| BUSINESS GRUMBLES, TRADE TALKS, NOBEL LOBBYING, CITY DECAY |
The Madlanga Commission revealed how the nexus of business, politics, and governance defies neat categorisation, highlighted by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s overreach in disbanding the KZN political killings task team (see below). Elsewhere, a SA delegation attempts to salvage trade relations with the US amid the lobbying of its president to be awarded the Nobel peace prize, while Taiwan canned a short-lived curb on computer chip exports to South Africa (see below). Closer to home, the SA National Short Course Championships has drawn the country’s top swimmers to Pietermaritzburg and who hopefully will turn a blind eye to the decay around the GC Jolliffe Swimming Pool, notwithstanding the sterling clean-up efforts of the KPCA Group. On a more jovial note, a gin festival will bring some cheer to Liberty Midlands tomorrow. |
| PNP HYPERMARKET BACKS COMMUNITY CHEST OUTREACH |
Angie Narayanan (second left) of the Community Chest) accepting a gift voucher from (ltr) Zoobeida Abdul, Kevin Goosen and Sharmaine Naik from Pick n Pay Hyper, at Liberty Midlands Mall.
To celebrate the opening of its first hypermarket in Pietermaritzburg at Liberty Midlands Mall, Pick ‘n Pay management presented a substantial voucher to the Community Chest, reinforcing the retailer’s commitment to social responsibility and local community development. The voucher will directly support the Community Chest’s ongoing programmes, which aim to alleviate hardships faced by vulnerable and underprivileged residents. By funding initiatives such as food relief, educational support, and essential services, the contribution enables the organization to expand its outreach and impact. Pick ‘n Pay’s partnership demonstrates the vital role that private sector engagement plays in strengthening community welfare and fostering long-term social stability. |
| TIME RUNNING OUT TO ENTER 2025 BUSINESS AWARDS |
| With the September 30 deadline fast approaching, businesses are urged to submit nominations for the prestigious Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) Awards. Honours will be made across seven categories: Manufacturing, Services, State-Owned Enterprises, Medium Enterprises, Small Business, Champion Entrepreneur, and Social Enterprise of the Year. The awards recognise excellence, innovation, and resilience in the region’s business community. Winners will be celebrated at the PMCB Annual Banquet, sponsored by Mi7 National Group, on Friday, 7 November 2025, at Epworth School. Judges will ensure confidentiality, with non-disclosure agreements available if required. Contact Heidi on (033) 3452747 or at pmcb@pmcb.org.za. |
1950: Energy and chemical company Sasol was registered.
Elsewhere, in 1917, the Battle of Polygon Wood began, pitting British and Australian troops against the German army near Ypres in Belgium. The Allies won.
Still in Europe, today is celebrated as European Day of Languages.
|
BUSINESS WARNS OF MADLANGA COMMISSION IMPACT
Business leaders have expressed concern over the Madlanga commission’s revelations, describing them as “deeply disappointing” and warning of potential disruption to South Africa’s criminal justice system. Despite this, executives highlighted positive outcomes from ongoing collaboration with government to enhance anti-crime initiatives, build skills, and strengthen institutional capacity.
Leaders stressed the importance of sustaining these partnerships to maintain progress against corruption and organized crime. While the commission’s findings may provoke short-term uncertainty, the business community remains committed to supporting reforms and constructive engagement. The focus remains on balancing accountability with continued development of a more effective, efficient, and resilient justice and law-enforcement framework across the country. (SOURCE: BDLive)
|
MIDDLE CLASS TAKING STRAIN AS CONSUMER CONFIDENCE SLIDES
Consumer confidence in South Africa fell in Q3 2025, largely due to middle-class pressure, according to the FNB/Bureau for Economic Research (BER) index. The CCI dropped to - 13 from - 10 in Q2, indicating a potential slowdown in household spending. Retail and wholesaler confidence also weakened, signalling softer demand ahead. Rising living costs, stagnant wages, and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on consumer sentiment, particularly among middle-income households who drive a significant portion of domestic consumption. Economists warn that subdued consumer spending could temper GDP growth and challenge businesses reliant on discretionary expenditure. Policymakers may need targeted interventions to restore confidence. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
... AS 50% ONLINE SHOPPERS MIFFED AT POOR DIGITAL EXPERIENCE
South Africa’s digital shopping experience is failing to meet consumer expectations, despite the country’s rapid adoption of AI and online tools. According to the 9th annual Future Shopper report by VML, a global study of 25 000 shoppers across 16 countries, despite years of digital acceleration, many brands are still failing to deliver on the basics of customer experience. It also shows 76% of consumers prefer brands with both physical and online stores, while 66% want seamless cross-channel communication. Yet, half of online shoppers abandon purchases when experiences fall short. With 71% seeking faster transitions from inspiration to purchase, South Africans are not only early adopters but also demanding critics - pressuring brands to deliver world-class experiences or risk irrelevance. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
FSCA NAMES-AND-SHAMES 2 300 EMPLOYERS OVER STAFF PENSIONS
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has named 2 330 employers failing to pay staff pension fund contributions, despite deducting them from salaries. This forms part of a wider group of 7770 non-compliant employers as of December 2023, collectively contravening section 13A of the Pension Funds Act. Municipalities alone owe an estimated R1.4 billion, with the private security sector also among the worst offenders. Key affected funds include the Private Security Sector Provident Fund and the Transport Sector Retirement Fund. Withheld contributions threaten retirement and risk benefits, with non-payment potentially constituting theft. The FSCA hopes its “name and shame” strategy will drive compliance until the Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill strengthens its powers. (SOURCE: News24/FSCA) |
HOTELS LEAD 11% RISE IN JULY TOURIST ACCOMMODATION
