| WORKING WOMEN TRAPPED IN DOUBLE BIND AGE BARRIER |
Women often face a workplace double bind on age. Younger women may be dismissed as inexperienced, while those in midlife are unfairly stereotyped as less capable because of family responsibilities or menopause. The article may have been informed by experience in the United States, but resonates all over the world, especially as it shows that similarly aged men are more likely to be viewed as experienced and in their professional prime, highlighting persistent gendered age discrimination.
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| BULLDOG BRINGS MANDELA DAY JOY TO EMUSENI HOME |
Ntuthuko Ndlovu (left) of the Emuseni Old Age Home received 12 television sets from Angie Narayanan of the Community Chest, on behalf of Bulldog Construction. In the spirit of Mandela Day, Bulldog Construction donated 12 television sets to the Pietermaritzburg Community Chest, which identified Emuseni Old Age Home in Edendale as the beneficiary. The donation forms part of Bulldog Construction’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and initiatives that bring hope where it is needed most.
Rogini James of Bulldog Construction thanked Community Chest for its work in the city and surrounds. “Your passion, hard work and dedication does not go un-noticed and we are always happy to partner with you and support your mission," she said.
Companies and individuals wishing to partner with the Community Chest should contact Angie on 0727910311 or at chestpro@communitychest.org.za or Sma on (033) 394 1031 or at rmo1@communitychest.org.za
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| IT'S TIME FOR MEN TO SHINE AT CHAMBER LUNCH |
The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business invites members to its fun-filled Wear the Pants Chamber Lunch, celebrating men who have helped advance a more equal society. After last week's traditional Women in Business Lunch, the 20 August event gives the chaps their turn. Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme and Wear the Pants. Bring your business card for a chance to be drawn as a speaker at a future Chamber Lunch. Tickets cost R350 for members and R410 for non-members, including VAT. Book with Thabisile on (033) 345 2747 or at info@pmcb.org.za.
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1988: Angola, Cuba and South Africa agreed to a formal ceasefire to ultimately pave the way for Namibian independence.
Elsewhere, in 1974, Philippe Petit walked on a high wire between the newly built twin towers of the World Trade Centre, 411 metres above the ground.
Cheers to all purveyors of the libation brewed from hops and barley, on International Beer Day. |
BOND MARKET STEALS CREDIT UPGRADE MARCH ON RATINGS AGENCIES
South Africa’s bond market is already pricing in an improved credit outlook, even as major ratings agencies remain slower to formally upgrade the country, according to the latest analysis by Bloomberg analysts. Falling borrowing costs and stronger investor confidence suggest markets increasingly view South Africa as having made progress in stabilising public finances and improving economic conditions. The divergence highlights how financial markets can anticipate changes in sovereign creditworthiness before ratings agencies act.
An eventual upgrade could further lower government borrowing costs and strengthen investor sentiment. However, persistent structural constraints, weak economic growth, high debt and fiscal pressures remain risks. For now, bond-market pricing suggests investors are taking a more positive view of South Africa than the formal ratings landscape indicates. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS INFRASTRUCTURE BONDS FEATURE AS PERMANENT FUNDING TOOL
National Treasury will make infrastructure bonds a permanent feature of its funding strategy after strong investor demand for the new financing instrument. Treasury director-general Dr Duncan Pieterse said the inaugural R11.8 billion bond issued in December 2025 was followed by a July auction where R17.8 billion in bids were received for just R5 billion on offer, with R4.4 billion allocated. Funds will support infrastructure projects approved through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure, including R11.2 billion for Transnet's rail and port upgrades. Treasury says the bonds will help unlock private investment while broadening government's long-term funding options and strengthening fiscal resilience. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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PRIVATE SECTOR BRAVELY STRUGGLING FOR TRACTION
South Africa’s private sector eked out a second consecutive month of growth in July, but the recovery remained fragile as weak demand and subdued hiring constrained businesses. The S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) held above the 50-point threshold at 50.3, only marginally below June’s 50.5. Output returned to growth after two months of contraction, helped by easing input-cost pressures as lower fuel prices provided some relief. However, new orders fell for a third consecutive month, reflecting cautious consumer spending and competitive pressure from cheaper imports. Employment growth also slowed sharply, while stretched supply chains continued to hamper activity, highlighting the uneven nature of South Africa’s economic recovery. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS IDC RAISES R310 MILLION MANUFACTURING DEFICIT ALARM
South Africa’s industrial growth engine is under pressure as weak investment contributes to a R310 billion manufacturing trade deficit, according to the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The warning comes despite corporates holding cash reserves approaching R2 trillion, highlighting the disconnect between available private-sector capital and actual investment. The IDC says stagnant investment is undermining manufacturing capacity, competitiveness and the country’s ability to produce goods locally. The widening trade deficit points to rising dependence on imported manufactured products, while businesses delay expansion amid economic uncertainty. Unlocking corporate investment will be critical to rebuilding industrial capacity, supporting jobs, improving exports and restoring stronger, sustainable economic growth. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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KGANYAGO FLAGS FOOD COSTS AS 4.4% INFLATION WEIGHS
South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago says food inflation risks remain, despite recent easing in price pressures. The Reserve Bank’s latest forecast puts headline inflation at 4.4% in 2026, rising concerns around higher agricultural input costs. South Africa has so far avoided major food-price effects from the Middle East conflict because the war began after the summer planting season. However, prolonged disruption could lift fertiliser and fuel costs, while a developing El Niño could threaten crop production. The Reserve Bank’s May scenarios showed inflation could reach about 5% under a prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure, while a severe combination of risks could push it above 6%. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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KING SHAKA AIRPORT PREPARES FOR SOLAR TAKE-OFF
