Athlone Pick n Pay and The Avenues have announced the appointment of Graeme “Gudgie” Dixon (pictured) as the resident butcher at both stores. Dixon, affectionately known as the Minister of Meat joins as a highly respected figure in both the meat and sporting communities, bringing with him decades of industry expertise and a proud heritage. As a member of the esteemed Dixon family - a name synonymous with quality meat and service across Pietermaritzburg and the KZN Midlands - Gudgie upholds a tradition of excellence spanning generations. 

His deep knowledge, skill, and passion for butchery make him a valuable addition to the team, according to a statement. "Whether preparing a single roast, a weekend braai, or a traditional shisa nyama, Gudgie consistently delivers exceptional quality with precision and care," it said. “We are honoured to continue the Dixon legacy in our stores and look forward to the expertise and energy he brings to our customers and community,” the statement said.

The barista skills of Fanie Botes (left) and Luhle Myanda elevated Blueberry Coffee Roastery to among South Africa’s best exponents.

Two brewers from Blueberry Coffee Roastery cemented the Howick operation’s reputation by both claiming a Top Six finish at the recent National Coffee Competition under the auspices of the Speciality Coffee Association of South Africa.

A fresh logo this morning is but one of the signs that an overhaul of eBizBlitz is underway. As is the nature of these projects, glitches and teething problems are inevitable and we ask for patience and understanding as we bed down the new system. Please report any issues you may experience to Candice at news@pmcb.org.za.

TAXPAYERS WARNED TO GO DIGITAL OR RISK PENALTIES

South African taxpayers are urged to take immediate action as Sars has stopped printing and posting all system-generated letters from 31 May 2025. All tax correspondence is now delivered via eFiling and the Sars MobiApp. This digital shift means missed messages can lead to serious consequences like penalties, interest, or even legal enforcement.

To stay compliant, taxpayers must:

* Update their email, mobile number, and registered representative details;

* Regularly check their eFiling or MobiApp inbox; and 

* Respond promptly to all Sars communication. 

A single missed notice could affect refunds, disputes, or compliance status, SARS warned. If needed, seek help from a registered tax practitioner. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)

Volkswagen Group Africa has recalled 142 Polo and eight Taigo vehicles due to a potentially dangerous fault in the front passenger airbag gas generators. The National Consumer Commission confirmed the issue, which could reduce airbag effectiveness or cause the gas generator to rupture, risking serious injury or death. The affected Polos were sold from December 20, 2022, and the Taigos from January 29, 2024. Owners are urged to deactivate the front passenger airbag, avoid using the seat, and immediately visit a VWGA-approved dealer for inspection and replacement. Safety concerns require urgent action from affected vehicle owners. (SOURCE: Engineering News)

The South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa) has criticised Nersa’s electricity tariff process for municipalities as procedurally unfair and lacking transparency. Nersa is reviewing 172 applications for 2025/26, many requesting double-digit increases - some nearly triple the inflation rate. Sapoa highlighted that crucial cost-of-supply (CoS) studies were often missing, making meaningful public participation impossible. High increases, like 12.74% in Johannesburg, threaten commercial sustainability, especially as electricity makes up 29% of property operating costs. Sapoa urged Nersa to delay approvals until proper public consultation occurs and suggested a 5% cap on increases if hearings aren’t held, citing financial strain on tenants and landlords. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)

Nersa approved 160 new generation facilities, adding 2 187 MW to the grid with an investment value of R41.94-billion. Solar PV dominated the technologies registered, reflecting the country’s strong solar potential. Limpopo led in installed capacity (1 054 MW) and investment (R22.69-billion), followed by the Free State and North West. Since 2018, Nersa has registered 1 971 projects totaling 12 737 MW. The regulator also reported improved efficiency, processing all Q4 applications within 12 working days, underscoring its commitment to advancing renewable energy and power sector growth. (SOURCE: Engineering News)

South Africa’s wind energy sector, with over 3.8 GW already on the grid and a 53 GW development pipeline, gained momentum with the launch of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM). Signed by key stakeholders including the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), SAREM outlines a coordinated strategy for scaling renewable energy while promoting local industrialisation and economic transformation. SAWEA CEO Niveshen Govender hailed the plan as a milestone for sustainable development, localisation, and green job creation. The initiative positions wind energy as a central pillar in building a clean, inclusive, and secure energy future.

Mulilo Renewable Energy is rapidly transforming the national power landscape with backing from Danish investor Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), which injected $200 million (about R3.6 billion) in 2023. Mulilo has since secured two-thirds of utility-scale battery storage bids - about 1.1 GW - outpacing competitors. Now targeting financial close on R36 billion in projects this year, Mulilo aims to become a key player alongside Eskom. With 420 MW operational and ambitions for a 5 GW portfolio, Mulilo is leveraging falling battery costs, strong supply chains, and growing investor confidence to challenge Eskom’s coal-based dominance and help lead South Africa’s clean energy future. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)

A World Bank-linked climate fund has approved South Africa’s revised coal transition plan, unlocking up to $2.6 billion (about R46.8 billion) in financing. The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) will release $500 million initially, clearing the way for an additional $2.1 billion from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and others. The move revives support that had stalled after South Africa delayed coal plant closures due to its energy crisis and following U.S. opposition under President Trump. South Africa, which relies on coal for 80% of its electricity, can now submit project proposals for funding as it works to reduce its carbon-heavy energy mix. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the 2026–2028 Global Fund replenishment effort, aiming to raise at least $18 billion (about R324 million) to combat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. The announcement was made by UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, who emphasized Africa’s disproportionate HIV burden - home to 75% of global cases. The fundraising, to be hosted in South Africa this September, is critical after U.S. aid cuts under President Donald Trump. Byanyima warned that dwindling support threatens the 2030 goal to end AIDS as a public health threat. South Africa, with the highest HIV numbers, must now do more with fewer resources. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)

South Africa’s embassy in Washington has filed a $2.8 million (ABOUT lawsuit against the District of Columbia and several contractors after flooding and raw sewage rendered parts of the embassy unusable. The damage, allegedly caused by negligent street resurfacing near the mission, has disrupted diplomatic operations as Pretoria works to repair strained ties with President Donald Trump. Relations have deteriorated since Trump’s return to office, with aid cuts, the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador, and tensions over trade. President Ramaphosa is seeking a reset through a new trade deal, but embassy dysfunction has added fresh complications to already fragile diplomacy. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)

Global markets were jolted after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, sending Bitcoin tumbling below $103 000 and prompting over $1 billion in crypto liquidations. Ether fell over 7%, and broader selloffs hit equities and risk assets. Analysts note traders are fleeing volatility in favour of cash and safe-haven assets. Gold jumped 1.5% to $3 437.60/oz, approaching record highs, as investors seek protection amid rising geopolitical risks. Israel’s strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, reportedly killing top military officials. With further retaliation expected, markets are bracing for continued volatility, potential inflationary shocks, and intensified haven demand heading into the weekend. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)