| N3 FULL CLOSURE TO DISRUPT TRAFFIC TOMORROW |
Motorists are advised of full closures on the N3 highway between Ashburton Interchange and New England Road Interchange tomorrow from 3-3.30 pm to allow blasting operations at the Market Road Interchange. All on-ramps and connecting roads will also be closed during these periods. SANRAL warns of severe congestion, delays and traffic build-up before and after each closure window. Drivers are urged to plan alternative routes, avoid the area where possible, and comply with traffic officials and law enforcement instructions to ensure safety and smooth traffic management.
|
| CLASS OF 2025 TOASTS 209 QUALIFICATION CONFERALS |
 |
The Class of 2025 awaiting conferral at the campus' recent graduation and top achiever Machela Ramdeen (IIE BComm) who graduated with an aggregate of 94% and achieving 24 out of a possible 24 distinctions.
More than 200 graduates celebrated a major milestone as Emeris Pietermaritzburg conferred qualifications on 209 students, including 44 online graduates, during its Class of 2025 graduation ceremonies. Academic excellence featured strongly, with 73 graduates earning distinctions and 28 invited to join the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society.
Qualifications were awarded across commerce, humanities, education, ICT and law disciplines. Campus head Eve Reddy praised graduates for their perseverance and personal growth throughout their studies.
Leading the achievers was Machela Ramdeen, who completed her Bachelor of Commerce with an exceptional 94% aggregate and a perfect 24 distinctions. The ceremonies concluded with top achiever awards and the traditional cap toss, marking the beginning of graduates’ professional journeys.
|
DON’T BE HOODWINKED BY ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH SELF DIAGNOSIS
|
1773: Wolraad Woltemade drowned at sea after saving 14 people from a sinking ship.
Elsewhere, in 1980, Cable News Network (CNN) began 24-hour live news broadcasts.
It’s all about the young ones, on International Children Day. It’s also World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day. |
ILLEGAL NUMBER PLATES HIGHLIGHT SECURITY SYSTEM FAILURES
A thriving black market in cloned vehicle number plates has sparked alarm about public safety, law enforcement effectiveness and the integrity of South Africa’s vehicle identification systems. A Business Day investigation showed how easily criminals can obtain fraudulent registrations within minutes. Illegal plates are often linked to vehicle theft, hijackings, toll evasion and other criminal activities, allowing offenders to operate with relative anonymity.
The investigation suggests weaknesses in oversight and enforcement, despite increasing investment in technologies such as number plate recognition, remote vehicle monitoring and surveillance systems. The loopholes point to the need for strengthened regulation and improved monitoring of manufacturers. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
UPBEAT S&P HINTS AT CREDIT RATINGS UPGRADE
Global ratings agency S&P Global Ratings has affirmed South Africa’s sovereign credit rating, signalling confidence that political developments, including any potential disruption involving Cyril Ramaphosa, are unlikely to derail fiscal and economic reforms. The decision reflects continued faith in the resilience of key institutions, particularly the National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank. S&P indicated that an upgrade could be possible later this year if authorities maintain discipline in reducing debt and keeping inflation under control. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
CONCERN OVER R16.6 BILLION CHROME-PRODUCER RELIEF
A decision by National Energy Regulator of South Africa to grant substantial electricity tariff relief to chrome producers has come under scrutiny, with energy consultancy Meridian Economics questioning both the transparency of the process and its estimated R16.6 billion cost. The discounted power arrangements are aimed at supporting ferrochrome operations linked to Glencore-Merafe and Samancor Chrome, which have warned of production cuts and potential shutdowns amid soaring electricity costs. While critics argue there was inadequate public participation, supporters contend the relief is necessary to preserve jobs, industrial capacity and South Africa’s competitiveness in the global ferrochrome market, where pressure from China continues to intensify. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
... AS NERSA APPROVES MUNICIPAL ELECTRICITY HIKES
Electricity tariff determinations for municipalities and private providers have been concluded after a last-minute extension by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa. Tariff approvals cover both municipal distributors and private sector suppliers, following regulatory review processes. Stakeholders had raised concerns over delays caused by the extension period, which pushed finalisation close to implementation deadlines. The regulator has emphasised that the process ensures cost-reflective pricing while balancing affordability pressures faced by consumers. Final determinations are expected to influence electricity pricing structures for the coming financial year across South Africa. Implementation timelines will now proceed subject to published schedules and municipal billing cycles. industry impacts monitored. (SOURCE: News24)
|
SABS VOWS TO FIX GOVERNANCE FAILURES
The South African Bureau of Standards has begun implementing corrective measures after a forensic investigation confirmed serious governance, procurement, labour and IT breaches across the organisation.
