| TAKING THE STING FROM COMPLEX MISCONDUCT CASES |
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Trainees at the business skills course on complex misconduct cases with presenter Nic Nortje at the back.
A specialised training session, led by Nic Nortje of NKR Outsourced HR at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, gave participants practical tools to address some of the toughest workplace misconduct challenges. Moving beyond the basics of Discipline 101 the session focused on strengthening discovery and disciplinary skills to ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes.
Through real-world scenarios, Nortje guided attendees in unpacking sensitive issues such as recruitment and criminal records, handling theft in the workplace, and managing harassment cases effectively. Special attention was also given to the complexities of suspending commission-earners, navigating mutual separation agreements, and understanding the CCMA’s role in such processes.
One of the most engaging discussions centred on zero-tolerance alcohol policies, highlighting the balance between strict enforcement and supporting employee wellness. Attendees walked away with sharper insight into applying disciplinary procedures with confidence while protecting both employee rights and organisational integrity.
View the 2025 PMCB business skills programme here.
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| UKZN INTEGRATION SETS SCENE FOR SHORT-COURSE EXCELLENCE |
| The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has announced the formal integration of UKZN Extended Learning (UEL) into the Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L), effective 1 July. UEL will now serve as UKZN’s flagship platform for short courses, including executive education and professional development programmes. The merger aligns with UKZN’s Strategic Plan 2023–2032, enhancing its capacity to offer innovative, high-quality learning opportunities that meet evolving industry and societal needs. This consolidation aims to strengthen programme delivery, foster professional growth, and provide organisations with tailored educational solutions, positioning UKZN as a leader in lifelong learning. |
| HIGH TEA IN BOTANICAL GARDENS CORRECTION |
| Friday’s snippet about the inaugural Hot Pink High Tea at the Botanical Gardens mentioned the wrong date. We should have known better as the event is scheduled for 3 September to co-incide with Secretaries Day. We apologise for the error. For more information about the event with the theme Ladies, embrace your flower power!, click here. |
1900: Boer and British forces clashed in the battle of Dalmanutha (Berg-en-Dal).
Elsewhere, in 1991, Michael Schumacher made his Formula One debut in the Belgian Grand Prix. He would go on to win 91 F1 races.
On this day in 1980, Zimbabwe joined the United Nations.
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RETIREES FACE HEAVY FOREIGN-PENSION TAX BURDEN
Foreign pension tax changes could hit SA retirees South African residents with foreign pensions face a heavier tax burden from March 2026, as National Treasury plans to scrap the exemption on retirement benefits earned abroad. Experts warn the move could trigger double taxation: pension contributions were already taxed overseas, and payouts may now also be taxed locally.
Treasury argues the exemption costs revenue and allows double non-taxation, while critics say it unfairly penalises retirees with international savings. A pensioner receiving £5 000 (about R117 850) monthly could lose 32% of income to local tax. Tax credits may offset foreign levies, but paperwork is required. Analysts caution the changes could push retirees to emigrate, undermining the economic benefits their spending brings to South Africa. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS SARS DOUBLES DOWN ON CRYPTO COMPLIANCE
Sars strengthens crypto enforcement with AI and manpower The SA Revenue Service (Sars) is intensifying its crackdown on crypto assets, aiming to double staff dedicated to monitoring disclosures and enforcement. The move forms part of a broader effort to recover billions in unpaid taxes across the economy. Sars confirmed it is collaborating with the Reserve Bank to scrutinise offshore crypto investments while mining transaction data to flag high-risk activity and noncompliance. Artificial intelligence tools will also support automated decision-making in tax administration. The strengthened focus underscores government’s determination to tighten regulation, close loopholes, and ensure crypto players meet their obligations to the fiscus. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
COURT SETS 90-DAY LIMIT ON LABOUR DISPUTES
The Labour Court has ruled that unfair labour practice claims must be referred to the CCMA within 90 days of discovery, ending the notion of “endless” disputes. In Nehawu v Ramalatso, employees argued unequal pay was a “continuing wrong” since the disparity recurred monthly. Both the CCMA and court rejected this, finding the unfair act occurred when salaries were first set. Late referrals can only proceed if condonation is granted, requiring good cause and merit. For workers, the lesson is clear: act fast. For employers, the decision strengthens defences against stale claims. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
PENSION FUND BOOSTS SMME SUPPORT WITH R10 BILLION PLAN
