| HORMUZ GAMBIT RISKS ALL-OUT WAR AMID RELIGIOUS ATTACKS |
| GERMAN CHAMBER DEEPENS REGIONAL TRADE COLLABORATION |
Visiting Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry official Bernhard Rohkemper and PMCB Trade Hub Manager Lucrisha Polton. The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB), recently hosted Sourcing Competence Centre Head of the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bernhard Rohkemper.
The visit provided an opportunity to deepen the partnership and align on initiatives aimed at enhancing supplier development, trade opportunities, and regional competitiveness. This engagement underscores our joint commitment to supporting sustainable growth, fostering trade, and creating meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses across the region.
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| SINGING THE PRAISES OF MAGNIFICENT MARITZBURGERS ON FRIDAY |
| The woman behind efforts to revitalise the city through the Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Action Group, Lara Edmonds, will share insights on practical strategies for financial resilience, collaboration, and joint NGO advocacy. Edmonds, in her presentation on Magnificent Maritzburgers, will walk participants through the effectiveness of grassroots action, urban renewal projects, and the iconic “Ellie” campaigns to transform Pietermaritzburg through cleaning, greening, and civic pride. NGOs, partners, and stakeholders are invited to connect, collaborate, and help shape a cleaner, stronger, more caring city together at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business. Proceedings on Friday start at 10 am. There’s no charge. RSVP to Kay on (033) 345 2747 or at pmcb@pmcb.org.za |
1906: The colonial Natal government offered a reward of £500 for the capture of Chief Bambata who led the Bambata Rebellion.
Elsewhere, in 1912, the Titanic hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic with its subsequent sinking claiming more than 1 500 deaths.
Share a light moment with a colleague today, on International Moment of Laughter Day. |
MOTORISTS HOLD THEIR BREATH AS R40/L DIESEL LOOMS
South African motorists face a potential fuel price shock, with diesel projected to approach R40/litre in May amid rising global oil prices and a weaker Rand. The surge reflects supply disruptions and heightened geopolitical tensions, pushing import costs sharply higher. Diesel, critical for transport, agriculture and logistics, could intensify inflationary pressures across the economy.
Analysts warn sustained increases may raise food and freight costs, squeezing consumers and businesses already under strain. While adjustments remain provisional, the outlook signals mounting pressure on energy prices, with limited short-term relief expected if global market volatility persists. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS SOARING FERTILISER PRICES THREATEN FOOD SECURITY
South Africa’s reliance on imported fertiliser continues to expose farmers to global price shocks, with urea - the key nitrogen input - trading around $700/ton internationally in early 2026, up nearly 20% in a month amid supply volatility. Locally, urea costs range between R12 000–R12 600 per ton, while Monoammonium phosphate (MAP) exceeds R16 000/ton, reflecting double-digit annual increases. Industry data shows fertiliser already accounts for 30%–35% of crop input costs, with overall farm input inflation rising more than 40% in recent cycles. Analysts warn continued import reliance is tightening margins and threatening planting decisions, especially for grains and horticulture. (SOURCE: News24) |
ESKOM PIVOTS TOWARDS EMISSIONS TRADE OVER CARBON TAX
Eskom is advocating a cap-and-trade system as a softer alternative to carbon taxes, warning that higher emissions levies could sharply increase electricity prices with limited environmental benefit. The utility argues that a market-based approach that sets a limit on total emissions and allows companies to buy or sell allowances would better balance climate goals with economic realities, particularly for energy-intensive industries. Eskom says rigid carbon charges risk undermining affordability and competitiveness while failing to drive meaningful emissions reductions. The proposal comes as pressure mounts to curb pollution from coal-fired plants, with policymakers weighing options that avoid further strain on consumers and an already fragile economy. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
OFFICE VACANCIES FALL AS RECOVERY BROADENS
South Africa’s office market is rebounding, with vacancies dropping to about 14.5% in late 2025 from pandemic highs near 18%, according to South African Property Owners Association. Improved occupancy across key nodes reflects a gradual return to office work and firmer demand. However, asking rentals remain roughly 10%–15% below 2019 levels, highlighting persistent pressure on landlords. While the recovery is broadening, oversupply and weak tenant affordability continue to weigh on pricing. Further gains depend on stronger GDP growth, rising business confidence and sustained absorption of vacant space across major metros. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... AS COMMERCIAL TENNANTS RESIST 4% RENTAL HIKES
South Africa’s commercial property sector is under strain as tenants resist rental hikes above 4%, with over 50% unable to absorb increases, according to TPN Credit Bureau. The survey of 950 tenants shows 38% are “neutral” - a key renewal risk - while traditional 8% escalations are increasingly untenable. Nearly 47% now occupy 100m²–500m² spaces, reflecting cost-driven downsizing. Rental and utility costs account for 46% of tenant pressures, while 30% cite infrastructure failures. Retail remains fragile, but offices show resilience. Landlords face rising vacancies unless they adopt flexible, tenant-focused leasing models. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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'KITE-FLYING' AFRICAN BANK BOSSES FACE SCRUTINY
Executives at African Bank are under pressure after the Financial Services Tribunal upheld findings that a “kite-flying” scheme inflated capital adequacy ratios by several percentage points, pushing them above key regulatory thresholds near 10%. The ruling backs the Prudential Authority, within the South African Reserve Bank. The manoeuvre allegedly distorted the bank’s capital position, triggering regulatory action. The case sharpens focus on governance and risk controls, with potential implications for billions of rand in capital buffers and broader confidence in South Africa’s tightly regulated banking sector. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
