| FUEL PRICES STABILISE AMID STRONG RAND, LOWER OIL COSTS |
Lower global oil prices and a stronger Rand have softened South Africa’s expected October fuel increases. Petrol 93 is expected to remain unchanged, petrol 95 to rise 8c per litre, while diesel is set to drop between 8–10c when the new prices kick in on Wednesday, October 1. The adjustments follow reduced global oil demand, rising OPEC output, and a weaker US Dollar. Though minor, the changes provide motorists modest relief from earlier 20c-per-litre hike forecasts. Analysts caution that sanctions on Russian oil or shifts in global consumption could still impact prices, keeping the market sensitive to geopolitical and economic developments. (SOURCE: TopAuto) |
| PICK N PAY BRINGS CITY'S FIRST HYPERMARKET TO MIDLANDS MALL |
| Pick n Pay has launched its first Hypermarket in Pietermaritzburg with the conversion of the Liberty Midlands Mall supermarket into a one-stop shopping destination. The expanded format, central to the retailer’s turnaround strategy, combines groceries, fresh produce, and general merchandise such as appliances, DIY tools, and outdoor essentials. CEO Sean Summers said the store reset programme aims to move from scale to quality, boosting profitability and customer engagement. The upgraded Hypermarket introduces features like a gourmet butchery, biltong bar, and “Grab & Go” meals. Nearly 90 staff will run the store, with more revamps planned nationwide this year. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
| BEATING THE DRUM FOR HERITAGE DAY UNITY |
Students and staff having fun with marimba drums to celebrate Heritage Day.
Emeris Pietermaritzburg, formerly Varsity Collge, marked Heritage Day yesterday with a vibrant campus celebration blending tradition and innovation. Students, staff, and faculties showcased cultural diversity through music, food, and performances, creating a spirit of unity and shared humanity. The highlight was a marimba drumming session by African Drum Shack, which drew enthusiastic participation. Partcipants commented on the teamwork and mutual respect across cultures and the joy of celebrating differences together. Organisers emphasised that the day honoured both heritage and inclusivity, reinforcing the campus’s commitment to recognising South Africa’s diverse traditions while fostering a sense of belonging for all. |
1984: South Africa and the United Kingdom (UK) faced a diplomatic crisis over six dissidents hiding from police in the British Consulate in Durban.
Elsewhere, in 1513, Spanish conquistador Vasco Bilboa became the first European to sight the Pacific Ocean. |
KZN, GAUTENG SIGN PACT TO ENSURE SAFE N3 PASSAGE
The KZN and Gauteng provincial governments have partnered to safeguard the N3 highway, a crucial transport corridor linking the two provinces that together contribute half of South Africa’s GDP. The pact aims to prevent disruptions caused by criminal activity, illegal blockades, and other threats that have previously cost the economy hundreds of millions of Rand.
The initiative will enhance the continuous movement of goods and people, supporting national economic growth and regional trade efficiency. Authorities plan coordinated security measures, surveillance, and rapid response protocols to maintain the highway’s functionality. The agreement underscores both provinces’ commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the N3 remains a reliable artery for commerce. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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… AS DURBAN BRINGS UP REAR IN WORLD’S WORST PORTS
The World Bank’s 2024 Container Port Performance Index has ranked Durban last among 403 global ports, with Coega second worst, Cape Town at 400th, and Port Elizabeth at 395th. The rankings highlight persistent inefficiencies in South Africa’s major ports, despite Transnet’s criticism of the methodology and recent improvement initiatives. The report attributes delays largely to vessel waiting times rather than berth operations, exacerbated by the Red Sea crisis and weak hinterland connectivity. While Cape Town and Coega were among the most improved, analysts warn systemic reforms, digitalisation, and greater competition are vital to restore efficiency and global competitiveness. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
… AND IMPORT DUTY PROBES MISSED 6-MONTH TARGET BY A MILE
South Africa’s import duty investigations now take an average of 27 months, far exceeding the six-month target, with the oldest open case pending for nearly six years. XA Global Trade Advisors’ annual “Tariff Zombies” report reveals 80% of open cases are older than six months, creating a backlog at the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac). CEO Donald MacKay warned delays leave businesses, jobs, and consumers exposed, with outdated cases crowding out current ones. Between July 2024 and June 2025, South Africans paid R103 billion in duties, most of which haven’t been reviewed in nearly two decades. (SOURCE: Engineering News) |
RAF PAYS R3.3 BILLION, VOWS FASTER CLAIM SETTLEMENTS
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has disbursed R3.3 billion in the past two weeks to claimants with overdue settlements, part of a broader effort to clear more than R20 billion in outstanding claims. The newly appointed interim board, led by Kenneth Brown, pledged urgency, transparency, and sustainable reforms to restore public trust. Monthly payments are expected to exceed R4 billion to eliminate backlogs. Recent court rulings ended RAF’s moratorium on delayed payouts, forcing quicker settlements. The board has introduced stricter controls, bi-monthly reporting, and direct engagement with stakeholders, aiming to modernise operations and stabilise the fund’s governance and finances. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
SASSA DETERMINATION THREATENS FREE GRANT WITHDRAWALS
