| COMRADES MARATHON MOURNS STALWART’S SHOCK PASSING |
Comrades Marathon Association Chair Mqondisi Ngcobo with Cheryl Winn.
The Comrades Marathon Association is mourning Cheryl Winn, 1982 women’s winner and former chair of the CMA Board, who passed away suddenly on 5 October during a family holiday in the Drakensberg. A six-time competitor with top-five finishes, Winn also played pivotal roles in South African road running administration, including leadership in SA Road Runners Association and Athletics South Africa. Known as the Comrades Marathon’s matriarch, Cheryl dedicated over four decades to the sport’s growth and governance. CMA chair Mqondisi Ngcobo expressed deep sorrow, paying tribute to her legacy and extending condolences to the family.
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| CCMA COMMISSIONER TO HOLD COURT ON DISMISSALS UPDATE |
Commissioner Chandre Woods of the CCMA will lead a detailed session on the new Code of Good Practice on Dismissals, anticipated for implementation in Q1 2026. The presentation at 3 pm on Wednesday, October 15 at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business will cover practical implications for employers and HR practitioners, common procedural unfairness cases, compensation awards up to R925 000, and lessons from CCMA and Labour Court judgements. Key topics include the Nedbank sexual harassment case and strategic HR compliance under the amended Employment Equity Act, followed by an interactive Q&A and networking session. No cost to PMCB members and R50 for non-members. Contact Mvelo on (033) 3452747 or at marketing@pmcb.org.za
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| SARS LAUNCHES EXPEDITED TAX-DEBT COMPROMISE PROGRAMME |
Taxpayers struggling with long-term, undisputed tax debt can now apply for an expedited compromise process with the South African Revenue Service (Sars) until 31 December. The initiative, run in partnership with professional bodies like SAICA, SAIPA and CIBA, targets more than R96 billion in outstanding liabilities. Under the Tax Administration Act, Sars may accept part-payment as full settlement if it benefits the fiscus. Qualified applications - finalised within four weeks - will allow taxpayers to clear old debts while rebuilding compliance. Excluded are disputed debts, deregistered entities, and those under criminal investigation. Contact CIBA on (012) 643 1800 or at support@myciba.org
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1931: Archbishop Mpilo Desmond Tutu is born in Klerksdorp, North West Province.
Elsewhere, in 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing more than 1 200 and kidnapping more than 250 people.
There’s a connection between World Habitat Day and World Architecture Day that are both observed today. |
TARDY EMPLOYERS DRIVE 13% RISE IN PENSION COMPLAINTS
The Pension Funds Adjudicator (PFA) recorded a 13% increase in new complaints for 2024/25, totaling 10 331, with 10 100 resolved. The majority involved employers failing to pay retirement fund contributions under Section 13A, accounting for 44% of complaints, while withdrawal benefit disputes made up 39%, often overlapping.