MUSTEK SHARES IN LIMBO IN NOVUS TAKE-OVER FIGHT
Shares in Mustek remain in limbo as a takeover dispute drags on between suitor Novus Holdings and the takeover regulator. Novus, which first tabled its bid in 2024, is contesting an order requiring it to raise its offer price in order to proceed with acquiring the technology distributor. The regulatory panel argues the revised valuation is necessary to protect minority shareholders. Mustek’s stock has risen about 1.71% year-to-date, but uncertainty around deal approval continues to weigh on sentiment. Analysts say the outcome will determine whether consolidation in South Africa’s tech distribution sector accelerates or stalls amid regulatory scrutiny and valuation disagreements. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
R3.85 BILION GERMAN LOAN TO BOOST GREEN ENERGY
South Africa has secured a €200 million (about R3.85 billion) climate-linked loan from Germany, reinforcing energy transition financing as access to some US-backed support remains constrained amid strained relations with the United States. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola thanked Germany for continued partnership, saying the funding will support green energy infrastructure and decarbonisation efforts. The package is aimed at accelerating renewable deployment and grid resilience while easing fiscal pressure on climate commitments. Officials say the deal underscores Europe’s growing role in South Africa’s energy transition financing amid shifting global geopolitical alignments and development priorities. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AS BOTSWANA INKS ENERGY, MINING DEAL WITH OMAN
Botswana has signed new energy and mining cooperation agreements with Oman, aimed at boosting investment in hydrocarbons, minerals and infrastructure development. The deals focus on joint exploration, technical exchange and potential downstream processing projects to diversify Botswana’s resource-led economy. Officials say the partnership could unlock fresh capital into the mining sector, including critical minerals, while expanding energy security collaboration. The agreements also signal Muscat’s growing footprint in African resource markets. For Botswana, the move aligns with efforts to attract foreign investment, broaden export revenues and strengthen long-term economic resilience through strategic international partnerships. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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... AND BP UPS NAMIBIA OFFSHORE OIL STAKE TO 60%
BP has agreed to acquire a 60% stake and operatorship in three exploration blocks in Namibia’s Walvis Basin, strengthening its position in one of Africa’s fastest-emerging oil frontiers. The move follows major discoveries by TotalEnergies and Shell, which have drawn global majors to the region. Namibia’s offshore basin has rapidly gained attention after multiple commercial finds, despite mixed drilling results. BP already holds exposure through its joint venture with Eni. The deal, pending government approval, marks BP’s first operatorship role in Namibia, signalling rising confidence in the country’s deepwater oil potential. (SOURCE; Bloomberg)
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ENERGY AGENCIES WARN AGAINST ENERGY EXPORT CONTROLS
The International Monetary Fund, World Bank and International Energy Agency have urged countries to avoid hoarding energy supplies or imposing export restrictions that could deepen the global crisis. IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva warned that restrictive policies are worsening inflation and supply imbalances, while IEA chief Fatih Birol said global markets face the worst energy shock on record. Oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel after disruptions linked to Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz shipping risks. Coordinated action, officials say, is essential to stabilise markets and protect vulnerable economies. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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TRAINING - BASICS OF STRUCTURED PROBLEM-SOLVING
In an increasingly competitive business environment, the organisations that stand out are the ones that solve problems better and faster than others. Effective problem solving is not a "nice to have" - it's a strategic differentiator. Yet most teams still rely on informal, assumption driven approaches that leave room for bias, rework, and recurring issues.
TRAINER: Tanya Hulse – Training Leadership Consulting
A Chemical Engineer by background, Tanya has over 25 years' experience in FMCG multi-nationals, with roles in engineering, project management, and line management, as well as in L&D, including elements of talent management, organisational development and leadership development.
HOW WILL YOU BENEFIT BY ATTENDING THIS TRAINING:
This training introduces participants to the basics of structured problem solving, equipping them with practical methods used by world class organisations to think more clearly, diagnose issues accurately, and implement solutions that actually stick. By learning proven Lean and PDCA based tools, attendees gain a disciplined approach that reduces human error, avoids common cognitive traps, and improves alignment across teams.
Participants leave with a repeatable framework they can confidently apply to any challenge - improving operational performance, decision quality, cross functional collaboration, and long term business sustainability.
Key outcomes:
• Understand the importance of effective problem-solving in your business.
• Describe typical methodologies used to solve different types of problems.
• Explain the 'Plan-Do-Check-Act' (PDCA) cycle used to guide structured thinking.
• Understand the A3 problem-solving methodology as used by world-class businesses such as Toyota to define and scope a problem correctly.
• Apply techniques to identify and verify underlying root causes.
• Involve team members in implementing sustainable solutions.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Business Owners, Managers, Business Analysts, Technical Specialists, Project Managers.
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
DETAILS OF THE TRAINING
Date: 21 April 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. |
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It's choice - not chance - that determines your destiny.
Jean Nidetch |
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