| STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT, TAKE A SPONSORED TABLE AT THE PMCB BANQUET |
It’s been a tough year, and it's time to celebrate with flair. The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business Annual Banquet, sponsored by Mi7, invites companies to assemble their troupe for an evening of fabulous food, networking and laughter, featuring the sharp-witted Sovereign of Satire Joey Rasdien. Sponsored tables cost R12 200 excl. VAT for a table of 10, with prime seating, logo exposure, extra wine and guest gifts. For more information, contact Melanie Veness on (033) 345 2747 or at ceo@pmcb.org.za. |
| SPLASHING OUT FOR A CAUSE WORTH GOING THE DISTANCE FOR |
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Some of the "eight milers" getting ready for next Friday's PinkDrive splash, front (ltr) Carol Fourie, Rosemary Chite, Elizabeth Burczak, Herolina Veenstra and Heena Parshutam, and back Catherine Bassage and Laurelle Blanks.
The clock is ticking, and the water is calling as the 14th annual Charity Swimathon beckons next Friday, 16 October, at the GC Jolliffe Pool in Pine Street. The event offers businesses to chance to float their brands to an appreciative audience at this fun-filled family fundraiser for PinkDrive through lane sponsorship or pool-side advertising.
More than 200 swimmers and their supporters are expected. The event appeals to all swimmers, from the seasoned lap-swimmer to weekend paddler, all abilities are welcome. Friendly rivals can go head-to-head to raise the most money and clock the most lengths in 30 minutes. Participants are encouraged to round up sponsorship from family, friends and colleagues, then dive in and make every length count.
For sponsorship queries, contact Catherine Bassage on 082 543 0027 or at cccc@lantic.net. To enter a team, contact swimathonpinkdrive@gmail.com or WhatsApp 064 724 4542. |
| SHINE UP YOUR BUSINESS IN 90 SECONDS OVER COFFEE AND A MUFFIN |
Join the Bizz-Link speed networking forum on Tuesday, 13 October, at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business. Each member gets 90 seconds to pitch their business. The winner takes home the coveted Bizz-Link Bee and a featured photo in eBizBlitz. Coffee and a muffin are provided. The Business Hack session follows, with Lisa Glaister of Core Wellbeing explaining why some staff take ownership while others disengage, and sharing practical tools to build accountability, confidence and motivation. The cost is R60 for members and R120 for non-members. Contact Thabisile on (033) 345 2747 or at info@pmcb.org.za.
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1953: The Reservation of Separate Amenities Act No 49, a cornerstone of the segregationist policy of the former apartheid regime, came into effect.
Elsewhere, the 1970 Khmer Republic was established in Cambodia. The administration was overthrown by the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in 1975.
Better you post a letter on World Post Day before it fades from our memories. |
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FACTORY OUTPUT 4.3% PLUNGE WORSE THAN EXPECTED
South Africa's factory output fell 4.3% year-on-year in August, far worse than the 0.4% gain economists expected, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported. The hard production data also showed a 3.1% month-on-month drop. Petroleum, chemicals, rubber and plastics shrank 5%, and motor vehicles and parts fell 8.8%, as record fuel prices lifted input and transport costs.
The Absa manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) paints a brighter picture, but it measures sentiment, not output. Drawn from a survey of manufacturers, it rebounded to 50.7 in September from 45.8, with readings above 50 signalling expansion. New orders returned to growth at 50.8.
The two gauges cover different months as the PMI hints at recovery rather than reversing August's slump. With manufacturing about 12% of GDP, the decline threatens Q3 2026 growth after a 0.2% contraction in the second quarter. Port delays in Durban, high interest rates and global trade risks cloud the outlook. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS RISING SHIP BACKLOG ADDS TO DURBAN PORT WOES
Durban’s Gateway Terminal (DGT) is steadier internally, but a growing ship backlog is testing its resolve. As of Thursday, 8 October, throughput averaged 4,487 TEUs a day, up 2% week on week. Stack occupancy rose to 62.3%, and road imports on hand climbed 12% to 3,575 containers. However, the anchorage queue swelled from nine vessels on Monday, 5 October, to 12 by yesterday, with two more due, showing the current run rate is not clearing the accumulated backlog. Gate activity held at about 2 630 moves a day, but cargo owners should still plan for 20 to 24 extra days through the affected supply chains. (SOURCE: SAAFF)
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R100 MILLION INVESTMENT SET TO REVITALISE GOLDEN MILE
Durban’s Golden Mile is set for a R100 million private-sector investment, with Imvusa securing more than R70 million for the redevelopment of 137 Lower Marine Parade, formerly home to Funworld. The project will increase commercial space by 135%, from 1 700m² to 4 000m², accommodating national food brands including Steers, Wimpy and Debonairs, alongside regional newcomer Nonna’s Riviera. Permanent jobs are expected to double from 85 to 170, with another 80 temporary construction jobs. The investment follows 17.45 million pedestrian movements along the beachfront promenade in 2025, up 20% year-on-year. Construction is expected to start in January 2027, with trading targeted for the 2027/28 festive season, subject to approvals. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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CALL TO REVAMP 'PASS RATE' MATHS SYLLABUS
South Africa must overhaul its mathematics curriculum and rethink its reliance on mathematical literacy, says former FirstRand CEO Sizwe Nxasana. Speaking at the Actuarial Society of South Africa’s 2026 convention, he warned that two-thirds of matriculants take mathematical literacy rather than pure mathematics, potentially limiting career opportunities and economic participation. Nxasana argues that the system prioritises pass rates over genuine understanding, with exams rewarding routine procedures rather than problem-solving. Only 16% of learners passed complex problem-solving questions in the 2023 matric mathematics Paper 2 examination, he said, calling for stronger primary-school foundations, better mathematics teacher training and assessments that reward critical thinking. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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INDUSTRIAL PARKS HOLD KEY TO GREEN MANUFACTURING