The roll-out of the two-pot system added complexity, with 239 related complaints. Outgoing PFA Muvhango Lukhaimane highlighted poor fund governance and employer non-compliance as key issues, urging stronger monitoring. Upcoming regulatory changes via the COFI Bill may expand the PFA’s mandate to cover oral complaints, financial advice, and public sector funds. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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SA ONLINE RETAILERS CASH IN ON 46% LOCAL SUPPORT
South African online retailers are thriving, with 74% now reporting profitability and most expecting over 40% growth in 2025, according to the Online Retail in South Africa 2025 report. Consumer trust in local platforms has surged: 46% now prefer domestic sites over international ones. Retailers cite secure payments, smoother checkout experiences, and loyalty programs as key drivers. Fraud is cited by only a small minority. E-commerce in the country is shifting from “experimentation” to maturity, says World Wide Worx CEO Arthur Goldstuck, with retailers focussing on execution and infrastructure rather than just hype. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity.com)
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AFRIFORUM CHALLENGES ESKOM–NERSA R54 BILLION DEAL
Civil rights group AfriForum has applied to intervene in Eskom and energy regulator Nersa’s secret R54 billion settlement, arguing it was reached unlawfully and without public consultation. The deal, finalised behind closed doors in August, followed Eskom’s court challenge to Nersa’s tariff determinations. AfriForum says the agreement, which could push electricity tariff hikes to 8.8% in 2026/27 and 8.83% in 2027/28, unfairly burdens consumers and lacks transparency. Nersa has admitted making calculation errors but filed no formal response to the court. AfriForum insists affected parties must be allowed input, warning that the opaque process undermines accountability, fairness, and regulatory oversight. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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ANC UNVEILS 10-POINT PLAN TO REVIVE METAL INDUSTRIES
The ANC has adopted a 10-point economic recovery plan aimed at halting the deindustrialisation of South Africa’s metals sector, particularly chrome and manganese. Central to the proposal are preferential electricity tariffs, export controls, and renewed infrastructure investment to prevent factory closures and stimulate beneficiation. The plan, endorsed by the party’s national executive committee (NEC), also emphasises coordinated state support across energy, trade, procurement, and financing. Industry leaders have long warned of mounting pressures from high costs and declining competitiveness - concerns the ANC hopes to address through targeted interventions to restore industrial capacity and protect jobs. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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BMW RECALLS OVER 12 000 CARS OVER FIRE RISK
BMW South Africa has issued a recall of more than 12 000 vehicles due to a potential fire risk, affecting models across multiple production years. The manufacturer identified a defect in the electrical system that could overheat and ignite under certain conditions. BMW urges owners to contact authorised service centres immediately for inspections and necessary repairs, which will be carried out free of charge. The recall highlights the importance of timely manufacturer notifications and vehicle safety compliance. (SOURCE: News24)
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POTATO PRICES PLUNGE 50% ON BUMPER HARVEST
South Africa’s potato market has slumped sharply, with prices falling nearly 50% year on year to R3.50–R4 per kilogram, well below production costs. The downturn stems from a bumper crop, expanded plantings, and favourable weather that boosted yields nationwide. Limpopo alone is expected to supply 12 million extra 10kg pockets between July and December. Analysts warn prices may remain depressed through year-end, leaving many farmers operating at a loss. Potatoes South Africa says overlapping harvests and supply bottlenecks have worsened the glut, while consumers may see temporary price relief as retailers are urged to pass savings on. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS RECORD CANOLA CROP OFFERS OIL-SEED RELIEF
South Africa is set to achieve a record canola harvest in 2025, driven by favourable weather, expanded plantings, and improved farming practices. Analysts predict both yield and overall production will surpass previous years, benefiting local processors and boosting export potential. The surge in canola output comes amid growing demand for vegetable oils and animal feed, offering economic opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses. Industry experts highlight that careful crop management, seed quality, and irrigation strategies have contributed to the exceptional results. While the record harvest promises higher revenue, stakeholders caution that effective storage, marketing, and price management will be crucial to maximising profitability. (SOURCE: News24)
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NO MORE DETENTION WITHOUT COURT OVERSIGHT FOR ALIENS
Parliament has approved the Immigration Amendment Bill, which ends the detention of illegal foreigners without judicial oversight and aligns immigration procedures with Constitutional Court rulings. The bill, now before the National Council of Provinces, introduces a structured arrest and review process requiring automatic court appearances for all detainees. It repeals provisions that previously allowed extended detention without judicial scrutiny. Lawmakers say the reform strengthens constitutional safeguards, ensures transparency in deportation processes, and upholds human rights standards while maintaining effective border management and enforcement under a more accountable legal framework. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS SA BACKS WORKERS’ STRIKE RIGHTS AT INTERNATIONAL COURT
