| PRIVATE SCHOOLS SHINE LIGHT ON KZN EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE |
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The iconic facades of Cordwalles and St Annes's are metaphors for the educational excellence of these schools.
Despite systemic challenges, South Africa’s education sector continues to produce remarkable school leavers, reflected in provincial, IEB, and global performance metrics. Prestigious rankings, including the Spear’s Schools Index, highlight top global private schools, with South Africa well represented.
Notably, four schools in Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands - Hilton College, Michaelhouse, St Anne’s, and Cordwalles - feature in the Rest of the World category. Well may critics question methodology or sampling biases of these 100 or so global rankings, but these schools - along with Epworth School, St John’s DSG, TWC, St Charles College, Cowan House, Maritzburg College, and Girls High - demonstrate resilience, quality education, and an ability to compete with the world’s finest. If only our faltering cohort of municipal appointees will take counsel from what it takes to achieve greatness, for the sake of a world class city. - Derek Alberts (Editor) |
| .... AS KPCA UPS CLEAN-CITY CHALLENGE FROM NEW HQ |
| Speaking of civic pride, the KPCA Group that has taken up the cudgels on behalf of business and residents in the face of the Msunduzi Municipality’s serial failures, is marking its second anniversary with the unveiling of its HQ in Prestbury tomorrow. Tea and cake will be served, and to see if there’s room on the guest list, drop a mail to secretary@kpca.co.za or a Whatsapp message to 0845870880. |
| TUGELA CHARGING STATION PAVES WAY FOR KZN’S EV DRIVE |
| Zero Carbon Charge has broken ground with two fully off-grid, solar-powered ultrafast EV charging stations along the N3. The KZN site at the Tugela Toll Plaza - about 200 km from Durban - and the Free State station lies - 180 km from Johannesburg - will ultimately form part of a 120-site national network, with completion expected in 2026. The infrastructure is set to strengthen provincial trade and tourism, create jobs, and position KZN as a leader in renewable mobility.(SOURCE: Engineering News) |
1983: Carl Niehaus was jailed for terrorism and served seven of the 15-year sentence. Sacked as the ANC spokesman over fraud charges, Niehaus became an increasingly controversial figure. He currently is an EFF MP.
Elsewhere, in 1942, Casablanca set in occupied Morocco during World War II premiered.
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CRYPTO BLIND SPOTS POSE SYSTEMIC THREAT, WARNS RESERVE BANK
The South African Reserve Bank has intensified warnings that regulatory blind spots around crypto and stablecoins now pose a systemic threat to the financial sector. Stablecoin trading on local platforms has exploded from less than R4 billion in 2022 to nearly R80 billion by October 2025, fuelled by their lower volatility compared to Bitcoin, which has fallen from $126 000 in October to around $87 000 currently.
SARB says crypto’s borderless nature enables circumvention of exchange-control laws, noting South Africa hosts 7.8 million registered users and R25.3 billion in crypto assets across major platforms Luno, VALR and Ovex. New cross-border regulations and amended exchange-control rules are expected in 2026, but SARB warns that until a full framework exists, oversight remains inadequate, especially as emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing amplify future risks. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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STATE FLIGHTS 20% TAX TO REIN IN R60 BILLION ONLINE BETTING SURGE
Government is proposing a 20% excise tax on all online bets, a move aimed at curbing harmful gambling and raising much-needed revenue. Treasury says the online betting market has ballooned to an estimated R60 billion a year, with South Africans placing more than R2 billion in online wagers monthly, often without adequate safeguards. The new tax could generate R5 billion to R8 billion annually, funding addiction-mitigation programmes and tighter regulatory oversight. Officials argue that stronger controls are urgently needed as problem gambling rises, particularly among youth. Industry players warn the tax could squeeze margins and divert gamblers to untaxed offshore sites. Government insists the reform is vital to reduce social harm and stabilise public finances. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS SARS NETS R107 MILLION FROM 'POLITICALLY EXPOSED PERSONS'
The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has recovered R107 million from politically exposed persons (PEPs) following detailed audits in 2025. Investigations uncovered underreported income, undeclared offshore assets, and unsubmitted tax returns across 48 high-profile individuals, including former government officials and business leaders with political connections. Sars highlighted that the average recovery per case was roughly R2.2 million. The funds will bolster the national fiscus, aiding social and infrastructure programs. PEPs, expected to model transparency, face intensified scrutiny as Sars continues monitoring 120 high-risk taxpayers in its targeted compliance program to combat evasion and enforce fairness in South Africa’s tax system. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND SASSA TO SAVE R341 MILLION IN FRAUDULENT GRANTS
Sassa expects to save over R341 million next year after 35 000 grants were terminated through stricter eligibility reviews. Briefing Parliament, Sassa and the Department of Social Development said enhanced verification checks, Treasury-mandated oversight, and fixes to the vulnerable Social Relief of Distress (SRD) platform are driving the savings. Treasury now requires bank and credit-bureau checks at application, plus new income and asset assessments. Security upgrades include shutting down 70 fake websites, strengthening encryption, and introducing biometric verification by November. Sassa has reviewed 260,000 beneficiaries so far, warning that those who miss assessments risk suspended or reduced grants. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SA TOURISM PROBE TO CHECK ON MISSING R500 MILLION LEVIES
