| IT'S A WILD, WILD WORLD OUT THERE ... AND HERE |
Global markets are reflecting both real-time shocks and investor sentiment, echoing Cat Stevens’s warning that It’s a wild, wild world out there. Readers with a penchant for Stevens’ music, also known as Yusuf since his 1977 conversion to Islam, will recognise a timeless resonance with today’s Middle East conflict and global upheaval - war rages, and peace remains elusive.
The wild ride of Brent crude, oscillating between $102 and $77 per barrel this week, and the equally volatile Rand swinging from R16.94 to R16.14 against the Dollar are symptoms of the upheaval. Sentiment-driven trading amplifies these moves and there’s little reason to suggest that the bout of uncertainty tarnishing emerging markets will end soon.
As if to validate the turmoil, Nersa smacked the economy with higher-than-expected tariffs - 8.76% for direct customers, 9.01% for municipalities - that are bound to fan the flames of inflation that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago have tried so hard to tame.
Closer to home, the Mpofana Municipality in Mooi River is facing the wrath of Eskom that is about to enforce credit control measures that may include prepaid electricity, direct payments to Eskom, or a municipal Distribution Agency Agreements. Take heed, Msunduzi Municipality. Derek Alberts (editor)
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| TRADITIONAL LEADERS TOAST 12-MONTH UKZN GOVERNANCE TRAINING |
The University of KZN, in partnership with the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, celebrated 47 Amakhosi (pictured above) completing the Leadership and Good Governance Programme. Held at the Durban ICC, the year-long initiative equipped traditional leaders with skills in governance, financial management, land administration, and rural development.
UKZN academics facilitated structured learning to professionalise traditional leadership, bridging indigenous and academic knowledge. MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi highlighted the programme’s role in building capable, modern leadership while preserving heritage. Participants reported increased confidence in serving communities effectively amidst contemporary challenges, strengthening governance across KZN’s traditional institutions. (SOURCE: UKZN)
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| WALK-IN SMART ID APPLICATIONS IN PIETERMARITZBURG, HOWICK |
Residents in Pietermaritzburg and Howick can now apply for Smart ID cards at selected bank branches through a partnership between the Department of Home Affairs and major banks. The Capitec Bank branches at 400 Church Street in Pietermaritzburg and Harvard Street in Howick accept walk-in applications during normal banking hours, offering a quicker alternative to Home Affairs offices. The initiative forms part of a national roll-out that has expanded participating branches from 32 to 49. Currently, only Smart ID card applications are processed, with passport services planned for later phases as the digital programme grows across KZN and the country. (SOURCE: ECR)
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2022: President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Justice Raymond Zondo as Chief Justice.
Elsewhere, in 1870, founder of the baSotho nation King Moshoeshoe I died. The day is commerated as a public holiday in Lesotho.
Keep the water flowing, it’s World Plumbers Day.
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GAMBLING HABITS TO HELP ASSESS BANK LOANS TO CUSTOMERS
South African bank Absa Group is now factoring clients’ gambling habits into lending decisions within its personal and private banking unit. CEO Kenny Fihla said analysis shows a strong link between rising indebtedness and gambling, making it a “huge predictor” of potential loan delinquency.
While details on implementation remain limited, the bank views spiralling gambling-related debt as a growing social and economic problem diverting funds from productive use. The announcement was made during the bank's annual results presentation. The strategy aims to better manage credit risk while supporting responsible borrowing amid volatile economic conditions and global uncertainties. (SOURCE: Moneyweb). |
ECONOMY AT 1.1% GROWTH STRONGEST SINCE 2022
South Africa’s economy grew 1.1% in 2025, the fastest pace in three years, driven by strong performance in agriculture, trade, and finance. The performance nevertheless missed the 1.4% growth forecast by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana to highlight the country’s sluggish recovery. Statistics South Africa reported that seven of 10 sectors contributed to growth, with farm output surging 17.4%, trade and accommodation up 2.3%, finance 1.9%, and transport 0.8%. While GDP improved from 0.5% in 2024, structural challenges including electricity shortages and logistics bottlenecks continue to limit long-term expansion. Analysts and National Treasury anticipate reforms will accelerate growth to 2% by 2028. The fourth quarter alone recorded 0.4% expansion, led by finance and trade sectors, exceeding economists’ expectations. (SOURCE: Bloomberg/BDLive)
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TRUMP REMARKS COOL OIL, RAND TRIMS LOSSES
Oil prices cooled after comments by Donald Trump suggested the Middle East conflict could ease, calming fears of prolonged supply disruptions. Brent crude, which had surged to about $119.50 a barrel, dropped more than 7% to around $91–$94 as traders reassessed risks to global supply. The relief also helped emerging-market currencies stabilise. The Rand trimmed losses after weakening to around R16.85/$, its softest level in roughly three months amid rising oil prices and risk aversion. Markets remain volatile as geopolitical tensions persist, with analysts warning crude could still swing between $75 and $105 a barrel depending on developments in the region. (SOURCE: Reuters/Moneyweb).