South Africa has strongly defended workers’ right to strike before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), arguing that any attempt to narrow the interpretation of an International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention undermines fundamental freedoms. The delegation told the ICJ that the right to strike is inseparable from freedom of association and essential to fair labour relations. The dispute, stemming from years of tension within the ILO’s supervisory system, was referred to the UN court for an advisory opinion aimed at resolving longstanding uncertainty over how the convention should be applied globally. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SA FARMER STARES DOWN R26 MILLION DUBAI FRAUD CLAIMS
South African farmer and businessman Arno Steenkamp is under police investigation after Dubai-based partners accused him of defrauding them of $1.5 million (about R26 million). The complaint, filed by Esco Group, alleges that Steenkamp’s company, Route2Fruit, operated as a Ponzi scheme and wilfully misled investors in a failed export deal. Steenkamp, known for his involvement in commercial hunting and farming ventures, has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. Authorities are probing the financial transactions between the two parties as part of a broader investigation into potential cross-border investment fraud and misrepresentation. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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NIGERIA'S 30% CGT ON FOREIGNERS SPARKS SELL-OFF FEARS
Nigeria will raise its capital gains tax (CGT) on foreign investors from 10% to 30% starting January, sparking fears of a stock market sell-off. The new tax, part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader fiscal reforms, applies to profits from share sales unless proceeds are reinvested locally. Foreign investors, who accounted for 21% of trades this year, may face reduced returns, though officials argue tax credits offset losses in home countries. Analysts warn the move could pressure a market that’s gained nearly 40% in 2025, even as economic reforms and freer currency policies have fuelled Nigeria’s strong asset performance. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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STRONGER POLICIES BOOST EMERGING MARKET RESILIENCE - IMF
Emerging markets are better equipped to withstand global economic shocks thanks to credible inflation targeting, stronger fiscal guardrails and improved foreign exchange regimes, according to a new IMF study. The report, part of the World Economic Outlook, finds that reforms adopted after the 2008 financial crisis have enhanced policy credibility, reduced inflation by 0.6 percentage points and added half a point to growth. Independent central banks and deeper domestic capital markets have further strengthened resilience. However, the IMF cautions that smaller frontier economies still face challenges attracting investment and managing debt transparently during financial stress. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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GOLD FLIRTS WITH $4 000-MARK AS UNCERTAINTY MOUNTS
Gold surged to a record $3 932 an ounce, edging closer to the $4 000 mark, as the prolonged US government shutdown deepened market uncertainty. The delay of key payroll data has clouded the economic outlook, pushing traders to rely on private reports. Investors are also anticipating a Federal Reserve rate cut, which typically boosts gold. The precious metal has soared nearly 50% this year, fuelled by geopolitical tensions, central bank diversification away from the dollar, and strong inflows into gold-backed ETFs, which rose at their fastest pace in over three years. Silver, platinum, and palladium also advanced. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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TRAINING - TELEPHONE RECEPTION
TRAINER: Ann-Rose Oldham – Maritzburg Business College
OVERVIEW
• Motivation and attitude.
• Initial identification.
• Voice clarity.
• Good listening skills.
• Assertiveness.
• Transfers.
• Screening.
• Initiating outgoing calls.
• Calls of complaint.
• Difficult calls/names/messages.
• Reception duties.
• Visitors.
• Security.
• Dress/wellness.
• Ergonomics.
• Resolving office issues.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Personnel who are in contact with clients/prospective clients over the telephone or personally.
Please bring a pen and paper for taking notes.
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
DETAILS OF THE TRAINING
Date: 14 October 2025
Time: 08:00 – 13:00
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (includes vat)
PMCB Members: R785 p/p, R740 p/p for 3/more, R685 p/p for 5/more
Non-members: R1035 p/p, R1015 p/p for 3/more, R980 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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Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.
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| Dollar | R17.20 | - 0.19% | | Pound | R23.10
| + 0.11% | | Euro | R20.11
| - 0.08% | | Yen | 0.114149 |
| | Yuan | R2.41 | - 0.07% | | Bitcoin | $ 124 043.50 | - 0.85% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 626.27
| - 0.23% | | Gold | $ 3 964.00 | + 0.08% | | Oil | $ 65.67
| + 0.31% | | All Share | 109 926.46 | + 0.13% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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