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe alleged maladministration and improper conduct at South African Tourism (SAT) between March 2020 and November 2025. The investigation targets media service contracts where payments were made for undelivered or partially executed services, including three specific invoices. Past governance failures saw repeated qualified audits, unauthorised expenditure, and R500 million in withheld tourism levies. SAT’s CEO, Nombulelo Guliwe, was suspended, and the board dissolved amid legal disputes. The SIU will assess transparency, fairness, and compliance with internal policies, aiming to recover misused funds and restore public trust in the agency. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
RENEWABLE ENERGY RIDING HIGH ON R55 BILLION INVESTMENT
South Africa’s renewable energy sector is gearing up for accelerated growth, with BDO SA reporting that clean-energy investments climbed more than 25% in 2024, reaching an estimated R55 billion. The report says policy reforms, including embedded-generation deregulation and streamlined licensing, have unlocked over 5 GW of private-sector solar and wind projects now in planning or construction. Grid-expansion commitments of R200 billion over the next decade are further boosting confidence. Corporate power-purchase agreements continue to rise, driven by cost pressures and environmental targets. BDO says the renewables boom could add 2–3 GW annually, easing load-shedding risks and supporting thousands of new energy-sector jobs. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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NEDBANK, TRANSNET INK R600 MILLION GUPTA-DEAL SETTLEMENT
Nedbank and Transnet have reached a R600 million settlement, closing a long-running dispute linked to Gupta-era transactions involving Regiments Capital. The bank had pursued Transnet for unpaid derivative liabilities dating back to 2014–2016, when Regiments advised the state-owned rail and ports operator on interest-rate swaps later found to be unlawfully inflated. The agreement brings financial certainty to both parties and avoids a protracted court battle. Transnet, still recovering from years of corruption and operational decline, says the settlement forms part of its broader clean-up and stabilisation plan. Nedbank welcomed the resolution, saying it restores confidence and finality to a heavily scrutinised chapter. (SOURCE: News24)
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UBER GOES ELECTRIC IN LOW-COST, 'LAST-MILE' RIDE
Uber has launched Uber Go Electric in South Africa, adding its first fully electric four-wheeler service alongside the growing Uber Moto offering. With 40% of South Africans lacking reliable transport, Uber aims to expand beyond the 10%–15% it currently serves and address "last-mile" challenges. Partner Valternative provides compact Chinese-made EVs through lease-to-own deals, cutting fuel costs and boosting driver earnings. The pilot covers Sandton and Rosebank, ahead of wider rollout. Uber Moto, operated with Africa Moova, now runs 200 bikes across 20 suburbs. Both offerings target last-mile travel and support Uber’s goal of a fully electric fleet by 2040. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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... AS TAKEALOT EYES DRONES TO LIFT TOWNSHIP DELIVERIES
Takealot is exploring drone deliveries as part of a renewed focus on improving e-commerce access in South Africa’s townships, where slower last-mile logistics remain a major hurdle. The retailer says the move could cut delivery times by up to 40% and reduce costs across high-density areas. Takealot has already invested more than R1 billion in logistics upgrades, including automated fulfilment systems and expanded delivery hubs. Drone trials, expected to begin in 2026 pending regulatory approval, aim to strengthen its competitive edge and support small businesses relying on fast, affordable shipping. The initiative forms part of Takealot’s broader plan to dominate SA’s fast-growing digital retail sector. (SOURCE: News24)
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PEPKOR PROFITS SURGE ON FINTECH, AS BANK PLAN ADVANCES
Pepkor posted a 23.4% jump in HEPS to 161c and lifted its dividend 9.2% to 53c for the year to September, with CEO Pieter Erasmus hailing “record profit growth”. Its fintech arm shone again, lifting revenue 31.1% to R16.6 billion and operating profit 52.3% to R2.2 billion. Pepkor secured regulatory approval to establish a bank, strengthening its financial-services ambitions. Shares gained 2.3% to R26.24. (SOURCE: SENS)
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NESTLE UNDER FIRE OVER ADDED SUGAR IN CERELAC BABY FOOD
Twenty African civil society organisations have demanded Nestlé stop adding sugar to baby foods after an investigation found 90% of Cerelac sold in 20 African countries contains added sugar. In South Africa, Cerelac carries 4g per serving, rising to 6g in other African markets, while European versions contain no added sugar. Researchers say sugar levels even exceed package labels. Experts warn excessive sugar fuels malnutrition in rural areas where Cerelac is used to stretch formula. Nestlé rejects claims as “misleading”, citing Codex rules allowing up to 10g added sugar. Influencer marketing, including endorsements by Caster Semenya, has intensified scrutiny of how sugary cereals are promoted as “nutritious” for infants. (SOURCE: GroundUp)
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Your best teacher is your last mistake.
James Thurber |
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| Dollar | R17.18 | + 0.21% | | Pound | R22.65
| + 0.11% | | Euro | R19.91
| + 0.07% | | Yen | 0.109907 |
| | Yuan | R2.43
| + 0.16% | | Bitcoin | $ 87 803.66
| + 0.93% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 0.00 | + 0.0% | | Gold | $ 4 149.19
| + 0.45% | | Oil | $ 61.95
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