| EVOLVING WORKPLACE CHALLENGES EXPOSE LABOUR RISKS |
A spate of illegal workplace disruptions in Pietermaritzburg and surrounds recently have cast a harsh light on gaps in labour relations and workforce risk management. While most organisations equate compliance with safety, they nevertheless still face operational shocks to suggest that legal adherence alone no longer protects.
The workplace challenge has evolved, according to Impact Human Resources, a division of JSE-listed iOCO Technology Group, explaining that contemporary risk is shaped by visibility, trust, and local alignment as much as legal correctness.
These targeted interventions reveal weaknesses in understanding workforce vulnerability, said Business Development Manager Kate Watts. “The way forward requires identifying risks, responding visibly, and aligning workforce strategies with both regulations and local realities,” she said. Resilience is not in policy documents - it is demonstrated in how quickly and effectively organisations act when pressure arrives at their gates, safeguarding continuity and trust, she said.
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| URGENT CALL TO ENTER R1 MILLION BAMBELELA AWARDS |
(ltr) Bavelile Ndlela, Portia Baloyi (KZNZERA CEO), Zoli Scott (MTN Senior Manager: Enterprise), Siyabonga Nsele (winner), Babongile Mkize (Hollywood Foundation Group Transformation Manager), Cebile Soko (winner), Morgan Shandu (Hollywoodbets Operations Executive) and Nthatisi Lethaha.
The Hollywood Foundation invites KZN micro, small, and medium enterprises to enter the 2026 Bambelela Business Awards. Winners will share R1 million in funding, spotlighting businesses driving community development, job creation, and economic growth. Now in its third year, 46 local SMMES benefitted with Siyabonga Nsele and Cebile Soko walking off with the first prize. Themed Bambelela – Your Dreams Are Valid, the programme includes a two-day exhibition and seminar, offering funding pitches, mentorship, and visibility. Entries close at midnight on 2 April. Apply by clicking the link here |
1867 The United States bought Alaska from Russia for US$7.2 million.
Spare a thought of those afflicted by the condition that is observed on World Bipolar Day. |
KZN PUMPS RUN DRY, FUEL DELIVERIES RATIONED
Unconfirmed and anecdotal reports suggest that some parts of KZN are facing severe fuel shortages, with service stations stations in Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay reporting empty tanks. Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Free State are also experiencing intermittent supply disruptions, particularly for diesel, affecting logistics, agriculture and public transport.
Industry experts warn that the current under-recovery, estimated at R1.50–R2.00 per litre, makes fuel imports uneconomical, forcing wholesalers to limit deliveries. South Africa relies on imports for over 60% of its fuel needs, leaving the market highly sensitive to price adjustments. Analysts say a swift price hike is critical to restore supply, even as inland petrol prices may rise beyond R25/litre, squeezing households and businesses. (SOURCE: News24)
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FOOD STAPLES UNDER PRESSURE ON RISING FUEL COSTS
Fertiliser and fuel price spikes driven by escalating Middle East conflict are set to squeeze South Africa’s food system. Brent crude has jumped about 15%, pointing to fuel hikes of R1.20–R1.50/litre, while fertiliser prices - heavily energy-linked - have risen near 20%. For grain producers, this could lift input costs by 10%–15%, especially for maize, oilseeds and sugarcane. Higher diesel costs will also inflate planting, harvesting and transport expenses across the value chain. With food inflation already elevated, economists warn staples such as maize meal, bread and cooking oil may soon reflect these pressures. Poor households, which spend up to 30% of income on food, remain most exposed, raising concerns over worsening affordability, hunger and social strain. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS FUEL SHOCK LAYS BARE ELECTRIC VEHICLE LAG
The anticipated fuel price surge is exposing South Africa’s slow transition to electric vehicles, with oil volatility underscoring dependence on imports. Brent crude has risen about 15%, pushing local fuel prices higher and straining consumers. Yet EV adoption remains minimal, accounting for well under 1% of total vehicle sales since their introduction around 2013. High upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure and policy uncertainty continue to stall progress. With over 90% of vehicles still running on internal combustion engines, the economy remains highly exposed to oil shocks, raising urgency for faster investment in alternative energy and transport solutions. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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IMPROVED POWER GENERATION, BUT OUTAGES PERSIST
Despite Eskom’s improved generation, South Africans remain plagued by frequent, prolonged power outages. Data from Wetility’s 1 000+ solar installations across 57 municipalities shows 91 934 interruptions in 2025, averaging six to nine outages per client monthly. Outages lasted an average of 12.1 hours nationwide. February was the worst month, with clients experiencing 8.8 outages and total outages of 131.8 hours. These unexpected, lengthy interruptions far exceed Eskom’s previous two-hour slots, highlighting persistent grid instability and the growing need for robust backup solutions. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS ESKOM EXTENDS ROOFTOP SOLAR FEE WAIVER
