| BENEFITS OF CHAMBER MEMBERS DOING BUSINESS WITH EACH OTHER |
Membership of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business is about more than belonging to one of the country's largest and most active chambers. It also plugs your business into valuable networks, helps build relationships and opens doors to new opportunities. This week, the PMCB introduces another benefit: doing business with fellow members. Kicking off is software company EpicIT that is offering members 40% off monthly user fees for as long as they remain members. For more about the member-to-member offer, scroll down to the Members Special Offer section.
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| DTIC VISIT SPOTLIGHTS MIDLANDS LEATHER BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES |
Dimakatso Moji of the Footwear & Leather section at the dtic (front) with PMCB CEO Melanie Veness and Trade Hub Manager Lucrisha Polton.
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business last week hosted Dimakatso Moji, dtic Director: Footwear and Leather (Industrial Policy), for discussions on supporting entrepreneurs and developing South Africa’s leather and footwear value chain.
The meeting explored the PMCB’s journey, from the Global Export Accelerator Programme to the establishment of its Trade Hub and, most recently, the PMCB Leather Collective.
Discussions covered grassroots business challenges, growth opportunities and practical support to help small enterprises succeed. The visit highlighted the value of collaboration, particularly in connecting entrepreneurs with resources and opportunities to grow businesses, strengthen local industries and create economic opportunities in Pietermaritzburg and across the Midlands.
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| NGO FORUM TO EXPLORE COMMUNITY-LED DEVELOPMENT |
The popular NGO Forum on Friday, 16 October, at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business will be addressed by Janine Ward, a 40-year veteran in community development. Ward explores Asset-Based Citizen-led Development (ABCD), an approach that builds on communities’ existing skills, relationships and resources to drive their own progress. Drawing on her presentation at the 2026 World Community Development Conference in Glasgow, Ward invites participants to reflect on reconnection, shared strengths and the power of citizens to shape their communities’ futures. There's no charge for the session from 10 am to 12 noon. To RSVP and for more information, contact Kay on (033) 345 2747 or at chamber@pmcb.org.za.
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1867: The first recorded discovery of diamonds in the Kimberley area.
Elsewhere, in 1773, French astronomer Charles Messier discovered the Whirlpool Galaxy about 30 million light-years from Earth.
It’s International Sceptics Day, the perfect day to sift fact from fiction in these days of fake news. |
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MEDICAL AID FUNDERS URGE REFORMS TO AVERT AFFORDABILITY CRISIS
Households cannot indefinitely absorb medical aid increases that outpace inflation or downgrade their benefits, warned the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF), the representative body for medical schemes, medical scheme administrators, and managed care organisations in Southern Africa.
The organisation urged regulators to accelerate reforms to healthcare costs to avert an affordability crisis. Among its recommendations is for the Council for Medical Schemes to finalise a review of prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs), unchanged since 2003 despite a legal requirement for reviews every two years. PMB costs reached R1 242 per beneficiary in 2024, up 9% year-on-year. The BHF also wants medical schemes to negotiate tariffs collectively with hospitals and specialists, strengthening their bargaining power. Proposed reforms remain outstanding years after a 2019 health market inquiry identified the need for greater pricing transparency. Funders argue prevention and early treatment could improve affordability and sustainability. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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TARGETED SUPPORT NEEDED TO ARREST DECLINE OF SME SECTOR
South Africa needs stronger support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to boost competition, innovation and economic growth, Competition Commission principal economist Hariprasad Govinda told Aurik’s Missing Middle conference. A 2021 study found 60 000 fewer registered firms than in 2017. Only 5% to 7% of small businesses grow into medium-sized enterprises, compared with 7% to 9% of medium-sized firms progressing to large businesses. Large companies generate 78% of national turnover, highlighting the economy’s concentration. Speakers called for targeted government support, improved procurement feedback and stronger policy monitoring to help smaller suppliers address weaknesses, access opportunities and grow into sustainable businesses. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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COURT SETTLEMENT LEAVES NEWCASTLE FACTORIES IN LIMBO
