| MIDEAST CEASEFIRE: WHAT DOES IT MEAN, WHAT COMES NEXT? |
| RAPID 3D SETS BENCHMARK IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING |
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A custom-designed knife in tool-grade steel and its high-wearing case produced in its entirety by Rapid 3D showcases the technology in a single product.
Howick-based Rapid 3D has been quietly carving out a name for itself in the South African additive manufacturing industry after more than two decades of steady innovation and hard-earned lessons.
Founded in 2004 by engineer David Bullock, Rapid 3D was among the pioneers of 3D printing in South Africa. What began as an ambitious foray into an emerging technology has evolved into a sophisticated operation with authorised partnerships with leading global OEM brands and a factory with 15 production terminals manufacturing components in plastics, metals and composite materials.
Additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, builds objects layer by layer from a digital design. The technology is widely used in aerospace, automotive, healthcare, construction and industrial prototyping, where precision, flexibility and cost-efficiency for customised or low-volume production are critical.
Bullock describes the journey as a steep learning curve of education and evolution. “In the early days, around 2019, many desktop printers were expensive toys that jammed constantly and produced parts that looked like school projects,” he said. “The market has matured dramatically since then.”
The group operates through two complementary businesses: Rapid 3D, distributing global brands such as Bambu Lab, Formlabs and EOS polymer and metal printers, considered the gold standard in industrial additive manufacturing; and its sister company Akhani 3D, focused on contract manufacturing and production services.
The company’s production arm runs printers daily to produce functional prototypes, custom jigs and fixtures, electronic enclosures, and replacement parts without the need for costly minimum orders.
For South African manufacturers grappling with import delays and long lead times, the ability to prototype overnight and iterate designs in hours rather than weeks is transformative, said Bullock. For more information, view the website here. |
| SASSA CARD SWITCHING CENTRES IN PIETERMARITZBURG, HOWICK |
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has reassured beneficiaries that gold cards remain valid and active for grant payments while the switch to new Postbank black cards continues. Beneficiaries in the Umgundlovu district can switch their cards at the Boxer supermarket outlets in Pietermaritzburg and Edendale and at Superspar in Howick. To locate other switching centres, dial *120*355# and follow the numerical prompts on a cell phone. Beneficiaries are reminded that they may also receive payments into a registered bank account.
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1820: The first British Settlers arrived in Algoa Bay on board 21 ships.
Elsewhere, in 2021, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, died at age 99. He died on the 99th day of the year, on the morning of the 9th day of the month.
Feel the tingle on International Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) Day. It’s also International Pink Day to celebrate diversity and inclusion. |
SOUTH AFRICA LEADS EMERGING MARKETS RESURGENCE
South Africa is leading a sharp resurgence across emerging markets as easing geopolitical tensions and shifting rate expectations revive investor appetite. Traders have slashed bets on further rate hikes to 37 basis points, down from 83, fuelling a broad rally in local assets.
The Rand strengthened to around R16.27/$, surging 2.6% intraday, before giving up its gains to settle around the R16.45/$ level. The FTSE/JSE All Share Index climbed up to 5.7%, among the strongest global performers. Benchmark bond yields fell 30–47 basis points, reflecting renewed inflows after R56 billion in March outflows. Softer oil prices and a Middle East ceasefire have improved sentiment, though analysts caution the rebound depends on sustained stability and supportive global monetary conditions. (SOURCE: BDLive/Moneyweb/Bloomberg)
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... AS BANK OF AMERICA RANKING HIGHLIGHTS INVESTOR FAITH
Bank of America has ranked South Africa as the top regional equity market, ahead of Saudi Arabia, Poland, Greece, and Qatar, citing market depth, liquidity, and regulatory oversight. Analysts say the ranking signals investor interest, but caution that ongoing energy supply constraints, fiscal pressures, and policy uncertainty could temper gains. Acting GCIS spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa noted the assessment reflects confidence in South Africa’s financial system. Recent investment commitments totaling R889.8 billion, announced at the sixth South Africa Investment Conference, indicate growing domestic and international interest. Observers emphasize that while the ranking highlights potential, it does not guarantee returns, and sustained structural reforms will be critical to maintaining market stability. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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GLEDHOW MILL REOPENING BRINGS CHEER TO SUGAR SECTOR
The Gledhow Mill has reopened following a R1.8 billion expansion by its new owners, offering hope to South Africa’s embattled sugar industry. The mill, located in the KwaDukuza Municipality on the KZN North Coast, is expected to stabilise production, protect jobs, and improve supply amid growing import pressures that have cost the sector R1.5 billion. The new owners, Mauritian company Maroochi, acquired the mill late 2024 after Gledhow emerged from business rescue. Analysts say the reopening signals renewed investor confidence and could help shield local producers from market volatility, ensuring sustainability for the region’s sugar economy. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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FUEL SURCHARGE GAP SHINES LIGHT ON OUTDATED FORMULA