See below: Dubai gold prices slashed amid Middle East war |
JSE DELISTINGS NEARLY DOUBLE GLOBAL AVERAGE RATE
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange is experiencing a delisting rate almost double the global average, raising concerns about the attractiveness of South Africa’s main equity market. Over the past decade the number of listed companies has fallen from about 400 in the early 2000s to roughly 280 today, as mergers, buyouts and regulatory costs drive firms away. Analysts say smaller companies struggle with compliance expenses and limited liquidity, making private ownership more appealing. Globally, exchanges are also shrinking, but the pace on the JSE is sharper. Market experts warn that fewer listings reduce investment choice and weaken the exchange’s role in funding economic growth. (SOURCE: News24)
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GRID BOTTLENECK STRANGLING 220 GW SOLAR PIPELINE
South Africa’s solar sector faces a critical grid bottleneck, warns the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association. Despite 10.2 GW installed and 72 GW in advanced development, limited transmission capacity in high-resource areas like the Northern and Eastern Cape slows connections. SAPVIA stresses that expanding and modernising the national grid, improving wheeling frameworks, and incorporating battery storage systems are essential to unlock the 220 GW renewable-energy pipeline. A strong, investment-grade transmission operator with transparent governance is crucial. Without these infrastructure upgrades, solar PV growth will remain constrained, threatening South Africa’s energy transition, industrial expansion, and economic competitiveness in the decade ahead. (SOURCE: Engineering News).
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STEEL FABRICATION DELAYS HOLD UP N2 BRIDGE BUILDING
Construction of the Mtentu Bridge and Msikaba Bridge on the N2 Wild Coast route is facing renewed delays due to steel fabrication constraints in Mpumalanga. Sanral spokesperson Lwando Mahlasela said geotechnical, drainage, and slope-stability challenges at Mtentu have slowed progress, while Msikaba’s cable-stayed bridge is impacted by cash flow and production bottlenecks. Both projects remain under contract, with motivations for extensions granted. Completion dates remain uncertain, though roadworks linking the bridges continue. The delays highlight the broader impact of South Africa’s partial collapse in the steel fabrication sector on major infrastructure projects. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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EIA REFORMS TO STREAM HIGH-RISK, LOW-IMPACT PROJECTS
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, with provincial environmental departments and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, is launching a national consultation on proposed Environmental-Impact Assessment (EIA) reforms. Running from 11 March to 24 April, the process will engage stakeholders in every province. The reforms aim to introduce a flexible, risk-based screening approach, modernise governance, and integrate other environmental instruments while preserving public participation and appeal rights. High-risk projects will continue full EIAs, whereas low-impact developments may follow streamlined assessments, improving efficiency and strengthening sustainability outcomes across South Africa’s environmental management framework. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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JOOSTE’S HERMANUS MEGA-MANSION SOLD FOR R105 MILLION
The luxury Hermanus mansion once owned by disgraced former Markus Jooste has been sold for about R105 million, marking one of the most notable property deals on the Cape’s Whale Coast. The expansive estate, overlooking Walker Bay in the Western Cape town of Hermanus, features multiple residences, landscaped grounds and panoramic ocean views. Jooste, the former CEO of Steinhoff International, built the property during his tenure at the retail giant before its 2017 accounting scandal. The sale follows years of legal and financial fallout linked to the collapse. The property attracted strong interest due to its size, exclusivity and prime coastal location. (SOURCE: News24)
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LUFTHANSA BOOSTS CAPE TOWN FLIGHTS AMID GULF DISRUPTIONS