South Africa should use industrial parks and special economic zones to test green technologies and build competitive local manufacturing, industry experts say. The energy transition offers opportunities in renewable energy, battery storage and green hydrogen, but the country must capture more value through local production, skills development and job creation. Potential opportunities include solar mounting systems, transformers, wind-tower components, cabling and energy-management systems. However, unreliable and expensive electricity, financing constraints and uncertain demand remain obstacles. Experts stress that predictable demand is essential to attract investment, expand supply chains and improve competitiveness. A government database mapping local manufacturing capabilities aims to connect investors with suppliers and increase local sourcing. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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STEEL SECTOR EYES PIONEERING 5-YEAR WAGE DEAL
The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) aims to secure an unprecedented five-year wage agreement with unions during 2027 negotiations, building on its three-year settlement reached in 2024. President Elias Monage says longer-term certainty is essential to support South Africa’s reindustrialisation. The previous agreement was concluded after just three meetings, without industrial action. Monage criticised Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau for insufficient engagement with the metals and engineering sector. Outgoing president Mervyn Naidoo highlighted the need to stimulate demand through local procurement while tackling rising electricity tariffs, logistics inefficiencies, unreliable municipal services and regulatory burdens that undermine manufacturers’ competitiveness. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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COMPCOM TAKES AIM AT MEDICAL IMAGING GIANTS
The Competition Commission has referred GE South Africa, GE Medical Systems South Africa, Siemens Healthcare and Philips South Africa Commercial to the Competition Tribunal over alleged anti-competitive conduct. It claims the firms blocked independent engineers from accessing spare parts, diagnostic software, service keys, technical information and specialised training for servicing MRI, CT and other imaging equipment. The commission says this could leave hospitals with fewer service options and higher costs, particularly at public and rural facilities. If found guilty, the companies could face penalties of up to 10% of total revenue. The allegations remain unproven. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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WOMEN, BLACK SOUTH AFRICANS TOP R6 BILLION CHARITABLE GIVING
Women and black South Africans are driving a surge in charitable giving, with donations reaching R6 billion, according to new data. More than a third of donors were under 40, signalling a significant shift towards younger contributors. Faith, personal connections and a desire to support causes with direct community impact are among factors influencing giving patterns. Women and black South Africans now represent the largest share of donors, reflecting changing participation in philanthropy. The findings challenge traditional perceptions of wealthy giving and highlight a broader, more diverse donor base. The growth also points to increasing engagement by younger South Africans in organised charitable and community initiatives. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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ZAMBIA-DRC POWER LINE TO BOOST REGIONAL ELECTRICITY TRADE
Four development and commodities companies have signed an agreement to finance, build and operate a 200km high-voltage power line linking Kalumbila, Zambia, with Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).The $300 million (about R5 billion) Kalumbila-Kolwezi Interconnector Project aims to strengthen the DRC’s connection to the Southern African Power Pool and supply reliable, competitively priced electricity to its mining and industrial sectors. The line will have a thermal capacity of 700MW, allowing imports of up to 550MW, with scope to exceed 1GW. The project has secured necessary licences and authorisations. Financing partners include Gridworks, Trafigura, Enterprise Power DRC and the DRC’s Strategic Investment Fund. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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EVS OVERTAKE COMBINED PETROL, DIESEL SALES IN EUROPE
Electric vehicles outsold petrol and diesel cars combined in Europe for the first time in August, driven by high energy prices, government incentives and increasingly competitive Chinese models. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association said 243 207 EVs were registered across 31 European markets, up 52.2% year on year. Petrol and diesel registrations fell 23.4% to 202 931. EVs captured 29.2% of new-car sales, compared with 24.4% for internal-combustion models. However, hybrids remained the overall leaders. For January to August, EV sales totalled 2.13 million, against 2.56 million petrol and diesel vehicles. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
TRUMP TARGETS VISA PROGRAMME FAVOURED BY BIG TECH
The Trump administration has opened a new front in its push to roll back immigration pathways, saying it will suspend a programme used by technology firms including Microsoft and Adobe. The move would further narrow links between the US and global scientific and engineering workers. Silicon Valley's reliance on foreign talent has long irked the White House, which says tech companies abuse the system at the expense of American workers. Trump has also sought to make H-1B visas harder to use. Yesterday, the administration also said it is probing foreign exchange visa holders at nine top colleges, including Harvard, Stanford and MIT, as part of its broader deportation campaign. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
Frederick Douglass |
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| Dollar | R16.52
| + 0.47% | | Pound | R21.86
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 684.00
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