poultry production and maintaining affordable protein for consumers. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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INDIA OPENS DOOR TO DOMESTIC CITRUS AFTER 10 YEARS
South African citrus growers have gained improved access to India after a decade of negotiations, opening potentially significant opportunities in one of the world’s largest consumer markets. New treatment options have helped overcome phytosanitary barriers that previously restricted exports, although tariffs remain a major obstacle to competitiveness. India currently accounts for only a small share of South Africa’s citrus exports despite its substantial market potential. The breakthrough could help diversify export destinations and support growth in the sector, particularly as growers face rising logistics costs, weather disruptions and geopolitical challenges. Industry stakeholders are expected to push for further tariff reductions to unlock the full value of the newly expanded market access. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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BITCOIN ETFS TAKE R6.4 BILLION HIT ON RENEWED CAUTION
US-listed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds suffered their biggest weekly outflows since late June, highlighting renewed caution among institutional investors. The 13 funds lost a net $389.7 million (about R6.4 billion) during the week of August 10, reversing $853.5 million of inflows the previous week. Bitcoin was trading around $63 400 yesterday, roughly 50% below its record high reached in October last year. Analysts said subdued sentiment, expectations of higher interest rates and limited progress on US crypto legislation were keeping investors cautious. The reversal follows a brief surge in ETF demand after a Coldcard wallet security breach renewed concerns about safely holding digital assets and increased interest in regulated investment products. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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The PMCB welcomes the following new members:
GreenHill Laboratories - Testing and Consulting Laboratory – 033 343 1844
Maestro Assist – Business assistance, software development and educational platforms – 011 568 8188
Danisile Nkosi & Associates – Professional services – 083 234 0154
Tysys Capital Group – Professional business compliance and SMME registration support – 011 442 5605
Entire Brands – Branding, corporate gifts, stationery, uniform and wellness – 081 549 0183
Optwel - E-commerce company which manufactures and sells nutraceutical supplements for people and animals and provides formulation and consulting services – 063 166 2632
Forestry & Agriculture Training Organisation – Training co-ordination, SETA grant applications, hiring of training rooms, facilitation of meetings, drafting of policies and training material, conducting assessments and financial administration – 082 739 0948
Eliteway Trading – Rental and property development – 033 387 8693
Licit Professional Accountants – Business administration, account and bookkeeping services, taxation services, auditing services and business advisory and risk management services – 078 345 1278
Vishal Maharaj Accounting Services – Accounting, auditing, tax and secretarial services, SARS and CIPC compliance – 033 345 5514
Gray Pentagon – Plant hire and contract mining support and general supplies – 066 140 7535
Eyami Mazeka Attorneys - Law Firm specialising in administration of deceased estate, estate planning, trust administration and family law – 072 210 8017
The Woodburn Service Station – Service Station – 033 342 0261
Adelbue Agric Primary Co-Op – Fresh and processed vegetables – 082 397 5610
To find out more about chamber membership and the many benefits click here. |
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The search for truth is never over.
Morgan Freeman |
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| Dollar | R16.27
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