| BUSINESS SKILLS TRAINING GOES BEYOND UPSKILLING EMPLOYEES |
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Trainer Dirk Calitz (cente, with blue shirt) putting trainess through their paces on instilling a culture of team work excellence in the workplace.
The acclaimed business skills training programme run by the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business does more than upskill employees - it also opens growth opportunities for trainers. These sessions, typically half day, help business trainers stay current, hone skills, expand networks, boost credibility, encourage innovation, and improve learner-centered delivery in topics across most sectors of industry and commerce.
The 2025 programme offering 24 courses from February to November spans HR and management, finance and accounting, computer skills, and a range of specific business skills. A mix of professional trainers and industry experts have held court over the more than 550 courses since 2003 when Candice Warr first administered the programme.
While stalwarts like Brenda Eckstein, Ann-Rose Oldham and Nic Nortje, who have been part of the programme every year since 2003, are likely to present popular repeat courses, other sessions feature trainers motivating their own course on the basis of relevance and to reflect the dynamics of contemporary business.
“Chamber members are invited to offer their services in the annual training tender, around this time of the year,” said Warr. “Applications are evaluated on several criteria, including the likely benefit and value to course goers.” The deadline for applications is Friday, 17 October. Click here to download the tender documents. For enquiries contact Warr on 082 810 9447 or at news@pmcb.org.za
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| IT'S ALL WORK AND NOT MUCH PLAY AT CHAMBER THIS WEEK |
It’s a busy week at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business with training and two forums being hosted. Tomorrow, 14 October veteran trainer Ann-Rose Oldham is conducting her perennially popular telephone reception course and to see if any last-minute spaces are available, contact Thabisile on (033) 3452747 or at info@pmcb.org.za.
On Wednesday, 15 October, HR expert Raj Seeparsad is hosting CCMA Commissioner Chandre Woods for some key updates on relevant legislation at the People Managment Forum. Contact Mvelo on (033) 3452747 or at marketing@pmcb.org.za.
On Friday, October 17, Dr Timothy Obaje will consider the application of AI, warts and all, to the non-profit sector at the NGO Forum. Contact Kay on (033) 3452747 or at chamber@pmcb.org.za.
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| SERVICE DELIVERY FAILURES HEIGHTEN FAILED-STATE FEARS |
| Increasingly, residents in Pietermaritzburg are taking matters around service delivery into their own hands, from installing solar systems, provisioning water, fixing potholes and cleaning up communities. It's a phenomenon manifesting itself across the country that, apart from building citizen-led service substitution, is also widening the gap between rich and poor. The trend could entrench inequality and fracture shared citizenship that puts the onus on government to invest, collaborate, and rebuild trust to restore equitable service delivery and preserve the nation’s fragile social contract. |
1867: The first recorded discovery of diamonds in the Kimberley area.
Elsewhere, in 1773, French astronomer Charles Messier discovered the Whirlpool Galaxy about 30 million light-years from Earth.
It’s International Sceptics Day, the perfect time to sift fact from fiction in these days of fake news.
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POOR CHOICES SHORTEN SA LIFE EXPECTANCY TO 66 YEARRS
South Africa’s life expectancy has declined to 66.55 years in 2023 from 67.73 in 1990, reversing decades of progress driven by successful HIV/Aids treatment. According to The Lancet’s Global Burden of Disease study, released at the World Health Summit in Berlin, the country’s decline contrasts sharply with global trends, where average life expectancy rose by nearly 10 years over the same period.