Pension funds boost SMME support with R1bn plan South Africa’s small business sector is set to benefit from nearly R1bn in new funding after pension funds matched R90m from the National Treasury’s jobs fund with R900m in commitments. The initiative aims to stimulate job creation through enhanced access to finance for SMMEs. According to Ashburton Investments’ Rob Nagel, the Treasury allocation was placed in an independent trust to attract pension fund investment. Government hopes the collaboration will help unlock growth, strengthen entrepreneurship, and create sustainable employment, positioning SMMEs as a vital driver of the country’s economic recovery and long-term development strategy. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
ASPEN SHARES SINK 10% ON IMPAIRMENTS, CHINA RESTRUCTURE
Aspen Pharmacare’s shares dropped 10% after the company flagged a full-year loss for 2025, driven by high restructuring costs in China and R4.1 billion in impairments, including mRNA assets and new tax measures. Headline earnings per share are expected to fall 40–45%, while normalised HEPS declines 27–32%. Despite strong performance in Commercial Pharmaceuticals, launch of Mounjaro in South Africa, and progress in Latin America, trading results were impacted by currency fluctuations and contractual disputes in Manufacturing. Aspen expects operating cash conversion above 100% and anticipates revenue growth from insulin contracts and continued expansion of its pharmaceutical portfolio in 2026–2027. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
... AND ADCOCK TO DELIST AFTER R4.2 BILLION INDIAN SALE
Adcock Ingram to delist after Natco Pharma deal Adcock Ingram will delist from the JSE following a R4.2bn acquisition agreement with Natco Pharma, which will buy shares not owned by Bidvest. The move, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval, will see Adcock operate privately with Bidvest as controlling shareholder. For the year to June 2025, headline earnings per share rose 1% to 625.6 cents, while the total dividend increased 2% to 280 cents per share. (SOURCE: SENS) |
US POULTRY GROUP SKIRTS DUMPING WITH TARIFF CLAIM
US poultry group disputes dumping claims, blames South African tariffs The US poultry industry has rejected allegations that it is dumping products in South Africa, arguing instead that local tariffs are the main challenge for exporters. Industry representatives told News24 that duties imposed by South African authorities increase costs and limit market access for American poultry, making trade less competitive. The group emphasized that tariffs, rather than unfair pricing, are hindering growth and inflating local prices. Officials are urging dialogue with South African regulators to address these trade barriers. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in agricultural trade, as countries balance domestic protection with international market access and competitive fairness. (SOURCE: News24) |
BOTSWANA INKS R209 BILLION QATARI INVESTMENT DEAL
Botswana President Duma Boko announced a landmark $12 billion (about R209 billion) investment agreement with Qatar’s Al Mansour Holdings, in partnership with the Botswana Development Corporation. The deal targets multiple sectors, including infrastructure, energy, mining, diamond refinement, agriculture, tourism, cybersecurity, and defence, aiming to address immediate economic challenges. The investment comes as Botswana faces a downturn in the diamond market, which caused a 3% GDP contraction last year and threatens further decline. The Qatari delegation’s visit underscores efforts to diversify the economy, attract foreign capital, and strengthen Botswana’s position in global markets, supporting long-term growth and economic resilience across strategic sectors. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
META SIGNS R175 BILLION GOOGLE-CLOUD DEAL
Meta Platforms has signed a landmark deal with Google worth at least $10 billion (about R175 billion) over six years for cloud computing services, boosting its artificial intelligence push. The agreement, Meta’s first major cloud contract with Google, will provide servers and storage to expand computing power as Meta races to develop AI tools. Despite owning over two dozen data centers, Meta needs faster capacity while building new sites. Google Cloud, ranked behind AWS and Microsoft Azure, gains validation from the deal. Analysts say Meta will focus on advancing its Llama AI model’s reasoning capabilities, strengthening competitiveness in frontier AI technologies. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
JAPANESE CITY PUSHES 2-HOUR DAILY LIMIT ON SMARTPHONES
Japanese city proposes strict two-hour daily smartphone limit A city in Japan has proposed limiting residents’ smartphone use to just two hours per day in an effort to curb digital addiction and promote healthier lifestyles. The initiative targets both children and adults, encouraging citizens to engage more in physical activity, social interaction, and outdoor pursuits. Officials hope the measure will address rising concerns over mental health issues, sleep disruption, and decreased productivity linked to excessive screen time. While the proposal has sparked debate over personal freedom and enforceability, local authorities argue that setting daily digital boundaries is a necessary step toward fostering well-being in an increasingly connected society. (SOURCE: AFP) |
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Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer.
Denis Waitley |
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| Dollar | R17.46 | - 0.08% | | Pound | R23.61 | - 0.06% | | Euro | R24.06 | - 0.01% | | Yen | 0.118738 |
| | Yuan | R2.44 | - 0.30% | | Bitcoin | $ 112 030.40 | - 4.23% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 351.40 | - 0.01% | | Gold | $ 3 366.76 | - 0.76% | | Oil | $ 67.91
| + 0.15% | | All Share | 102 724.71
| + 0.96% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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