| AI RECRUITERS PRIORITISE HUMAN SKILLS OVER AUTOMATION |
Recruitment firms are evolving beyond job placements by expanding talent advisory, skills verification and upskilling services as artificial intelligence reshapes hiring. Employers are increasingly placing greater emphasis on recruiters' ability to assess human capabilities, validate credentials and identify genuine talent as AI-generated CVs and job applications become increasingly sophisticated. The shift is strengthening demand for trusted recruitment partners who can combine technology with human judgement.
See below: Aussie dockworkers demand 28-hour week on AI impact
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| ASPIRING PILOTS, DRONE TECHNOLOGY SPEARHEAD AVIATION GROWTH |
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(ltr) PMCB Trade Hub Manager Lucrisha Polton, Focus Air Founder and Owner Fathima Khan and Pilot Mohammed Joosab.
PMCB Trade Hub Manager Lucrisha Polton represented the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business at the recent Focus Air 2026 Graduation and Annual Awards ceremony at Virginia Airport in Durban to celebrate the achievements of aspiring aviation professionals.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube highlighting the importance of skills development in growing South Africa's aviation sector in the keynote address. A highlight was the heartfelt tributes paid by graduates and alumni to Focus Air Director Fathima Khan for her exceptional mentorship.
Guests also witnessed a drone demonstration featuring thermal imaging technology capable of detecting heat signatures over several kilometres for search and rescue, security and infrastructure inspections. Polton also engaged with Dr Dube-Ncube and other government and industry leaders to reinforce partnerships that create career opportunities for young South Africans and strengthen the country's future aviation skills pipeline.
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| SADC INDUSTRIALISATION WEEK PRECURSOR TO REGIONAL SUMMIT |
1986: SA-born athletes Zola Budd and Annette Cowley were banned from competing for England at the Commonwealth Games.
1985: The Live Aid benefit concerts in London and Philadelphia raised millions for famine relief in Ethiopia, drawing an audience of more than a billion people worldwide.
It's International Town Criers Day and also International Rock Day. |
WIDELY FLUCTUATING FORECASTS CLOUD AUGUST FUEL-CUT OUTLOOK
South African motorists are expecting further relief at the pumps in August, but sharply conflicting projections have created uncertainty over the size of the possible reduction. Current mid-month estimates range from a modest petrol cut of about 76–86 cents per litre and a diesel decrease of around 20 cents, to forecasts suggesting petrol could fall by more than R1.60 per litre and diesel by over R2 per litre.
The divergence reflects changing assumptions around international fuel prices, the rand-dollar exchange rate and fuel price recoveries. A stronger Rand and Brent crude stabilising near US$72 a barrel are supporting expectations of lower prices. However, the final adjustment will depend on the full July data cycle, with global oil volatility and currency movements still capable of reducing the expected savings before the 5 August announcement. (SOURCE: News24/EWN)
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ECONOMIC BUFFERS SHIELDED RAND DURING IRAN CONFLICT
South Africa's stronger macroeconomic fundamentals and credible monetary policy helped the rand withstand volatility during the recent Iran conflict, according to Reserve Bank chief economist Konstantin Makrelov. He said improved policy credibility, sound financial institutions and healthier economic buffers made the currency more resilient to global shocks than in previous crises. The conflict briefly rattled global markets, pushing up oil prices and increasing risk aversion, but the rand recovered as conditions stabilised. Makrelov said maintaining fiscal discipline, low inflation and policy certainty remains critical to preserving investor confidence and strengthening the economy against future geopolitical and financial disruptions. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AND REFORMS CATAPULT ECONOMY TOWARDS 'ESCAPE VELOCITY'
South Africa's economy is nearing "escape velocity" after years of stagnation, with Standard Bank forecasting GDP growth to accelerate from less than 1% on average over the past decade to 1.7% in 2027 and 2% in 2028. Chief economist Goolam Ballim attributed the improved outlook to structural reforms, better governance, easing electricity shortages and gradual improvements in logistics. The bank's projections are more optimistic than the IMF's 1.3% growth forecast for 2027. Ballim said stronger institutional capacity and continued reform implementation are essential to sustaining momentum, attracting investment and lifting the economy onto a higher, more durable growth path after years of underperformance. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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... AS WEAK PROJECT PIPELINE CONSTRICTS ECONOMIC GROWTH
South Africa's shortage of bankable infrastructure projects is limiting investment and economic growth, according to presidential economic policy adviser Kenneth Creamer. He said years of underinvestment and weak project preparation have left the country without a strong pipeline capable of attracting private and public capital. Creamer argued that structural reforms must focus on developing credible, investment-ready projects in energy, transport, water and logistics to unlock faster growth and job creation. He said improving planning, procurement and implementation capacity would boost investor confidence, while successful infrastructure delivery is essential to raising productivity, strengthening competitiveness and supporting long-term economic recovery. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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PRIVATE VACCINE IMPORTS TO UP FOOT-AND-MOUTH FIGHT
South Africa's private sector can now import and distribute foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines following a legal settlement between the Department of Agriculture, Sakeliga, the Southern African Agri Initiative and Free State Agriculture. Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp said the agreement ends government and Onderstepoort Biological Products' exclusive import rights, creating a second supply channel alongside the state vaccination programme. Farmers will be able to buy vaccines privately under strict biosecurity, reporting and veterinary traceability rules. The move aims to improve vaccine availability, strengthen disease control and reduce export disruptions caused by recurring FMD outbreaks since 2021. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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BANK CHIEF TAKES AIM AT XENOPHOBIA OPPORTUNISTS
Standard Bank CEO Lungisa Fuzile has urged South African leaders to reject opportunistic anti-immigration rhetoric, warning that exploiting public frustration for political gain deepens divisions and undermines social cohesion. Speaking amid renewed tensions over undocumented migrants, Fuzile said leadership requires standing for what is right despite political risks. He argued that migration challenges should be addressed through effective governance, law enforcement and economic reform rather than scapegoating foreign nationals. His comments come as government intensifies immigration enforcement and public debate over migration continues, with business leaders cautioning that instability and xenophobia threaten investor confidence, economic growth and national unity. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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MINISTER ON WAR PATH OVER JUNK FOOD, ALCOHOL ADVERTISING
