| INFLATION IS SLOWING BUT BILLS ARE RISING, WHAT GIVES? |
Consumers are under mounting pressure as essential household bills rise faster than headline inflation. The Competition Commission’s Cost of Living Report shows water, electricity and government school fees have all increased above inflation over six years, while petrol costs alone surged 26% in the first half of 2026. Although overall inflation rose 36% over six years, regulated services are emerging as a surprising driver of the affordability squeeze. The result is that households, schools and businesses are feeling far greater cost pressure than headline inflation suggests.
See below: Icasa targets Telco giants over pricing concerns |
| VISITORS BRAVE COLD FOR SIZZLING SPRING LEAP FEST |
Della Rosenberg of the Midlands Meander greeting visitors at the Spring Leap Fest at the Old Mushroom Farm.
Even inclement weather could not dampen the spirit of Spring Leap Fest, which once again drew visitors to the Old Mushroom Farm from beyond the Midlands to experience the region’s hospitality, creativity and community spirit.
This year’s two-day festival offered an even broader experience, with the involvement of the Midlands Meander Association adding further depth and reach. For visitors, it was an opportunity to brave the elements, discover local attractions, sample regional offerings and enjoy the distinctive character that makes the Midlands such a compelling destination.
Beyond the festivities, the event provided a welcome reminder of the value of collaboration in promoting the region – and of the growing appetite among visitors to explore, experience and return to the Midlands, whatever the weather.
|
| REMINDER: DOUBLE-DATE ON PIETERMARITZBURG BUSINESS OUTLOOK |
A reminder to businesses and stakeholders about two important engagement sessions shaping the Pietermaritzburg business environment on 8 and 9 September at the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business. The discussions involving the PMCB, Msunduzi Municipality, KZN Growth Coalition and Trade & Investment KZN will cover infrastructure updates, rates and billing, investment and development opportunities. Space at both sessions from 8-11 am on both is limited and participants are urged to confirm attendance with Heidi at pmcb@pmcb.org.za or 033 345 2747 soonest. To download the programme over the two days, click here.
|
2004: Veteran anti-apartheid cleric Dr Beyers Naude died.
1940: The German Luftwaffe started an aerial bombardment of London. The strategy lasted until May 1941 but did not succeed in breaking British resolve.
On this day in 1936, the Tasmanian Tiger officially became extinct when the last carnivorous marsupial, known as Benjamin, died in captivity at the Hobart Zoo. |
D-DAY TIPPING POINT FOR AGING POPULATION IN 2027
South Africa could reach a demographic tipping point in 2027 as its ageing population increasingly reshapes the social and economic landscape. People aged 60 and older increased from 3.6 million, or 7.7% of the population, in 2002, to 6.6 million, or 10.5%, in 2025, according to Statistics South Africa.
The shift will increase pressure on healthcare, pensions and social protection while gradually reducing the relative working-age population. It also creates opportunities in age-friendly housing, healthcare, financial services and technologies supporting independent living.
With the country’s population estimated at 63.52 million in 2026, policymakers and businesses face growing pressure to prepare for longer lifespans, changing household structures and rising demand for services tailored to an ageing society. (SOURCE: News24/SSA))
|
ZERO-ALCOHOL POLICY AIMS TO CUT ROAD DEATHS BY 50%
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says government is pursuing legislative amendments to introduce a strict 0% blood alcohol limit for South African drivers. Amendments to Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act are awaiting legal and socio-economic approvals, with Cabinet concurrence targeted by the end of 2026. More than 18 000 people were arrested for drunken driving between March and August, accounting for about a third of traffic arrests. Creecy said more than 6 457 people died on South African roads between January 1 and August 23, although fatalities were 9% lower than in 2025. Pedestrians accounted for 48% of deaths, while KZN and Gauteng recorded more than a third of fatalities. Government aims to halve annual road deaths by 2030. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
|
ICASA TARGETS TELCO GIANTS OVER PRICING CONCERNS
Icasa is targeting major telecommunications companies and online services including Netflix and WhatsApp in an inquiry into the impact of over-the-top services on consumers. The regulator says services such as these have disrupted traditional broadcasting and will examine their effects on pricing and the communications market. The move follows concerns about affordable communication and pressure on mobile operators’ incomes. Icasa has previously pushed for cheaper communication and is examining how rapidly changing digital services are reshaping the sector, including the relationship between traditional networks and internet-based platforms. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
SCRAP METAL COLLECTION ON THE ROPES, WARNS RECYCLERS
South Africa’s scrap-steel policy is distorting the local market, says the Recycling Association of South Africa (RASA), which wants the Price Preference System suspended. The system requires recyclers to offer scrap to domestic mills at a 30% discount before exporting. Yet July steel imports rose 36% year on year to 192 000 tonnes, while South Africa imported 26 850 tonnes of billets, wire rod and reinforcing bar, mostly from Zimbabwe. RASA says formal scrap collection has collapsed from 1.8-million tonnes in 2012 to about 150 000 tonnes recently, while recycling employment fell to 9,600. It wants an independent review of the policy. (SOURCE: Engineering News)
|
EXEC IN TROUBLE OVER FMD PRICE PROFITEERING
Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) acting CEO Dr Jacob Modumo has been suspended following allegations of serious misconduct involving the pricing of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines. Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp raised the concerns with the OBP board, which has given Modumo five days to explain why he should not remain suspended. The allegation is that OBP bought vaccines from Argentina’s Biogénesis Bagó for R45 a dose and sold them for between R70 and R130, despite being a state entity not intended to profit from vaccine sales. Aucamp stressed that no finding has been made against Modumo. The suspension comes as South Africa battles its worst-ever FMD outbreak, placing farmers under severe financial pressure. (SOURCE: GroundUp)