The probe, commissioned after whistleblower allegations in 2024, found irregular expenditure, improper appointments, conflicts of interest and procurement violations, including questionable contracts and payroll inconsistencies. A cyberattack in late 2024 delayed the investigation by limiting access to key systems. Management has accepted the findings and launched disciplinary processes, with 14 recommendations already implemented and nine still underway, while concerns remain over ongoing allegations, whistleblower protection and internal instability. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
|
SPAR SHARES SINK ON 50% EARNINGS SLIDE
The SPAR Group Limited has plunged back to share price levels last seen during the 2008 financial crisis, after a sharp trading update wiped nearly 15% off its market value and raised fresh doubts about its turnaround strategy. The group warned headline earnings could fall 50%–60% in the first half of its financial year, driven by margin pressure during peak trading periods and weaker performance in its KZN operations. A troubled ERP systems rollout has disrupted supply chains, eroding retailer loyalty and shifting purchases away from distribution centres Management says it is “100% focused on improving margins,” but acknowledges progress must accelerate significantly to stabilise performance and restore investor confidence. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
|
... AND DIS-CHEM PROFITS SLUMP ON COST PRESSURES
Pharmacy group Dis-Chem Pharmacies reported a sharp decline in earnings for the year to February 2026, with headline earnings per share falling 17% amid rising costs and subdued consumer spending. The results disappointed analysts and triggered a nearly 8% drop in the company’s share price. Despite revenue growth of 9.3% to R42.8 billion, profit margins were squeezed by higher operating expenses, store expansion costs and investment in its rewards and innovation programmes. Dividend payouts also fell significantly, reflecting weaker earnings performance. Management highlighted gains in market share and strong performance from its loyalty scheme, but warned that consumers remain under pressure due to economic strain and rising fuel prices. The outlook suggests continued caution as household budgets tighten and competition in the pharmacy retail sector intensifies.
|
... AS HAWKS JOIN EXPLOSION PROBE AT WOLLIES STORES
Police are investigating two separate explosions at Woolworths stores in Gauteng and the Free State within 24 hours, raising security concerns across the retail sector. The first incident occurred at Menlyn Mall in Tshwane during the early hours of Thursday morning, where an “unknown explosive device” detonated inside the store, damaging shelves and food items. A second incident was later reported at Preller Square in Bloemfontein, prompting the Hawks to join the investigation. Authorities are still determining whether the two cases are linked. No injuries were reported. Woolworths says it has increased security measures nationwide. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
|
OIL PRICES SLIP AS IRAN-US CEASEFIRE HOPES RISE
Oil prices fell sharply as the US and Iran tentatively agreed to extend a ceasefire by 60 days, easing fears over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent Crude Oil dropped toward $92 a barrel, marking a monthly decline of about 19% and its steepest fall since 2020, while West Texas Intermediate traded below $88. Markets reacted to reports that shipping through the strategic waterway could resume “unrestricted,” though no final agreement has been confirmed by US officials. Key leaders, including President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, signalled that negotiations remain incomplete. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
|
FERRARI'S ELECTRIC SWITCH LEAVES PETROLHEADS IN SHOCK
Italian supercar maker Ferrari has stunned purists by unveiling its first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, leaving petrolheads shaking their heads in disbelief as the brand shifts from roaring engines to silent acceleration. Despite ditching combustion power, the Luce still delivers extreme performance, sprinting from 0–100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 310 km/h. It also offers a 530 km range and multiple driving modes balancing efficiency and full performance. Ferrari says the sound is now mechanically captured and amplified rather than artificially generated. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
|
|
|
Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
William Butler Yeats |
|
|
|
| Dollar | R16.23 | - 0.10% | | Pound | R21.86 | - 0.24% | | Euro | R18.92 | + 0.04% | | Yen | 0.101873 |
| | Yuan | R2.40 | - 0.11% | | Bitcoin | $ 73 024.30
| - 0.41% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 938.60
| + 0.82% | | Gold | $ 4 508.07
| - 0.73% | | Oil | $ 93.90
| + 2.40% | | All Share | 114 178.53
| - 0.40% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
|
|
|
|
|
-590x100pix-Eng-Gif%201.gif)
