| AND WE’RE OFF TO A ROLLICKING 2026 ... |
Welcome to the first 2026 edition of eBizBlitz, it promises to be an interesting year at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business and the region it serves. We hope to continue delivering a quality business-focused e-newsletter of local insight and curated national and international news sourced from credible and trusted outlets.
A case in point is last week’s brouhaha over Pietermaritzburg being ranked the world’s worst by an obscure survey, the International Crime Index. Gleefuly reported by IOL, the copy made fleeting reference to the index being driven by perceptions, not fact. Not that the distinction mattered to IOL that had manufactured a story redflagged by other media doing a basic check. Had IOL bothered, they would have realised that the company behind the index is a Serbian crowd-source online database that derives its numbers from surveys completed by website visitors. Responses from -2 (very bad) to +2 (very good) ”then scaled from 0 to 100 for easier interpretation and comparison”.
I kid you not. I’m not what’s worse - the hopeless methodology, manipulated information or IOL’s slap-dash ineptitude that has given the Serbs and their dodgy website extra legs.
As for the real world, there’s plenty of business developments to catch up on, from low fuel prices and a high-riding Rand, and everything in between. First up Under News Worth Knowing, a quick-scan digest of what has happened over the past six weeks, followed by the current batch of news, views and events. Here’s to a prosperous and lively 2026! - Derek Alberts (Editor)
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| AWARD-WINNING MIDLANDS MALL STRIDES INTO 2026 ON A HIGH |
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Liberty Midlands Mall toasted a clutch of industry awards, including being voted Best Mall in the Best of Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Readers’ Choice Awards, towards the end of last year. Pictured with the award are (ltr) Trini Krishnan (Facilities Manager), Cindy Hartley (Leasing Manager), Tasmia Dayaram (Operations Manager), Lawrence Joubert (General Manager), Ronael Seyambu (Marketing Manager), Nobuhle Thabethe (Finance Manager), and Derik Grobler (Weekend Duty Manager).
Midlands Mall in Pietermaritzburg has capped off 2025 with a strong showing at both national and local level, earning multiple industry and community awards. The centre received four South African Council of Shopping Centres Footprint Awards, including recognition for visual merchandising, digital marketing and promotional campaigns such as Festive Artspace and Shop. Play. Win. Locally, it was voted Best Mall in the Best of Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Readers’ Choice Awards, based on public voting. Management said the accolades reflect consistent delivery rather than one-off campaigns, reinforcing the mall’s position as a key retail and lifestyle destination in the Midlands.
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| TAKING HEED OF SOCIAL MEDIA SHOPPING'S HIDDEN DANGERS |
1879: Fighting between British forces and the Zulu Kingdom marked the start of the Anglo-Zulu War.
Elsewhere, in 2010, a magnitude-7.0 earthquake killed more than 200 000 people in Haiti. |
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QUICK-READ DIGEST OF BUSINESS HAPPENINGS OVER PAST 6 WEEKS
South Africa’s annual consumer inflation slowed to 3.5% in November, down from 3.6% in October, driven by lower fuel prices and weaker transport inflation. The softer inflation print strengthens calls for a possible interest-rate cut in January by the Reserve Bank.
South Africa raised R11.8 billion in its first infrastructure-bond auction, with demand topping R26 billion. Treasury sold R7 billion in 10-year notes at 8.575% and R4.8 billion
South African consumer sentiment improved sharply in Q4 2025., rising to -9 from -13, its best level of 2025. FNB attributes the uptick to interest-rate cuts, a stronger Rand and improving economic conditions.
Sars’ latest Tax Statistics Bulletin shows compliance-driven collections surged 16.7% to R304 billion in 2024/25, boosted by audits, data analytics and tighter scrutiny of crypto traders and high-wealth individuals. With confirmed HWI revenue at R11.76 billion, Sars is intensifying enforcement, using advanced tools and heavy penalties to target non-compliance.
South Africa’s Policy Uncertainty Index eased to 64.9 in Q4, down from a record 81, signalling cautious economic optimism. GDP growth forecasts for 2026 range 1.1–1.6%, supported by lower interest rates, improved investment ratings, and higher fixed capital formation, though high crime and US tariff risks persist.