Researchers attribute South Africa’s setback to the rapid rise of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and heart disease, now major causes of premature death. The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger public health interventions targeting lifestyle risks like poor diet, smoking, alcohol use, and physical inactivity. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
HIGH-INCOME EARNERS TARGETED IN NEW TAX CREDIT LIMITS
The Department of Health is in talks with the National Treasury to introduce thresholds on medical tax credits ahead of the rollout of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme. According to deputy director-general Dr Nicholas Crisp, the proposed limits aim to ensure a fairer redistribution of health funding while minimising disruption for most taxpayers. In a recent court affidavit, the department described the planned adjustments as “modest changes impacting high-income earners only.” The reform is part of broader efforts to align private and public healthcare funding under the NHI, which seeks to provide universal access to quality medical services for all South Africans.(SOURCE: BDLive) |
GREEN LIGHT FOR PHILIPPINE CONTROL OF DURBAN CONTAINER PORT
The Durban High Court has rejected AP Moller-Maersk’s attempt to stop Transnet awarding the Pier 2 Container Terminal tender to Philippines-based ICTSI. The 25-year concession allows ICTSI to acquire 49% of the terminal, with Transnet retaining majority control. Maersk challenged the tender over ICTSI’s solvency calculation, claiming it used market capitalisation rather than balance sheet equity, but the court dismissed the case, citing undue delay and ICTSI’s transparency. Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips said the ruling removes obstacles to modernising and expanding Pier 2, South Africa’s busiest container terminal. ICTSI confirmed plans to invest in infrastructure, skills development, and operational improvements, benefiting importers, exporters, and the national economy. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
RAF’S SECRET FUNDS SPARK OUTRAGE AND CONFUSION
Conflicting reports have deepened the scandal engulfing the Road Accident Fund (RAF) after revelations that it concealed millions from lawyers and parked billions in undisclosed investments instead of compensating crash victims. A confidential probe found that settlement funds were hidden in off-book accounts to delay payments, while the RAF’s 2023/24 report shows investment income more than doubled to R677 million from R315 million the previous year. At the same time, unpaid claims surged beyond R10 billion, leaving thousands of victims waiting years for justice. Insiders describe a “system of secrecy” designed to mask mismanagement, while officials defend the investments as sound fiscal management. Parliament faces growing pressure to investigate and reform the embattled fund. (SOURCE: BDLive/News24) |
SARS QUESTIONS MONTANA’S WEALTH AND LUXURY ASSETS
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has turned its attention to former Prasa boss Lucky Montana, questioning how he afforded luxury vehicles, including Aston Martins and Mercedes-Benzes, as well as multimillion-Rand mansions. Investigators suspect possible undeclared income and irregular financial flows during his tenure at the Passenger Rail Agency. Montana has denied wrongdoing, insisting his assets were legally acquired. However, SARS is reportedly probing discrepancies between his declared earnings and high-value purchases. The inquiry forms part of a wider crackdown on public sector corruption, as authorities seek to trace and recover funds linked to state capture-era abuses. (SOURCE: News24)
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COURT ENDS LEWIS CHALLENGE TO R3.2 BILLION FURNITURE DEAL
Lewis Group has lost its legal bid to block Pepkor’s R3.2 billion acquisition of Shoprite’s furniture business assets. The Competition Appeals Court dismissed Lewis’s attempt to use competition law to halt the deal, effectively clearing the way for the transaction to proceed. The Competition Commission had earlier approved the sale, provided there were no job losses and that the merged entity boosted procurement from local furniture suppliers. The decision strengthens Pepkor’s position in South Africa’s retail furniture market while marking the end of Lewis’s challenge to prevent consolidation between two of the country’s biggest retail groups in the sector. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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ADCOCK INGRAM SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE R4.2 BILLION DEAL