Twenty-four Chinese-owned clothing manufacturers in Newcastle have lost their bid for a labour-law compliance reprieve, but can still challenge whether the industry bargaining council has authority over their businesses. The Durban Labour Court settlement confirms they cannot claim an 18-month exemption or bar inspectors from entering their factories. Yet it leaves a legal contradiction: the manufacturers must allow inspections while retaining the right to dispute whether the National Bargaining Council for the Clothing Manufacturing Industry’s wage and working-condition agreement applies to them. The dispute followed a government pilot project intended to help factory owners understand their legal obligations. The department could not grant a compliance grace period. Each party will pay its own legal costs. (SOURCE: GroundUp)
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BELL, MONDI STATE CASE FOR INCENTIVES, IMPORT RELIEF
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau met Bell Equipment and Mondi South Africa in KZN last week as imports squeeze local manufacturers. Manufacturing output fell 4.3% year on year in August, while production declined 1.7% in the first eight months of 2026. Bell, which employs more than 3 000 people and supports 900 local suppliers, wants incentives extended to its motor grader as it plans to expand production and double its workforce. Mondi says imports of key paper and pulp products nearly doubled between 2023 and 2025, with first-half 2026 volumes up 19% year on year. Tau pledged to explore trade remedies and support measures. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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TONGAAT DELISTING DRAWS CURTAIN ON 74-YEAR LEGACY
Tongaat Hulett will leave the JSE on 3 November, ending a 74-year listing after declining to challenge the exchange’s delisting decision. Its shares have been suspended since July 2022 after the company failed to publish audited financial statements. The sugar producer, once a pillar of KZN’s economy, directly employed more than 2,500 people and supported over 25,000 indirect jobs nationally. Its collapse followed a 2019 accounting scandal involving overstated profits. Business rescue practitioners say restructuring will leave Tongaat as a shell, with shareholders unlikely to receive value. The business will continue as a private company. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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NATIONAL ELECTRIC MOBILITY INDUSTRY BODY TO SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE
The establishment of the South African Electric Mobility Association (SAEMA) aims to unite the electric vehicle industry and represent its interests on policy, regulation and standards. The association launched with a memorandum of understanding signed with the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association, providing access to expertise from a country where battery-electric vehicles account for about 98% of new-car sales. SAEMA co-founder Hiten Parmar says the partnership will help South Africa learn from Norway’s advanced market while building an inclusive local industry. SAEMA brings together consumers, retailers, charging providers and infrastructure stakeholders, aiming to accelerate electric mobility through coordinated engagement with government and other industry players. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS BATTERY-SWOPPING MOTORCYCLE PROMISES CHEAPER RIDES
Kenya-based ARC Ride has launched its Panther electric motorcycle in South Africa, initially targeting Gauteng and the Western Cape with battery-swapping technology aimed at commercial delivery riders. Its battery-as-a-service model lets riders exchange depleted batteries for fully charged units at dedicated stations and ARC hubs, avoiding the need to buy batteries or charge them at home. The company says the system could increase riders’ take-home earnings by up to 20%, reducing fuel and maintenance costs. At petrol prices of about R27 a litre, a conventional 125cc motorcycle costs more than R59 per 100km in fuel. Panther battery swaps cost R50 for up to 110km, about 23% less per kilometre. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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TENCENT SEEKS R83 BILLION TO FUND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Chinese technology giant Tencent plans to raise about $5 billion (about R83 billion) through a bond sale to finance artificial intelligence (AI) investment, with most spending earmarked for chip purchases. The move matters to South African investors through JSE-listed Naspers and Prosus, whose substantial exposure to Tencent links their fortunes to its performance. The fundraising reflects a global technology spending surge as companies race to develop AI capabilities while investors question whether returns will justify the enormous costs. Tencent’s investment strategy could therefore influence sentiment towards both shares. Tencent increased AI and computing capital expenditure by 176% to 52.8 billion Yuan in the June quarter, contributing to a 13.8 billion yuan free-cash outflow. Spending is expected to remain elevated into 2027. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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OIL GIANT EYES JSE LISTING AFTER NIGERIAN IPO
