| COSATU ISSUES NOTICE OF NATIONWIDE PROTEST TOMORROW |
COSATU has formally notified NEDLAC that it will hold nationwide protest action tomorrow, 7 October, citing the country's economic crisis. According to Section 77 notice, the action will run from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Workers are expected to join demonstrations across the country as the federation presses its economic demands. A no-work-no-pay policy applies. |
| ART IN THE COUNTRY BRINGS MAGIC TO NORTH COAST |
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Pietermaritzburg-based artist Brent Dodd delivered the keynote address on the opening night of Art in the Country Coastal and also was a Top 10 seller at the exhibition. Picture courtesy of With Influence.
The inaugural Art in the Country Coastal exhibition, held at Collisheen Estate in Ballito from October 1 to 4, brought the experience of almost five years of Midlands exhibitions to a new audience. The inaugural North Coast exhibition featured a powerful Pietermaritzburg and Midlands flavour, led by convenor Kathy Jacob and her organising team and the participation of several local artists, including a number Top 10 seller.
For Jacob, the decision to expand to the North Coast was underpinned by invaluable experience built in the Midlands, from curating artists and creating an engaging visitor experience to developing strong connections between artists and buyers. That knowledge was put to work at Collisheen, where a steady stream of visitors explored the exhibition and engaged with artists and their work.
Sales exceeded R2 million, providing a tangible measure of the appetite for quality art in the region. The Coastal exhibition also offered artists the opportunity to reach new collectors, while giving visitors a chance to discover a diverse selection of work in an atmospheric setting.
With the first Coastal exhibition now under its belt, Jacob and her team are turning their attention to Art in the Country Midlands at Harrington Estate next year. Click here for a short video of the opening night. |
| KZN FARMERS INVITED TO MARKET ACCESS SEMINAR ON FRIDAY |
| Farmers are invited to a Market Access and Data-Driven Agriculture Seminar on Friday, 9 October, at Gateway at The Old Prison, in Pietermaritzburg. About 200 farmers are expected to the event organised by MG Agri Tour Precision Group, Agrowex Industries and AFASA KZN. Topics include market linkages, climate-smart production, data insights, finance readiness and skills training. RSVP to Phillies Hadebe on 063 895 3277. |
1899: About 7 000 black mineworkers left in the lurch at the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War, started to walk to Zululand and Natal under escort.
Elsewhere, in 2007, Englishman Jason Lewis completed the first successful human-powered circumnavigation of the world using only bicycles, roller blades, and a pedal-powered boat in a 740 000-km journey over 13 years.
Today is observed as World Cerebral Palsy Day. |
MIDNIGHT PAIN AS RECORD PETROL, DIESEL PRICES TAKE EFFECT
Motorists face a painful fuel-price shock from midnight with petrol rising by more than R3 a litre and diesel by up to R3.24 in October. Petrol 93 increases R3.12, while 95 rises R3.33. Diesel 0.05% climbs R2.84 and 0.005% by R3.24. Wholesale illuminating paraffin rises R3.58, while its national retail price jumps R4.77. LPG increases by 42c,
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources attributed the record prices to Brent crude prices surging from $87.89 to $101 a barrel amid US-Iran tensions, Strait of Hormuz uncertainty, higher shipping costs and falling inventories. Global product shortages also added pressure, while a stronger Rand provided only negligible relief. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity, News24)
See below: Sasol basks in oil rally as Dollar returns hit 120% |
... AS PRIVATE SECTOR ACTIVITY PLUNGES ON SURGING FUEL COSTS
South Africa’s private sector contracted at its fastest pace since December in September, with the S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index falling to 49.0 from 50.5 in August. New orders dropped at their sharpest rate in two-and-a-half years as customers delayed spending amid rising fuel prices and economic uncertainty. Supply-chain pressures also intensified, with delivery times worsening to their greatest extent since February 2024. Businesses cited congestion at Durban’s port, shipping disruption and material shortages. Input-cost inflation remained elevated, driven mainly by fuel, while companies raised selling prices at their fastest pace since June. Export demand, however, increased for a fourth consecutive month. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
... AND SHOPPERS CUT VISITS, TRIM BASKETS
South African shoppers are becoming more deliberate about grocery spending, making more frequent trips while buying fewer items per visit. The FMCG market reached R422 billion in the year to June 2026, up 2.3% in value, but volume growth was only 1.3%. Households made 108 grocery trips, up from 105 a year earlier, while packs per trip fell from 6.55 to 6.37 and average pack size declined 0.5%. Convenience is gaining ground: instant noodles rose 11.5% in volume per buyer, while flour fell 6.8% and pasta 4.6%. Prepared frozen poultry penetration jumped from 18.7% in 2024 to 23.3% in 2026. For retailers and FMCG manufacturers, the message is clear: consumers are weighing price, convenience, time and versatility more carefully when deciding what earns a place in the basket. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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VOLKSWAGEN RECALLS AMAROK BAKKIES OVER FAULTY AIRBAGS
Volkswagen is recalling hundreds of luxury bakkies in South Africa after identifying a potential fault with their airbags. The recall affects vehicles that may contain defective airbag components, creating a safety risk if the system fails during a crash. Owners of affected vehicles are expected to be contacted by Volkswagen or can check whether their vehicle is included through the manufacturer’s recall process. The company will inspect and, where necessary, replace affected components at no cost to owners. Owners should check their vehicle’s recall status promptly and arrange the required inspection or repair without delay. Until confirmed safe, affected vehicles should be driven with caution and owners should follow Volkswagen’s safety instructions. (SOURCE: News24)
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TWO YEARS ON, 80% TAPPED TWO-POT BILLIONS IN SAVINGS