King Shaka International Airport is set to harness solar energy as Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) moves ahead with plans for a large-scale photovoltaic plant aimed at lowering electricity costs, improving energy security and supporting its long-term sustainability strategy. The system will be installed over long-stay and car rental parking areas and initially operate without exporting electricity to the grid. Designed for future expansion, it will also accommodate battery storage at a later stage. The contract covers three years for design and construction, followed by five years of maintenance. Bids close on 22 September, with the project expected to improve energy security and reduce operating costs at the Durban airport. (SOURCE: Leads2Business)
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... AND SASOL INKS CHINESE DEAL FOR GREEN HYDROGEN PLANS
Sasol has signed an agreement with Chinese renewable energy company Envision to complete the engineering design for a green hydrogen and e-methanol project at its Sasolburg operations. The design phase is expected to be completed by October, after which investment decisions will follow. The proposed facility will combine renewable energy, battery storage and electrolysers to produce cost-efficient green hydrogen for e-methanol and, eventually, sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF). Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the partnership highlights Sasol's transition towards cleaner technologies. The project targets premium European export markets, where demand for low-carbon fuels continues to grow. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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UNION'S R300 MILLION BID ADDS TO INDEPENDENT MEDIA WOES
The South African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union is seeking to liquidate Independent Media’s majority shareholder over an alleged debt of about R300-million, adding fresh financial pressure around the media group. The application, reported by News24, targets the shareholder over the outstanding obligation. The move comes as Independent Media, publisher of titles including The Star, Cape Times and IOL, continues to operate amid broader financial challenges. The liquidation bid represents a significant escalation in the dispute, with the R300 million claim potentially placing further strain on the group’s ownership structure. The matter remains subject to court proceedings and any responses from the parties involved. (SOURCE: News24)
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SHORTLISTED INNOVATORS SHINE LIGHT ON AFRICAN ENGINEERING
Two South African innovators have been shortlisted for the 2026 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, the continent's richest engineering award, with total prize money of £85 000 (about R1.45 million). Professor Dyllon Randall earned recognition for Pee-Cycling, a system that converts urine into fertiliser while conserving water. Sincengile Ntshingila was shortlisted for LabZero, a virtual tissue culture laboratory that improves training for vaccine research, drug development and regenerative medicine. The pair are among 16 finalists from 11 African countries and will participate in an eight-month business development programme before the winners are announced in Johannesburg in October. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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MINING TITAN FRONEMAN TAKES CHAIR AT COPPER 360
Mining industry heavyweight Neal Froneman has been appointed chair of Copper 360, strengthening the copper producer’s leadership as it advances its growth ambitions. Froneman, a prominent figure in South Africa’s mining sector, brings extensive executive and boardroom experience to the JSE-listed company. His appointment comes as Copper 360 develops its Northern Cape copper assets and seeks to expand production and unlock value from its resource base. The move adds significant industry experience to the company’s leadership at a time when copper demand is gaining attention globally because of its importance to electrification, renewable energy and infrastructure. Froneman’s appointment is expected to support Copper 360’s strategic direction as it builds its position in South Africa’s copper industry. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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IHS SHAREHOLDERS BACK MTN TOWER'S AFRICAN AMBITIONS
MTN Group has moved closer to taking full ownership of telecommunications tower company IHS after shareholders approved its proposed acquisition of the remaining shares the group does not already own. MTN announced in February that it intended increasing its 24.7% stake to 100%, with IHS shareholders now approving the transaction by the required two-thirds majority. The deal remains subject to regulatory approvals before it can be completed. MTN CEO Ralph Mupita said the acquisition supports the group's Ambition 2030 strategy, positioning tower infrastructure as a key driver of digital connectivity, artificial intelligence and long-term growth across Africa. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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HORMUZ REOPENING HOPES KEEP OIL MARKETS ON EDGE
Oil markets remained volatile as Iran and Oman moved towards a possible agreement to partially reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies. Iran said discussions on proposed shipping lanes were nearing completion, while stressing that any arrangement would not amount to a full reopening. US President Donald Trump said negotiations were continuing. Brent crude traded around $79.60 a barrel yesterday as traders weighed the prospect of increased Gulf oil flows. The outcome remains uncertain, with approval reportedly required from Iran’s Supreme Leader. Despite restricted traffic, several million barrels of oil a day have continued crossing the strait, with some Gulf producers using alternative routes. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.
Abraham Lincoln |
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| Dollar | R16.34 | + 0.08% | | Pound | R21.98 | + 0.05% | | Euro | R18.82 | + 0.08% | | Yen | 0.103106 |
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These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 760.40 | + 1.43% | | Gold | $ 4 293.13 | + 1.26% | | Oil | $ 83.63 | + 0.16% | | All Share | 115 306.71 | - 0.09% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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