Adcock Ingram shareholders have overwhelmingly approved India’s Natco Pharma R4.2 billion bid, with 98.66% of votes in favour. The R75-per-share offer represents a 43.7% premium on pre-announcement prices and paves the way for Adcock’s delisting from the JSE. Under the scheme, Natco will acquire all remaining shares not already held by Bidvest, Natco, or treasury stock. Following completion, Adcock will become a privately held company, co-owned by Bidvest as majority shareholder and Natco Pharma with a 35.75% stake. The South African drugmaker produces popular pharmaceutical brands including Panado, Compral, BioPlus, and Gyna-Guard, with no immediate plans to cut any product lines. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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WOOLWORTHS LOOKS TO BEAUTY FOR KENYAN GROWTH
Woolworths Holdings is extending its successful beauty division to Kenya, following rapid growth in South Africa. The retailer’s Nairobi stores will feature global brands such as Fenty Beauty, Chanel, and Estée Lauder, alongside its WBeauty line. CEO Roy Bagattini said beauty sales have doubled to over R1 billion in two years and are expected to double again soon. Woolworths’ 70 African stores now contribute up to 20% of Fashion, Beauty and Home revenue. The group plans further expansion across the continent, reinforcing its long-term commitment to African markets where many competitors are retreating. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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EU TRIPLES SA ENERGY TRANSITION FUNDING TO R242 BILLION
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted South Africa’s R105 billion Nelson Mandela Bay green-hydrogen-to-ammonia project while announcing a major increase in funding for the South Africa–EU Just Energy Transition Partnership. The new package, nearly €12 billion (about R242 billion), far exceeds the €4.7-billion Global Gateway commitment celebrated at the Cape Town summit in March. An additional €618-million Team Europe package will support renewable power grid modernisation. Von der Leyen praised South Africa’s platinum group metals, critical for electrolysers, and noted the country’s growing clean-hydrogen industry. The funding aims to strengthen South Africa’s clean-energy ambitions and position the nation as a global leader in renewable energy technology and exports. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
IT'S TIME FOR AFRICA TO FOCUS ON CLIMATE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES
Former South African minister Valli Moosa has urged African nations to devote 80% of their climate resources to adaptation and only 20% to mitigation. Speaking at the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum in Tokyo, he said global pressure skews Africa’s focus toward renewable energy despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions. Major emitters like the G7 and China produce nearly 60% of carbon output. Adaptation projects - covering infrastructure, agriculture, and water management - still attract minimal funding, though growing investor interest could generate $4 trillion by 2050, according to a GIC Pte. report highlighting Africa’s untapped climate resilience opportunities. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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The Transfer Process in a Nutshell |
Spring is a great time to address two questions which sellers and buyers often ask: how does the transfer process actually work, and how long does it usually take?
Have a look at our “Transfer Process in a Nutshell” flowchart for an outline of the major steps in the process, all the way from signing the deal through to the transfer being registered in the Deeds Office.
Then we’ll move on to the second question: “How long does it take?”
To read more click here.
For more information please contact: Austen Smith Inc T: +27 33 392 0500 E: mail@austensmith.co.za Website: www.austensmith.co.za |
ICC INCOTERMS 2020 RULES
Presenter: Rialgo Barnard - Global Maritime Legal Solutions (Pty) Ltd
OVERVIEW
Trade into within and out of Africa is going to be different post Covid-19. There will be opportunities and traps! Incoterms 2020 define the seller's and buyer's obligations, risks, costs in trade contracts. Learn about these rules and their application from global and African experts.
MAIN TOPICS
· What the Incoterms Rules Do?
· What the Incoterms Rules do NOT do?
· How best to incorporate the Incoterms Rules?
· Delivery, Risks, and Costs in Incoterms Rules?
· Incoterms Rules and the carrier?
· Rules for the contracts of Sale and their relationship to other contracts?
· The 11 Incoterms 202 Rules - "Seas and Inland Waterway", and "Any Mode of Transport"- getting it right!
· Order within the Incoterms Rules?
· Difference between Incoterms® 2010 and 2020?
· Caution with variants of Incoterms Rules?
WHO IS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
· Senior Management
· Staff involved in International Trade
Date: Monday, 20 October 2025
Time: 09h00 - 14h00
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
Cost: R1 017.75.00 pp Incl. VAT (members) R1 452.45 Incl. VAT (non-members) |
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I try to avoid giving advice. The only advice I will give is to pay attention.
Robert Redford |
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