Two years after South Africa's two-pot retirement system launched, nearly 80% of members able to claim have already dipped into their savings pot, according to Old Mutual research. Introduced in September 2024, the system sets aside one-third of contributions for early access, while two-thirds stays locked until retirement. Alexforbes alone has paid out R15 billion across almost 1.1 million claims. Early data showed most claimants used the cash for debt and essential expenses. Withdrawals are taxed at marginal rates, and FNB's Samukelo Zwane says the system exposes the tension between today's needs and tomorrow's security. Sanlam's survey adds that 80% of members may need to work past their planned retirement date. Whether the system has lifted overall contributions remains unproven. (SOURCE: News24) |
UNILEVER'S DURBAN FACTORY TO MAKE 80% OF GLOBAL VASELINE
Unilever South Africa has invested R100 million in a new Vaseline production line at its historic Maydon Wharf plant, increasing its share of global petroleum jelly production from 60% to 80%. The investment strengthens Durban’s role as a manufacturing and export hub, with about 95% of Unilever’s locally sold products manufactured in South Africa. Local sourcing has also doubled from 40% in 2019 to 80% in 2025. The Maydon Wharf facility employs about 350 permanent staff and 200 freelancers and has operated since 1912. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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SASOL BASKS IN OIL RALLY AS DOLLAR RETURNS HIT 120%
Sasol has emerged as the top-performing emerging-market stock outside Asia this year, delivering investors a Dollar return of almost 120%. The rally follows a 45% gain last year and marks a dramatic turnaround after shares plunged 85% between June 2022 and April 2025. Surging oil and chemicals prices have boosted Sasol, whose coal-to-liquids technology allows it to produce synthetic fuel without relying heavily on Middle Eastern crude. Production at its Secunda facility is running at five-year highs. Net debt has fallen 11%, strengthening its balance sheet and potentially paving the way for dividends after a two-year hiatus. Analysts remain bullish, although an oil-price reversal poses a risk. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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JUICY YIELDS LURE INVESTORS TO PROPERTY STOCKS
South Africa's listed property sector enjoyed a standout 2025, but the Middle East war rattled markets, with the sector shedding about 12% in March. Independent analyst Keillen Ndlovu told CNBC Africa the outlook remains constructive. Yields of 7% to 8% and expected income growth of 6% to 7% are luring retail investors back after years of weak earnings. The sector attracted net inflows above R22 billion last year and R2.3 billion to R2.4 billion in the first quarter. Consolidation continues: listed property companies on the JSE have dwindled from 52 in 2020 to 38, and more delistings are expected. (SOURCE: CNBC)
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SANLAM MAKES CASH BID TO TAKE SANTAM PRIVATE
Sanlam has made a cash offer to buy out minority shareholders in Santam and take South Africa’s largest short-term insurer private. The proposed transaction would give Sanlam full ownership of Santam, in which it already holds a controlling stake. The move would end Santam’s JSE listing and simplify the group’s ownership structure. Sanlam says the offer provides shareholders with immediate cash value while allowing greater flexibility in managing the business within the broader group. The proposed deal remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. It represents a significant change for Santam, which has traded independently on the JSE for decades. (SOURCE: News24)
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SOUTH AFRICA, EGYPT LAUNCH BUSINESS COUNCIL TO BOOST TRADE
Egypt and South Africa have launched a Joint Business Council to deepen trade and investment across mining, agriculture, automotive, renewable energy and infrastructure. Bilateral trade rose 26% to R4.3-billion in 2025, while South African exports increased 21% to R1.6-billion. The council will develop partnerships in mining and minerals, new-energy mobility, engineering and infrastructure, while exploring an agriculture and agroprocessing corridor. It also plans an Africa joint-venture investment fund targeting companies able to expand beyond domestic markets. South Africa sees Egypt as an important gateway into North Africa, the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, with automotive integration under the AfCFTA offering further opportunities. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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AFDB, GERMANY PARTNER TO INTEGRATE AFRICAN RAILWAYS
The African Development Bank and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development have partnered to strengthen Africa’s railways and regional integration. The initiative aims to reduce transport costs, improve cross-border interoperability, promote low-carbon transport and create jobs through skills development and vocational training. It will begin with a feasibility study for an African Rail Competence Centre, implemented by GIZ. Africa’s rail network represents just 8% to 10% of the global total, while the AfCFTA is increasing demand for cross-border freight and passenger transport. The AfDB says improved standards, stronger project preparation, private-sector financing and regulatory certainty are critical to building integrated continental rail networks. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
GIANT VEGGIE GROWERS SMASH 7 GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS
Forget the humble carrot: England’s giant-vegetable growers are playing a considerably larger game. The 2026 National Giant Vegetables Championship in Worcestershire attracted 65 000 visitors, with seven Guinness World Records verified at the show. Among the record-breakers were a 26.02 kg beetroot, a 7.8 kg sunflower head and a tromboncino stretching 1.49 metres. One cucumber plant reached nearly 7.6 million while a dandelion root stretched 1.13 metres. The growers’ secret? Good seeds, plenty of know-how and feeding the soil. And, presumably, a forklift. (SOURCE: Nice News)
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The search for truth is never over.
Morgan Freeman |
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| Dollar | R16.64
| - 0.10% | | Pound | R21.97 | - 0.06% | | Euro | R18.65
| - 0.04% | | Yen | 0.105161 |
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 714.00 | - 0.38% | | Gold | $ 4 132.89 | - 0.14% | | Oil | $ 99.82 | - 0.44% | | All Share | 108 327.29
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