South Africa’s tourist accommodation sector posted strong gains in July 2025, with total income rising 11.1% year-on-year, Stats SA reported. Income from accommodation specifically grew 10.4%, driven by a 7.9% increase in stay unit nights sold and a 2.4% rise in average income per night. Hotels were the main driver, surging 18.3% and contributing 9.7 percentage points to growth, while “other accommodation” rose 2.7%. For the three months to July, income climbed 10.2% compared with 2024. However, seasonally adjusted figures showed a slight month-on-month decline, with income slipping 0.8% in July after falling 1.1% in June. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
INVESTEC SECURES LICENCE TO TRADE ENERGY
Investec has been granted a licence by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to trade electricity, marking a milestone in the liberalisation of the country’s energy sector. The private banking and wealth management group plans to power its Johannesburg headquarters with solar energy. Mpho Modise, head of renewable energy trading at Investec, highlighted that the approval reflects growing opportunities for private players in South Africa’s evolving energy market. The licence enables Investec to actively participate in electricity trading, supporting the transition to renewable energy while reinforcing the group’s commitment to sustainable and innovative energy solutions in a rapidly transforming sector. (SOURCE: BDLive) |
TOO MUCH BARK, NOT ENOUGH BITE IN CHECKERS PET FOOD CLAIM
The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) has ruled against Shoprite Checkers, finding its Petshop Science advert misleading for implying exclusivity in same-day pet food delivery. The complaint, lodged by Absolute Pets, highlighted its own “Go Fetch!” service and other competitors offering similar delivery options. While Checkers argued its slogan Now who else does that? was playful branding rather than literal, the ARB held that consumers would reasonably interpret it as exclusive. Though Checkers is not an ARB member, the ruling binds industry participants, who may not publish the advert in its current form, reinforcing standards of honest advertising. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
FREE STATE PROJECT SETS SIGHTS ON 400 000 TREES IN 5 YEARS
The University of the Free State (UFS) has launched its Greener SA initiative, aiming to plant 400 000 trees nationwide over five years. The programme, backed by the Mastercard Foundation through TAGDev 2.0 and RUFORUM, was inaugurated at Paradys Experimental Farm with the symbolic planting of 100 trees. Officials stressed sustainability, accountability, and youth involvement, linking the effort to the presidential One Million Trees Programme. Industry partners, including Empact Group, pledged support, while experts highlighted agroforestry’s benefits for biodiversity, food security, and resilience. UFS leaders positioned the project as a global response to climate change and inequality. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity) |
TAIWAN LIFTS SHORT-LIVED CHIP EXPORT CURB ON SA
Taiwan’s recent curb on semiconductor exports to South Africa lasted just two days before being reversed, raising questions about its intent. The restrictions, announced abruptly, were reportedly linked to broader global supply chain security concerns. However, swift diplomatic engagement and industry pushback saw the ban lifted, with Taiwan emphasising its commitment to maintaining stable trade ties with South Africa. Analysts suggest the brief measure may have been a test of leverage amid rising geopolitical tensions in the global chip industry. The reversal reassured South African manufacturers reliant on Taiwanese components for electronics and automotive production. (SOURCE: News24) |
ANGOLA ENTERS SQUABBLE OVER FUTURE OF DE BEERS
Angola’s state-owned Endiama has bid for a minority stake in De Beers, aiming to preserve the company’s independence as Botswana seeks majority control. Anglo American plans to divest its 85% holding amid a 16-month restructuring. Endiama’s fully financed proposal emphasises a strategic partnership including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Angola, preventing dominance by any single party. Angola, Africa’s top diamond producer by value, surpassed Botswana in output last year. The move aims to maintain De Beers as a competitive global enterprise while fostering regional collaboration, amid competition with Russia’s Alrosa PJSC and growing international investment interest. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
US ECONOMY EXPANDS FASTEST SINCE PANDEMIC
The US economy grew at a revised 3.8% annualised rate in Q2 2025, the fastest pace in nearly two years, boosted by stronger consumer spending and business investment. The Bureau of Economic Analysis’ update incorporated newer data, confirming a rebound from Q1’s contraction. Non-residential investment rose 7.3%, while residential investment declined 5.1%. Merchandise trade deficits narrowed and unemployment claims fell. Economists caution that slower growth is likely in Q4 due to weaker employment and moderated consumer spending, with sub-2% expansion expected through 2026. Inflation pressures remain, with the Fed’s preferred PCE metric rising to 2.6%, influencing potential interest-rate policy. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
NATURE LOSSES TO COME AT 25% COST TO MINING, POWER SECTORS
Barclays warns ecosystem degradation could cut company earnings by up to 25% over five years, with mining and power sectors most exposed. Stress tests on 250 mines and 9 000 power facilities reveal transition risks - higher water costs, stricter regulations, and expanding protected areas - plus physical risks from droughts and floods. Mining profits are projected to fall sharply, while power companies face smaller but significant impacts. Barclays highlights biodiversity loss as a systemic financial risk, urging companies to account for nature-related dependencies. The bank’s analysis aims to guide sustainable investment and unlock opportunities in biodiversity financing, addressing a $700-billion annual gap. (SOURCE: Reuters) |
|
|
Well done is better than well said.
Benjamin Franklin |
|
|
|
| Dollar | R17.42 | + 0.04% | | Pound | R23.26
| - 0.08% | | Euro | R20.34
| - 0.07% | | Yen | 0.116415 |
| | Yuan | R2.44 | + 0.12% | | Bitcoin | $ 109 512.20 | + 0.07$ |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 561.40
| + 1.38% | | Gold | $ 3 751.99
| + 0.06% | | Oil | $ 68.75
| - 0.16% | | All Share | 105 803.35 | - 0.83% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
|
|
|
|
|
