| G20 CONTRADICTIONS, AND ZUMA BOYS AS RUSSIAN MERCENARIES |
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Duduzile Zuma with her father, ex-president Jacob Zuma in a talkative mood. Pic credit: Bloomberg.
The contrarian nature of geopolitics will be on full display at the G20 summit in ways that would confound most mortals. While Washington is wagging its finger at Pretoria over a possible declaration, American firms are reportedly seeking deals in African markets. It’s not clear how the current American administration is viewing the deal-making efforts of US companies, but is probably not too fazed in the face of the global disintegration of unity, evidenced by the absence of several leaders at the G20 summit.
Speaking of global dynamics but with an unmistakable KZN flavour, ex-president Jacob Zuma’s firebrand daughter is implicated in recruiting South African mercenaries to fight for Russia in Ukraine. Currently facing insurrection charges for her role in the 2021 unrest, Duduzile Zuma remains tjoepstil as we strive not to indulge in schadenfreude over her predicament or that of the MK Party, for that matter. The pain suffered in KZN lingers. Derek Alberts (Editor)
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| LATE APPEAL FOR INDONESIA, VIETNAM EXPORT MISSION |
| The dtic has issued an urgent call for KZN companies to join its Outward Selling Mission to Indonesia and Vietnam from 23–27 March 2026. The mission will help firms diversify exports through seminars, B2B meetings, and site visits across agriculture, agro-processing, automotive components, and chemicals. Eligible businesses must be at least two years old, export-ready, and tax-compliant. Applications close 21 November 2025 and must be emailed electronically. For more details or inquiries, please contact Ms Munzhedzi Mhosi at (012) 394-5645 or MMahosi@thedtic.gov.za. |
| A GUIDE TO SPOTTING THE AI-POWERED FAKE NEWS NARRATIVE |
The authoritative Check Point 2025 African Cybersecurity Report shows a frightening rise in identity-led intrusions, AI-generated phishing, and multi-vector ransomware to undermine Africa’s digital economy. Leading the charge, so to speak, is an avalanche of fake news that has been traced to India. So serious is the manipulation of information that News24 has opened access to a valuable, easy-to-follow guide on identifying fake news.
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1964: Trial of 14 South African Communist party members, including Abram Fischer QC, started.
Elsewhere, in 1917, tanks were used effectively for the first time in warfare by the British at the Battle of Cambrai.
Today is observed as Africa Industrialisation Day and also World Children’s Day.
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HOUSEHOLDS AT RECEIVING END OF INFLATION UPTICK TO 3.6%
South Africa’s annual consumer inflation rose to 3.6% year-on-year in October, up from 3.4% in September, marking a 13-month high. The monthly increase was just 0.1%, reflecting subdued short‐term price momentum. Households, however, are still feeling the squeeze as everyday essentials become steadily more expensive. Food and non-alcoholic beverages saw inflation accelerate to 3.9%, while housing and utilities rose 4.5%, and transport costs were up 1.5%. Despite the uptick, the rate remains comfortably within the South African Reserve Bank’s target band of 3%-6%, giving the central bank room to maintain its cautious policy without immediate pressure to raise interest rates. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS MARKET PRICES IN INTEREST RATE CUT TODAY
South African markets are pricing in an interest rate cut today, reflecting expectations that inflationary pressures remain moderate and economic growth sluggish. Analysts note the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy stance remains accommodative, with market consensus suggesting a 25 to 50 basis-point reduction could be announced. The move aims to stimulate borrowing, investment, and consumer spending, while keeping inflation within the South African Reserve Bank’s target range of 3–6%. Investors and economists are watching closely, as a rate cut could influence the rand, bond yields, and broader financial markets, signaling confidence in policy responsiveness to economic conditions. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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RETAIL REBOUNDS WITH AN EYE ON BLACK FRIDAY SALES
South Africa’s retail sector recorded its strongest quarterly rise in a year, with sales up an estimated 1.5%–2% in the three months to October, according to early industry data. Clothing and household goods firms reported mid-single-digit growth, while online sales climbed around 8% as retailers pushed early Black Friday deals. Grocery chains say volumes remain flat, with consumers trading down and buying more private-label goods. Analysts note that household budgets are still squeezed by elevated food inflation, high debt-service costs and weak wage growth. While the rebound offers some relief, it reflects tactical bargain-hunting rather than a meaningful consumer recovery. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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CATO RIDGE HUB ON TRACK TO RESHAPE FREIGHT LOGISTICS.