Postbank has warned that the termination of its agreement with the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) could end free grant withdrawals for millions of beneficiaries. Currently, the deal allows grant recipients to withdraw funds at no cost, a critical service for vulnerable households. Without renewal, beneficiaries may face additional banking charges, reducing already limited incomes. Postbank stressed the importance of maintaining affordable access to grants and called for urgent resolution to protect social welfare. Civil society groups echoed concerns, warning that increased costs would deepen poverty and undermine government’s efforts to support the country’s most financially fragile citizens. (SOURCE: News24) |
BUSA HEADS TO COURT OVER 'UNWORKABLE' EQUITY TARGETS
Business Unity South Africa (Busa) has initiated legal proceedings against the recently implemented Employment Equity (EE) Sector Targets, effective from September 1. While Busa supports the Employment Equity Amendment Act and the principle of sectoral numerical targets, it contends that the current targets are substantively and procedurally flawed. The organization argues that if the targets remain, they could undermine the goal of an inclusive, transformed economy by creating uncertainty and weakening the regulatory process. Busa emphasizes that its legal action is not aimed at opposing transformation but at ensuring the proper implementation of the Employment Equity Act (Engineering News). |
40 CONTRACTORS BLACKLISTED FOR NON-PERFORMANCE
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has confirmed that 40 contractors have been blacklisted from working with his department and its entities. The action, a sharp increase from just one blacklisting since 2002, aims to curb corruption and poor performance in the construction sector. The blacklist, enforced by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), bars affected companies from bidding for tenders or receiving work. Macpherson said the reforms show government’s commitment to accountability, stressing that taxpayers deserve reliable infrastructure. He vowed continued reforms to strengthen procurement, recover funds where possible, and restore public confidence in the sector. (SOURCE: News24) |
ANGLO’S R44.1 BILLION VALTERRA SALE SETS JSE RECORD
Anglo American has completed the sale of its remaining 19.9% stake in Valterra Platinum for R44.1 billion, marking the largest equity capital markets transaction in Johannesburg Stock Exchange history. The divestment concludes Anglo’s exit from Valterra, enabling the mining giant to streamline its portfolio and refocus on copper, premium iron ore, and crop nutrients. Proceeds from the deal will bolster its balance sheet. Standard Bank, the sole South African bank in the syndicate, played a pivotal role in securing anchor demand. The placement cements Standard Bank’s leadership in strategic equity advice and landmark ECM transactions across the continent. (SOURCE: Moneyweb) |
NIGERIA CUTS INTEREST RATE AMID COOLING INFLATION
Nigeria’s central bank has cut its benchmark interest rate for the first time since 2020, lowering it from 27.5% to 27%. Governor Olayemi Cardoso said the decision followed signs of disinflation and aimed to support economic growth. Inflation eased to 20.1% in August from 21.9% the previous month, continuing a steady decline from 24.5% earlier this year. The naira has also strengthened 2.5% against the dollar in September, while upcoming harvests are expected to further reduce food price pressures. Nigeria, Africa’s fourth-largest economy, is the last among its peers to begin easing borrowing costs post-pandemic. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
CHINA RAMPS UP EXPORTS IN FACE OF US TARIFFS
Despite aggressive US Tariffs under Trump’s administration, China’s export engine remains undeterred, driving the country toward a record $1.2 trillion (about R21 trillion) trade surplus. Redirecting goods once aimed at the US, Chinese manufacturers now boldly dominate markets in India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Some nations worry their domestic industries will suffer under the deluge of low-priced imports and may consider anti-dumping measures. However, the political risks of confronting Beijing have restrained a more forceful response. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
SCIENTISTS DEBUNK TRUMP'S TYLENOL AUTISM CLAIMS
Scientists have strongly criticized President Donald Trump’s advice for pregnant women to avoid Tylenol, warning it misrepresents decades of research and could endanger mothers and babies. Trump linked the medication’s active ingredient, acetaminophen, to autism, suggesting women tolerate fevers instead. Experts stressed that untreated fever - not Tylenol - is a greater risk for autism, particularly in the second trimester. Major medical bodies, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, called the guidance irresponsible. Studies show acetaminophen can reduce autism risk associated with maternal fever and supported by personalised approaches that consider genetics, environment, and safer alternatives while maintaining standard fever and infection management during pregnancy. (SOURCE: Bloomberg) |
MORE WOMEN THAN MEN HEADING FOR SPACE IN NASA'S NEW CLASS
NASA has announced its newest astronaut class, with women making up the majority for the first time. Of the 10 selected candidates, six are women, marking a milestone in the agency’s push for greater diversity and representation in space exploration. The recruits will undergo two years of intensive training, preparing them for missions to the International Space Station, low-Earth orbit, and potentially future expeditions to the moon and Mars. NASA officials highlighted the importance of inclusivity in shaping the next generation of explorers, calling the class a reflection of both progress and the agency’s ambitious spaceflight goals. (SOURCE: NY Times) |
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Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
Francis of Assisi |
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| Dollar | R17.33 | - 0.03% | | Pound | R23.32
| - 0.16% | | Euro | R20.36 | - 0.04% | | Yen | 0.116783 |
| | Yuan | R2.43 | - 0.17% | | Bitcoin | $ 111 653.40
| - 1.50% |
These rates are correct at time of going to press. | | Platinum | $ 1 476.80
| - 0.27% | | Gold | $ 3 742.08
| + 0.16% | | Oil | $ 69.14
| + 0.22% | | All Share | 106 693.21
| + 0.69% | | Repo | 7.00 | | | Prime | 10.50 | |
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