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has renewed calls for tighter regulation of unhealthy food and alcohol advertising, warning aggressive marketing is driving obesity, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. Addressing the South African Human Rights Commission's food system inquiry, he said government health campaigns cannot compete with the industry's massive advertising budgets, noting alcohol companies spent about R1 billion annually on advertising more than a decade ago. Motsoaledi said the Health Promotion Levy was introduced to reduce sugar consumption, not raise revenue, and backed stronger measures including front-of-pack warning labels, while criticising celebrity endorsements that influence children's health choices. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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SCRAP RECYCLERS SEEK PROBE ON PRICE MANIPULATION
The Recycling Association of South Africa (RASA) has lodged a Competition Commission complaint alleging dominant ferrous scrap buyers blocked export permit applications for two months and coordinated price movements to suppress domestic prices. RASA claims brokers signalled an initial R800 per tonne price cut before buyers implemented a R250/t reduction and later raised prices by R200/t on the same day. The association argues the conduct distorted competition and harmed recyclers and about 400 000 informal waste pickers. It also urged government to suspend the Price Preference System pending an independent investigation into alleged market manipulation. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
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BOXER EXECS, MANAGER CASH IN ON R120 MILLION BONANZA
A total of 181 Boxer executives and senior managers are set to receive share awards worth more than R120 million in November under a once-off incentive linked to the retailer's JSE listing. The first tranche, representing 40% of the award, will vest after Boxer comfortably exceeded performance targets, including 18.15% annual profit growth against inflation of 3.1%. Eligible employees will receive 1.511 million shares, subject to continued employment. CEO Marek Masojada's allocation is worth about R16.6 million, while CFO David Wayne's shares are valued at approximately R6.7 million at current market prices. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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CHINA'S BYD BETS ON BATTERIES AHEAD OF CAR PLANT
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is exploring the possibility of establishing a battery plant in South Africa but says it has no immediate plans to build a vehicle assembly factory. The company believes local demand for electric vehicles is still too small to justify car production, while battery manufacturing offers stronger opportunities through energy storage and renewable energy projects. BYD currently sells several electric and plug-in hybrid models in South Africa and continues expanding its local dealer network. Analysts say a battery investment could create jobs, strengthen local supply chains and support the country's growing clean-energy transition. (SOURCE: News24)
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OLD MUTUAL RESUMES ZIMBABWE TRADING ON VIC FALLS EXCHANGE
Old Mutual has restored trading for Zimbabwean shareholders by migrating its listing to the US dollar-denominated Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), ending a six-year suspension on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange. The move provides investors with renewed access to the insurer's shares while reducing exposure to Zimbabwe's volatile local currency. The VFEX, established to attract foreign investment through hard-currency trading, offers greater stability and liquidity. Old Mutual said the migration supports shareholder value and strengthens market access. The development marks another step in Zimbabwe's efforts to rebuild investor confidence and deepen its capital markets. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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COFFEE PRICE SWINGS RATTLE GLOBAL COMMODITIES MARKET
Arabica coffee prices have entered a period of extreme volatility, with futures surging 19% in a single day before sharply reversing, leaving traders bracing for further instability. The rally, the biggest in 26 years, was fuelled by speculative trading, delayed Brazilian harvests, low global stockpiles and growing concerns over a strengthening El Niño weather pattern. Analysts say hedge fund activity amplified the price swings despite limited changes in market fundamentals. Arabica futures have climbed about 27% since El Niño was declared, raising concerns over supply disruptions and higher costs for roasters, retailers and consumers worldwide. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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FRESH US-IRAN CONFLICT SPARKS OIL-SUPPLY FEARS
US military strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Gulf states have sharply escalated Middle East tensions, with Iran declaring the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed. The waterway carries about 20% of global oil supplies, raising fears of major energy disruptions and higher fuel prices. Financial markets reacted with heightened volatility as investors sought safe-haven assets, while shipping and insurance costs surged. Analysts warned a prolonged closure could intensify inflation, disrupt global trade and slow economic growth. Governments worldwide are closely monitoring developments amid concerns that the conflict could broaden into a wider regional war. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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AUSSIE DOCKWORKERS DEMAND 28-HOUR WEEK ON AI IMPACT
Australian dockworkers are demanding a 28-hour work week without a pay cut if DP World proceeds with artificial intelligence and automation at its container terminals. The Maritime Union of Australia says workers should share productivity gains rather than lose jobs, with research suggesting automation could threaten up to 1 000 positions, or more than 60% of DP World's dock and maintenance workforce. DP World disputes the findings, saying the estimates overstate the likely impact. Automation, including driverless container vehicles and remotely operated cranes, is scheduled to begin in Brisbane in February 2027, subject to ongoing negotiations. (SOURCE: FreightNews)
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In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.
Bertrand Russell |
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| Dollar | R16.39 | - 0.40% | | Pound | R21.93 | - 0.30% | | Euro | R18.69 | - 0.32% | | Yen | 0.100969 |
| | Yuan | R2.41 | - 0.31% | | Bitcoin | $ 62 912.82
| - 1.63% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 616.19
| - 1.37% | | Gold | $ 4 056.95
| - 1.56% | | Oil | $ 78.91 | + 4.85% | | All Share | 109 623.35
| - 0.66% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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