The FNB/BER Building Confidence Index rose to a 10-year high of 43 in Q4, up from 35, boosted by hardware retailers and residential builders. Despite optimism, over 55% remain dissatisfied with business conditions, though lower interest rates, structural reforms, and economic growth could support stronger sector performance in 2026.
Part-time hiring boosted formal employment in Q3 2025, offsetting continued declines in full-time positions. While overall job numbers improved slightly, they remain below 2024 levels, reflecting a labour market still under pressure. The shift toward flexible work underscores employers’ caution amid weak growth and rising operational costs.
High winds shut the Port of Cape Town’s container terminal for nearly 30 days, forcing fruit exporters to divert export-bound produce into the local market. At least 372 containers were delayed during the peak deciduous fruit season, with losses estimated in the tens of millions of Rand.
Leo Brent Bozell III has been sworn in as the new US ambassador to South Africa, formally taking up his post this week. The conservative activist and writer will lead US diplomatic engagement with Pretoria. The US Embassy said it looks forward to working under his leadership to advance American priorities and strengthen bilateral relations through continued engagement with South Africa.
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EARLY DATA SIGNALS SHARP FUEL PRICE RELIEF IN FEBRUARY
Early figures from the Central Energy Fund suggest February fuel prices could see notable declines if current conditions persist. Petrol 93 and 95 are both showing recoveries pointing to drops of more than R1 a litre, supported by a firmer Rand and and weaker global oil prices. Diesel recoveries are even larger, indicating potential cuts of up to R1.75 a litre, while illuminating paraffin is also tracking sharply lower. These early trends point to broad-based fuel price relief for consumers, adding to price drops in January. It's early days and the outlook may change as markets and exchange rates fluctuate ahead of February’s final price determination. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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...AS INFLATION EXPECTATIONS FALL ON 3% TARGET
South Africa’s new 3% inflation target is already anchoring expectations lower, strengthening the case for further interest-rate cuts. Inflation expectations two years ahead dropped to a record 3.7% in the fourth quarter from 4.2%, with all surveyed groups now below 4% across the forecast horizon, the Sarb said. The target was formally adopted last month, replacing the long-standing 3%–6% band midpoint. Since July, 10-year government bond yields have fallen about 140 basis points to 8.4%. The Sarb has cut rates by 100 basis points this year, taking the repo rate to 6.75%, with another cut possible in January. (SOURCE: News24)
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PMI SLUMP HIGHLIGHTS MANUFACTURING UNDER STRAIN
South Africa’s manufacturing outlook deteriorated sharply in December as the Absa PMI fell 1.5 points to 40.5, its lowest level since April 2020. Any reading below 50 signals contraction. The decline was driven by steep drops in inventories and employment, highlighting intensifying sector stress. While business activity improved slightly, it remained in negative territory. Encouragingly, expectations for conditions six months ahead jumped 18.1 points to 68.8, suggesting hope of recovery. Economists warn, however, that weak demand, logistics disruptions and tariffs point to a likely fourth-quarter contraction, weighing on GDP growth forecasts of 1.0% to 1.3% for 2025. (SOURCE: Daily Maverick)
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TRADE DEFICIT WITH BRICS BALLOONS 4-FOLD IN 14 YEARS
South Africa’s trade deficit with its BRICS partners has widened almost four times since it joined the bloc in 2010, deepening from around $3.6 billion (about R59 billion) to $13.2 billion by 2024, a new study shows. Despite average annual export growth of 11.5% to BRICS markets, imports - especially manufactured goods - have outpaced exports, leaving the balance persistently negative. South African exports to BRICS remain heavily skewed toward raw materials, while machinery and vehicles see limited traction in those markets. The imbalance contrasts with a narrowing deficit with the EU and a surplus with the US, raising questions about the economic value of the BRICS trade relationship. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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YOUTH DRINKING OVER FESTIVE SEASON RINGS ALARM BELLS
South Africa’s alcohol market is increasingly shaped by younger consumers, who drink significantly more than previous generations. Data analysed by Eighty20 shows Generation X and especially Generation Y are at least 50% more likely to consume alcohol than Baby Boomers, highlighting a generational shift in behaviour. While only 47% of adults drank alcohol in the past month, younger, urban and single consumers dominate demand, particularly during festive periods when spending nearly triples to about R414 million a day. Younger drinkers also favour newer categories such as cider and alcoholic energy drinks, underscoring evolving tastes and growth opportunities for brands targeting youth-led consumption trends. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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ICASA TARGETS DATA EXPIRY WITH NEW ROLL-OVER RULES