Private investment is accelerating South Africa’s freight-network overhaul through the launch of the Insimbi Ridge Logistics Precinct at Cato Ridge - a 500-hectare logistics and industrial zone positioned 52 km from Durban Port. The project, led by Assore SA PropCo with the Rail Development Corporation, forms part of SIP 2, the Durban–Gauteng freight corridor, and is the first provincially designated freight node. Phase 1 covers 351 hectares, including 33 000 sqm of new logistics facilities for anchor tenant FPT Group, with operations beginning in 2027.Once complete, Insimbi Ridge is expected to create around 10 000 jobs, ease pressure on Durban Port, and align with national logistics reforms, including Transnet’s R90 billion port expansion. (SOURCE: KZNB&I)
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NERSA SETS 12 DECEMBER DEADLINE FOR MUNICIPAL-TARIFF REVIEW
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has opened its review for 2026/27 municipal electricity tariffs, with submissions due by December 12. Public consultations will run in November and December to meet the March 15, 2026 approval deadline. Following a court ruling invalidating 2025/26 approvals, Nersa requires all applications to include Cost of Supply studies. Only complete submissions will be considered for implementation on July 1, 2026. Draft applications and studies will be published online for 30 days to solicit public comments, ensuring transparency and compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AND R105 BILLION MUNICIPAL DEBT MAROONS UNBUNDLING
Eskom’s long-planned unbundling into generation, transmission, and distribution hinges on tackling R100 billion in overdue municipal debt, CEO Dan Marokane said at the Bloomberg Africa Business Summit. Municipal arrears, growing around R20 billion annually, threaten the benefits of recent government debt relief. Eskom aims to reduce net debt to R300 billion by June 2026 from R370 billion, while stabilising the grid and boosting plant reliability. Planned retirements of coal plants require 8 GW of replacement capacity, including 3 GW from a Richards Bay gas plant delayed by a Supreme Court environmental ruling. Private generation pipelines total 13 GW through 2029. Labour relations remain supportive despite unbundling opposition. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS ESKOM FORGES AHEAD WITH DISTRIBUTION DEBT INTERVENTION
Eskom welcomed Finance Minister Godongwana’s endorsement of the Distribution Agency Agreement (DAA) to address R105 billion municipal arrears. CEO Dan Marokane stressed the DAA is an interim solution ahead of full distribution-sector restructuring. Only nine of 71 municipalities currently pay their accounts. Eskom aims to integrate the DAA into debt relief, with potential write-offs of R62.6-billion. First-half 2026 profits rose to R25.9-billion, boosted by a 12.74% tariff hike. CFO Calib Cassim warned municipal debt could exceed R300-billion by 2030 and hinder credit-rating upgrades, emphasizing that resolving arrears is crucial for Eskom’s financial stability and long-term investment plans. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AND UNIONS CLAMOUR FOR 15% WAGE HIKE
Eskom is heading for tough wage talks after unions demanded increases of up to 15%, citing the utility’s R16 billion profit as justification for improved worker compensation. Labour representatives argue that employees played a key role in stabilising operations and reducing load-shedding, and should now share in the financial turnaround. Eskom, however, is expected to counter with a far lower offer as it continues to battle high debt levels and infrastructure costs. The negotiations come at a sensitive time for the power utility, with unions warning that failure to secure a fair increase could escalate tensions ahead of the next bargaining round. (SOURCE: News24)
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AFRICA EXPERTS CALL FOR STRONGER RATINGS OVERSIGHT
A G20-appointed panel of Africa experts has called for tighter oversight of credit rating agencies, citing flawed and opaque methodologies that inflate borrowing costs for African governments. The panel, chaired by Trevor Manuel, warns of “perception biases” that overstate African risk. Recommendations include greater disclosure of data and models, updated frameworks reflecting economic diversity, and avoiding abrupt downgrades. S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch reject bias claims. The African Union plans its own Credit Rating Agency in 2025 to provide local assessments. Experts say reforms are critical to reduce financing costs and improve capital access for African economies. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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'PARASOCIAL' NAMED WORD OF THE YEAR FOR 2025
“Parasocial” has been crowned Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year, reflecting the surge in one-sided emotional bonds people form with celebrities, influencers and even AI chatbots. Defined as a connection someone feels with a public figure they’ve never met, the term has leapt from academic jargon into everyday online conversation. Cambridge Dictionary also spotlighted other trending terms, including “slop”, “memeify” and “pseudonymization”, alongside rising expressions like “glazing”, “doom spending” and “vibey”, all capturing the evolving language of digital life. (SOURCE: EuroNews)
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BREAKFAST WITH INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST PIETER LOUIS MYBURGH
You're invited to join us for breakfast!
Our guest for the morning is Pieter Louis Myburgh Investigative journalist at the Daily Maverick and author of 'Gangster State' and 'The Republic of Gupta'.
Pieter-Louis Myburgh is a multi-award-winning investigative journalist . He follows the money - even when it leads to danger. From exposing corruption at the highest levels to unmasking State Capture's darkest corners, this Daily Maverick journalist is one of South Africa's most formidable truth diggers. His series of exposés on a multibillion-rand contract for new locomotives at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) earned him several accolades, including South Africa's prestigious Taco Kuiper Award for investigative journalism. During the course of his investigation into impropriety in government procurement, sacked Prasa boss Lucky Montana allegedly attacked him with a brick, damaging his car. He recently made headlines for exposing corruption at the IDT (Independent Development Trust) and setting up a sting operation in which the suspended CEO offered him a bribe to bury the story. The Daily Maverick recorded the attempted bribe and took the video (and story) public.
Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
When: Thursday , 27 November 2025
Time: 08h30 - 10h30
Where: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven, 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
Cost (Excl. vat) Includes Full English breakfast - PMCB Members: R275 p/p, Non-Members: R375 p/p |
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Young people need models, not critics.
John Wooden |
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