Nigeria’s Dangote Group is considering a Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listing for its massive oil refinery following an initial public offering (IPO) in Nigeria, potentially bringing fresh investment to South Africa’s capital market. The company aims to raise $5 billion (about R83 billion) through the Nigerian IPO, targeted for October, according to Reuters. The JSE confirmed discussions with the group, saying it hoped to attract the listing to South Africa. Built at a cost of about $20 billion by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, the 650,000-barrel-a-day refinery began fuel production in 2024 and reached full capacity earlier this year. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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MOODY’S TURNS POSITIVE ON SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA OUTLOOK
Moody’s has revised its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa’s sovereign credit conditions to positive, citing economic reforms, strong commodity prices and improved access to financing. The agency expects regional economies to grow by a weighted average 4.3% in both 2026 and 2027. Government borrowing needs are forecast to fall to 11.2% of GDP in 2027, from 12.3% in 2025, while public debt should ease to 56.6%, from 62.4%. Eight of the 25 countries rated have individual positive outlooks: South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, the Republic of Congo and Zambia. However, heavy debt repayments, climate risks and security threats remain significant vulnerabilities. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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HACKERS TURN FRENCH SUPERMARKET FREEZERS INTO OVENS
A cyberattack targeting connected refrigeration systems affected hundreds of French supermarkets, heating fridges and freezers to as high as 50°C, spoiling food and causing fires. Carrefour reported attacks on 80 stores, while Intermarche said around 150 outlets were affected, with food discarded to eliminate health risks. Industry losses could reach tens of millions of euros in a single day, Intermarche’s chief executive estimated. French authorities have launched an investigation and are coordinating with European counterparts after reports of attacks in several countries. Investigators identified a vulnerability involving outdated Danfoss refrigeration-control software, highlighting risks from inadequately secured internet-connected equipment. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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Renegotiating After You’ve Signed: The Email That Ended a Property Sale |
After their bond was withdrawn, the buyers were given time to arrange new finance. Instead, one of them emailed the conveyancer saying they would only apply for another bond after the seller repaired an alleged defect or agreed to reduce the price.
The seller understood this to mean that the buyers would not proceed on the terms they had already accepted. She cancelled the sale, and the High Court agreed that she was entitled to do so. The buyers lost the sale and the money already paid and faced further financial consequences.
Click here to find out more.
For more information please contact: Austen Smith Inc T: +27 33 392 0500 E: mail@austensmith.co.za Website: www.austensmith.co.za |
TRAINING - INCIDENT INVESTIGATION
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.
TRAINER: : Mike Heesen – Pro HaS Consultants
OVERVIEW
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.
DETAILS OF THE TRAINING
Date: 20 October 2026
Time: 08:30 – 12:30
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (excludes vat) PMCB Members: R680 p/p, R645 p/p for 3/more, R595 p/p for 5/more Non-members: R900 p/p, R885 p/p for 3/more, R850 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. |
SOFTWARE OFFER: ONE PLATFORM. EVERY TOOL: 40% OFF
PMCB Chamber member EpicIT, a Pietermaritzburg software company, is offering members 40% off its monthly user fees. Sign up before the end of the year and the discount stays in place for as long as you remain a Chamber member.
Epic is an online platform for running and growing your business in one place. It covers Strategy, Performance, HR, Compliance, Operations and Customer Relationships, with more than 45 features included as standard. It gives small and medium businesses enterprise-level tools at a local price, and support is right here in PMB.
Watch the overview video. Download the PDF to view the full portfolio of features.
To claim the offer, email Johnny Black at Johnny@EpicIT.com and quote your Chamber membership number.
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Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.
Guillaume Apollinaire |
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