Eskom has extended the waiver of registration and connection fees for small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems, including rooftop solar, for six more months until September 30, 2026. Urban or residential customers save up to R10 000, while rural clients save up to R36 000 for systems up to 50 kW. To register, customers must submit a certificate of compliance, inverter test certificate, and installation report. Eskom says the extension supports safe, responsible grid connections and South Africa’s energy transition. A prepaid metering option is also being tested, allowing customers to install solar while retaining existing setups or receiving smart meters. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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ASSET MANAGERS URGED TO BRING OFFSHORE OFFICES HOME
The government is offering incentives to attract asset managers to close overseas offices and repatriate operations, aiming to boost domestic investment. Local firms collectively manage over R5 trillion in assets, with roughly R1.2 trillion held abroad. Officials plan to relax regulatory reporting and capital requirements, making it easier for managers to operate from South Africa. The strategy is expected to create up to 2,500 financial sector jobs and increase tax revenues by an estimated R3–R4 billion annually. Analysts say the move could enhance market liquidity and position South Africa as a stronger regional financial hub. (SOURCE: News24)
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MOHAIR BACK IN FASHION AFTER ANIMAL WELFARE BOYCOTT
South Africa’s mohair industry is rebounding after a sharp 2018 boycott by Zara and H&M over animal welfare concerns. Exports plunged nearly 35%, with prices falling below R200/kg at the worst point. Recovery has been steady, with output now exceeding 2.5 million kilograms annually and prices rebounding to around R300–R350/kg. The Eastern Cape-based sector supplies more than 50% of global mohair and supports about 30 000 jobs across the value chain. Stricter animal welfare standards and full traceability have restored buyer confidence, helping revive export earnings and stabilise a niche industry once under severe pressure. (SOURCE: News24)
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LESOTHO WANTS REVISED WATER-EXPORT DEAL
Lesotho is pushing to renegotiate its water agreement with South Africa, arguing the current 50-year compensation framework, expiring in 2044, no longer reflects modern economic realities. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project, valued at R53 billion, supplies about 780 million cubic metres annually, generating roughly $220 9 (about R3.7 billion) in royalties. A new dam and tunnel under construction since 2023 will increase supply beyond 1 billion cubic metres. Officials say royalties, currently tied to South Africa’s cost savings, should better reflect water volumes and Lesotho’s development needs. Talks starting in April could reshape payments, ensuring the landlocked nation benefits fairly from this strategic resource. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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EXTREME HEAT CRISIS ONTHE RISE IN SOURHERN AFRICA
A new ASSAf study warns extreme heat is the top climate and health threat across Southern Africa. Of the world’s 20 hottest years, 19 occurred since 2000, and record-breaking monthly temperatures now happen five times more often. Across SADC, 80–90% of workers in some countries are in the informal sector, mostly performing outdoor labour in agriculture, construction, mining, and transport. Vulnerable groups include infants, older adults, and pregnant women, with increased risks of heatstroke, cardiovascular issues, and preterm birth. The report urges early warning systems, heat-health action plans, urban cooling, and worker protections to strengthen regional resilience. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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COCA-COLA IN R29 BILLION EURO BOND BID FOR AFRICA OPERATIONS
Coca-Cola HBC Finance BV is issuing at least €1.5 billion (about R29 billion) in Euro bonds to fund its $2.6 billion acquisition of a 75% stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa. The three-part offering spans maturities of 2.5, 4.5 and 7.5 years, with the two longer tranches earmarked for the African deal and general corporate purposes. Moody’s expects a Baa1 rating, while S&P Global Ratings projects BBB+. The transaction includes an option to acquire the remaining stake within six years. The deal marks Coca-Cola HBC’s strategic expansion in Africa as The Coca-Cola Co. exits bottling operations. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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R4.9 BILLION OPEC FUND TO BOLSTER 4 AFRICAN NATIONS
The OPEC Fund for International Development approved $290.2 million (about R4.9 billion) to support projects in Botswana, Liberia, the Maldives, and Sierra Leone, part of $890 million in global financing. Botswana receives $170 million for its Governance and Economic Resilience Programme, expanding support for youth- and women-led SMEs from 900 to 2 000 businesses. Liberia’s $30 million tranche will rehabilitate 50 km of Salayea-Konia road, cutting travel time from 160 to 45 minutes for 300 000 people. The Maldives gets $40 million for climate-proof harbour upgrades on 14 islands, while Sierra Leone receives $50 million and a $200 000 grant for climate-smart rice production hubs. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work in hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.
Alexander Graham Bell |
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