|
36-HOUR WINDOW FOR POLITICAL PARTIES TO REPORT FAKE NEWS
Political parties have 36 hours to report suspected fake news during the local government elections, under new IEC rules. The Real411 platform will play a central role in identifying and reporting disinformation. The rules also cover artificial intelligence, requiring synthetic content to be appropriately labelled before distribution. The measures are aimed at limiting the spread of false information and protecting the integrity of the electoral process as campaigning intensifies ahead of the local government elections. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
40% CHINESE TOURISM DROP BLAMED ON IRAN WAR
South Africa’s tourism industry is facing another setback as the Iran war disrupts international aviation and travel plans. About 40% of available airline seats from China to South Africa have reportedly been lost, threatening a key long-haul tourism market. The conflict has increased uncertainty around air routes, fuel costs and passenger demand, with airlines already facing pressure from higher operating expenses. The impact could extend beyond Chinese visitors, as higher airfares and disrupted connections make South Africa less accessible to international travellers. The setback comes as the country seeks to grow tourism earnings and attract more visitors from emerging markets, making reliable and affordable air connectivity increasingly important to the sector. (SOURCE: News24)
|
IDC TO EXIT NAMIBIAN URANIUM MINE OVER IRAN, RUSSIAN LINKS
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is preparing to exit its investment in a Namibian uranium mine because of concerns over the project’s links to Iran and Russia. The decision reflects heightened geopolitical and sanctions risks surrounding uranium projects with ties to the two countries. The IDC’s investment formed part of efforts to support strategic mineral development, but the changing international environment has complicated the project’s prospects. The planned disposal highlights growing pressure on investors and development financiers to scrutinise ownership structures, partnerships and geopolitical exposure. Uranium remains strategically important as nuclear power demand grows, but projects involving sanctioned countries face increasing financing and market-access challenges. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
|
SLOW DOWN GOLD-BACKED CURRENCY RUSH, WORLD BANK TELLS ZIM
The World Bank has warned Zimbabwe against moving too quickly to make its bullion-backed ZiG the country’s sole currency, saying premature de-dollarisation could trigger capital flight and destabilise the economy. Zimbabwe plans to phase out US dollar use by 2030, but the lender says local currency credibility must first be firmly established. Past attempts to force a currency transition led to capital flight, wider parallel-market premiums and lost stabilisation gains. The ZiG replaced the Zimbabwean dollar in April 2024 after repeated currency crashes fuelled inflation. Meanwhile, the World Bank expects Zimbabwe’s economy to grow 5% in 2026 before slowing in 2027, partly because of El Niño-driven drought risks. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
MONEY MANAGERS LOADING UP ON BULLION AS $5 000 LEVEL LOOMS
Some of the world’s biggest asset managers are rebuilding gold positions after the metal’s sharp retreat, betting its long-term appeal remains intact. Amundi, Pictet, Robeco and Fidelity are among firms adding bullion, attracted by central-bank buying, dollar concerns and gold’s role as a portfolio hedge. Amundi expects prices could reach $5 000 (about R80 000) an ounce by year-end. Gold fell towards $4 000 in June after reaching almost $5 600 in January, prompting renewed buying. World Gold Council data shows central banks bought 289 tons during the second quarter, the strongest second-quarter demand on record. However, higher US Treasury yields and expectations of further Federal Reserve tightening could limit gains, analysts warn. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
|
 |
TRAINING - PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Master Project Management from Start to Finish
TRAINER: Nic Nortje – NKR Outsourced HR
OVERVIEW
NKR's Project Management course takes you through the full project lifecycle - initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure - with hands-on, scenario-based exercises (project charters, feasibility studies, WBS, risk and quality management, scheduling, and resourcing).
The programme is practical, real-world focused, and designed to equip you with the tools to plan, execute, and deliver projects successfully - on time, on budget, and on scope.Ideal for aspiring and practising project managers looking to sharpen their skills with proven frameworks and real case studies.
Participants will cover the full project lifecycle through hands-on exercises: initiation (business case, feasibility, charter), planning (scope, WBS, scheduling, budgeting, resourcing), execution (team coordination, deliverables, communication, reporting), monitoring and control (KPIs, change requests, corrective action), and closure (handover, lessons learned, final review). Real-world scenarios throughout, so participants leave able to run a project end to end.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
· New/aspiring project managers who need a practical grounding in the fundamentals.
· Team leaders/ Department heads who manage projects alongside other responsibilities but lack formal PM training.
· Business owners running their own projects (launches, expansions, events) who need a structured approach.
· Employees moving into a PM role and needing to get up to speed quickly.
· HR and operations staff who oversee internal projects.
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
Date: 14 September 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. |
|
|
Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in your mind.
David G. Allen |
|
|
|
| Dollar | R15.97 | - 0.05% | | Pound | R21.60
| - 0.09% | | Euro | R18.55
| - 0.02% | | Yen | 0.102484 |
| | Yuan | R2.38
| - 0.06% | | Bitcoin | $ 79 743.43
| - 0.01% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 816.20 | - 0.67% | | Gold | $ 4 397.67 | - 0.72% | | Oil | $ 97.49
| + 1.84% | | All Share | 116 726.62 | + 0.03% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
|
|
|
|
|