Logistics and transport operators warn of a “serious under-recovery” in fuel surcharges, saying current formulas no longer reflect rising diesel costs. Industry bodies argue outdated benchmarks are squeezing margins, forcing companies to absorb escalating expenses or pass them on to customers. This misalignment, they say, threatens sustainability across supply chains already under pressure. Calls are growing for a review of surcharge mechanisms to ensure fair cost recovery and pricing transparency. Without urgent adjustment, operators caution that service levels, investment and smaller players could be compromised as volatility in fuel prices persists. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SARS VOWS MAY CRACKDOWN ON NON-COMPLIANT TRUSTS
The South African Revenue Service will impose automated monthly penalties on non-compliant trusts from 4 May, escalating enforcement under the Tax Administration Act. Fines range from R250 to R16 000 per outstanding return, per month, for up to 36 months. With only about 180 000 of an estimated 300 000 trusts filing, authorities are targeting a tax gap of up to R60bn. Trustees must urgently submit 2024 and 2025 returns or face penalties. Experts warn even dormant trusts are not exempt, and incorrect application of attribution rules could trigger further liabilities or audits. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AND TARDY PENSION FUNDS IN TROUBLE OVER COMPLAINT FAILURES
Retirement funds and administrators face possible summons as the Pension Funds Adjudicator cracks down on non-responsive entities. Adjudicator Lebogang Mogashoa warned that failure to address complaints could trigger subpoenas under Section 30J of the Pension Funds Act, with non-compliance a criminal offence. About 51% of complaints relate to unpaid pension contributions by employers. The move targets delays, ignored submissions and weak responses undermining members’ rights as regulators push for accountability and improved governance in South Africa’s retirement sector. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
STEEL TARIFFS SPARK SUPPLY SHORTAGE WARNINGS
The Southern African Institute of Steel Construction has warned that newly implemented antidumping tariffs risk triggering steel shortages and disrupting supply chains. Industry players report cancelled and delayed orders, while some locally produced products are already in short supply. CEO Amanuel Gebremeskel cautioned that specialised steel sizes may become scarce, potentially driving up costs and delaying infrastructure projects. The SAISC has urged a phased rollout to ease market adjustment. Concerns extend to export competitiveness and long-term sustainability, with the body planning a new quality certification programme to strengthen standards and traceability across the steel value chain. . (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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COVID CROOKS ORDERED TO PERSONALLY PAY BACK PROFITS
The Special Tribunal has ordered Tark Group directors to personally repay profits from irregular Covid-era PPE contracts worth R14 million. Judge David Makhoba found that deals for surgical masks and protective suits unlawfully bypassed procurement rules and involved a company lacking required licences. Directors Katleho O’Hara Mokonyane and Bonelela Mgudlwa were declared guilty of fraud and dishonesty under the Companies Act, with the corporate veil pierced to hold them liable. The Special Investigating Unit successfully argued the contracts were riddled with irregularities. Tark must open its books to determine profits and cover legal costs. (SOURCE: GroundUp)
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... AND COURT ORDERS LIQUADATED CPS TO REPAY R81 MILLION
After more than a decade, the Constitutional Court has ordered liquidated Cash Paymaster Services to repay R81 million linked to an unlawful South African Social Security Agency contract. The ruling follows years of litigation over irregular grant payment arrangements and invalid procurement processes. Despite CPS being in liquidation, the judgment reinforces accountability for public funds and signals ongoing efforts to recover losses tied to state contracts. Authorities say the decision closes a long-running chapter in one of South Africa’s most controversial social grant payment sagas. (SOURCE: GroundUp)
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AFRICAN ENERGY BODY SEEKS VOICE IN LANDMARK CLIMATE CASE
The African Energy Chamber has applied to join proceedings at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights as an amicus curiae in a landmark climate case led by the Pan African Lawyers Union. The case could define African states’ legal duties on climate action, adaptation and accountability. The chamber warns uneven participation risks sidelining African priorities, noting over 600 million people lack electricity and many more lack clean cooking access. It argues oil and gas remain vital for growth, jobs and resilience, given Africa’s relatively low share of global emissions, and cautions against external pressure undermining energy investment. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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MADAGASCAR CALLS 15-DAY ENERGY EMERGENCY CRISIS
Madagascar has declared a 15-day national energy emergency as Middle East conflict disrupts fuel supplies and drives up prices. Authorities will implement “exceptional measures” to stabilise supply and maintain essential public services, the presidency said. The crisis highlights the vulnerability of emerging economies to global energy shocks, with shortages and cost spikes rippling across Africa and Asia. Analysts warn prolonged disruption in the Persian Gulf could deepen supply constraints, strain public finances and intensify inflation pressures. Governments are increasingly forced to intervene as volatile fuel markets threaten economic stability and energy security. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
ISRAEL STRIKES LEBANON AS MIDEAST TRUCE UNRAVELS
Israel launched its largest assault on Lebanon, striking over 100 Hezbollah targets in minutes, threatening a fragile ceasefire between United States and Iran. Airstrikes hit central Beirut, killing more than 100 people and wounding hundreds, overwhelming emergency services. In response, Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a global energy shock. Disputes over whether Lebanon is included in the truce risk further escalation, with Tehran warning it could abandon the agreement. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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Genius might be the ability to say a profound thing in a simple way.
Charles Bukowski |
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