Germany’s flag carrier Lufthansa plans to increase flights to Cape Town as operational disruptions affect major Gulf airlines Emirates and Qatar Airways. The move strengthens connectivity between South Africa and key European hubs, responding to sustained demand from leisure and business travellers. Ongoing challenges facing Gulf carriers - including regional tensions, airspace complications and scheduling disruptions - have created opportunities for other long-haul airlines to expand services. Industry analysts say the adjustment highlights how global airline competition quickly shifts when geopolitical or operational pressures disrupt major routes. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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.. AS AFRICAN AIRFREIGHT HITS RECORD LEVELS IN 2025
Air cargo demand across Africa reached record levels in 2025, rising about 6% year-on-year and 28% above 2019, according to IBA. Speaking at the Barsa Aviation Summit 2026, Dan Taylor highlighted the sector’s growth potential, especially for perishable goods exports. Despite this, Africa accounts for only 2% of global airfreight. Fuel costs, refinery closures, and geopolitical tensions remain key risks. Improved connectivity could double aviation’s economic contribution over time. The growth underscores the continent’s rapidly expanding trade and logistics capacity, positioning airfreight as a critical driver of African economic development. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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DUBAI GOLD PRICES SLASHED AMID MIDDLE-EAST WAR
Gold traders in Dubai are offering discounts of up to $30 (about R500) an ounce as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran disrupts flights and bullion shipments. Key consignments remain stranded, while soaring shipping and insurance costs deter buyers. Dubai, a central hub for refining and exporting bullion to Asia and beyond, is facing airspace restrictions that limit cargo movement. Indian refiners, reliant on Middle East doré supplies, report logistics costs up 60–70%. Despite near-term ample stock and muted demand in India, prolonged delays could tighten global supply. Spot gold has risen nearly 20% this year amid market uncertainty. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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WEIGHT WATCHERS CAN'T RESIST CHOCOLATE TREATS
Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli says consumers using popular weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists are not abandoning chocolate as widely predicted. Instead, the company reports that many users are choosing smaller portions but opting for higher-quality treats, supporting demand for premium chocolate. The findings challenge concerns that appetite-suppressing medications would significantly reduce confectionery sales. Lindt says its premium positioning allows it to benefit from “treat culture”, where consumers indulge occasionally rather than in large quantities. Analysts note that while these drugs may change eating habits, they do not necessarily eliminate cravings for sweets or luxury snacks. (SOURCE: Bloomberg).
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MINUTE TAKING WITH AI
TRAINER: Christi Coetzee – Green Door Consulting
OVERVIEW
AI makes minutes faster and cleaner - but it can't replace human judgement.
In this interactive course, participants will learn to:
· Understand why minutes matter: governance, evidence, and risk control
· Use AI safely: before, during, and after meetings
· Cut AI risk: privacy, confidentiality, bias, and errors
· Build sharper agendas and packs: keep discussion focused
· Match the minutes to the meeting: choose the right format
· Capture what counts: decisions, actions, owners, due dates - skip the noise
· Run virtual and hybrid meetings with confidence
· Store and retain minutes properly: aligned to policy and law
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Minute takers, meeting secretaries, team administrators, committee secretaries and anyone tasked with formal record-keeping.
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 18 March 2026
Time: 08:30 – 12:30
Venue: PMCB Offices, 1 Parkhaven , 55 Macleroy Road, Northern Park, Pietermaritzburg
COST (excludes vat)
PMCB Members: R680 p/p, R645 p/p for 3/more, R595 p/p for 5/more
Non-members: R900 p/p, R885 p/p for 3/more, R850 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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Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.
Walter Anderson |
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| Dollar | R16.29
| - 0.11% | | Pound | R21.88
| - 0.38% | | Euro | R18.94
| - 0.36% | | Yen | 0.103119 |
| | Yuan | R2.37
| - 0.30% | | Bitcoin | $ 69 770.30
| + 0.10% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 2 189.90
| - 0.26% | | Gold | $ 5 197.25
| + 0.16% | | Oil | $ 88.32
| - 2.97% | | All Share | 118 279.22
| - 1.11% | | Repo | 6.75 | | | Prime | 10.25 | |
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