Icasa is finalising long-awaited regulations to allow South African consumers to roll over and transfer unused mobile data, aligning industry practice with the Consumer Protection Act. Trade minister Parks Tau confirmed regulations 8A and 8B are nearing publication. While prepaid data prices have fallen by nearly 50% over five years, with 1GB bundles dropping from about R95 in 2021 to under R80, expiry rules remain a major grievance. Proposed measures include allowing up to 50% of unused data to carry over. Consumer bodies argue forced expiry violates the law, while operators maintain time-based pricing models. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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TRANSNET TURNS TO SMART TECH TO REIN IN R4 BILLION THEFT
Transnet is turning to advanced technology to curb rampant cargo theft after clients suffered losses of about R4bn. The state-owned logistics group is seeking intelligence-driven, smart container and wagon locking systems to secure freight across rail corridors, yards and terminals. The initiative aims to restore confidence among blue-chip customers as Transnet targets moving 250 million tonnes of freight annually by 2030, with greater private-sector participation. Tender documents highlight organised crime as a major threat, driving financial and operational disruptions. The proposed solution includes concealed, keyless locks with time-limited virtual access, operable nationwide, while Transnet continues battling theft of both cargo and critical rail infrastructure. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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HIGHEST SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER STATION INSTALLED DRAKENSBERG
Southern Africa’s highest weather station, at 3 100 m atop the Drakensberg Amphitheatre, has been launched. Recording temperature, humidity, wind, rainfall, solar radiation, and pressure, it provides real-time climate data essential for monitoring alpine ecosystems, extreme weather, and catchment health. Part of the EFTEON and MaS-LTSER initiatives, the station supports research on biodiversity, water security, and climate change, benefiting scientists, land managers, and tourism operators. Strategically located along an altitudinal gradient, it complements existing high-altitude monitoring infrastructure and ensures continuous environmental observation in a region critical for rivers, agriculture, and livelihoods across South Africa and Lesotho. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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BAT EXIT IGNITES SOUTH AFRICA TOBACCO TURMOIL
South Africa is feeling the heat from surging illicit cigarette trade as British American Tobacco (BAT) quietly disengages from its Mozambique operations and remains silent on its long-term future in the country. BAT’s retreat comes as illegal tobacco already accounts for more than a third of local sales, costing the fiscus billions in lost excise revenue and squeezing legitimate producers. Analysts say the company’s move signals intensifying pressure on multinationals facing regulatory battles, tax disputes and rampant cross-border smuggling. BAT’s silence has fuelled uncertainty, raising fears that South Africa’s legal tobacco market could be further destabilised. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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RIO TINTO, GLENCORE IN BID TO CREATE R3.4 TRILLION MEGA MERGER
Rio Tinto is in early discussions to acquire Glencore in a potential all-share deal that could create the world’s largest mining company, valued at nearly $207 billion (about Rr3.4 trillion). The talks, revived after an unsuccessful approach in late 2024, come as miners race to scale up exposure to copper amid energy transition and AI-driven demand. Details remain scarce, including asset scope, management structure and any takeover premium. Analysts see possible value creation but warn of complexity, cultural differences and overpayment risks. Investor reaction was mixed, with Glencore shares rising and Rio Tinto’s falling sharply. Under UK rules, Rio must decide by February 5. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.
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| Dollar | R16.45 | + 0.26% | | Pound | R22.08
| + 0.07% | | Euro | R19.19 | - 0.01% | | Yen | 0.104026 |
| | Yuan | R2.36
| + 0.19% | | Bitcoin | $ 92 043.45
| + 1.83% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 351.50 | + 2.96% | | Gold | $ 4 574.15 | + 1.44% | | Oil | $ 63.39
| + 0.75% | | All Share | 118 110.27 | + 0.96% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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