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Vodacom NXT LVL Youth Connect Session - Muhle Ndwalane

The Corporate and Natural Resources team comprises a commercial team of lawyers that is optimal for its specialisation in the merger, acquisition, amalgamation and restructuring space. Managing Partner, Michael Jackson, heads this team of four partners, an associate and three candidate attorneys. “Together we tackle head on the core issues of efficiency, trust, culture and consistency with a view to creating a truly collaborative team of lawyers working together, to best serve our clients’ needs,” says Jackson. Client relationships are viewed as long term commitments, with the preferred approach being building relationships and rapport. This approach allows clients to be confident with the team’s legal grounding and ability to offer pragmatic commercial solutions. The team also offers expertise in: · Corporate Finance · Corporate Advisory · Competition Law · Empowerment and Transformation · Natural Resources and Energy · Dispute Resolution The team has a particular focus on the mining, sugar, banking, manufacturing, agribusiness, telecommunications, logistics, recycling and timber sectors. Contact us on: T: +27 (0)31 536 8500 W: www.coxyeats.co.za

A R47-million multi-functional indoor centre will be built to accommodate Durban Girls College’s  growing enrolment and enhance facilities – a bold step that will enhance the future of this iconic school, positioning it as a destination school offering world-class facilities that support a holistic and forward-thinking education for girls, said Heidi Rea, executive head of the school. The state-of-the-art 3,370 m² facility, spanning three storeys, will include a sports centre, multi-purpose hall and additional boarding and staff accommodation.  Designed by Elphick Proome Architecture  (EPA) - the award-winning firm behind the College’s Aquatic Centre and Miller Grove building - the project reflects modern design, functionality, and sustainability while honouring the school’s character and heritage.  Construction begins in March 2026, with completion scheduled for May 2027, marking the school’s 150th anniversary. The sports centre will feature a spacious 1,560 m² hall, with seating for 350 spectators. It is being built to accommodate tennis, badminton, hockey, netball, volleyball, and basketball. Natural light will flood the space through a south-facing rooflight and perimeter clerestory windows, creating an inspiring and energy-efficient environment. The multi-purpose hall offers 575 m² of flexible event space with a striking double-volume ceiling and direct access to a landscaped courtyard - is ideal for exhibitions, examinations and social events. A central covered outdoor area will serve as a circulation hub, linking the new facilities with the boarding house, parking areas, and the astro hockey field, which will include external seating for 175 spectators. Full accessibility is ensured via lift access across all levels. George Elphick, from Elphick Proome Architects, explained that the design for the indoor centre was driven by a clear goal - to create a highly functional and welcoming hub that seamlessly integrates with campus life. The architecture prioritises connectivity, wellness, and a respectful nod to the school's heritage. The Sports Centre, which is a cornerstone of the project is the versatile, high-volume hall that will be flooded with natural light from the south-facing rooflight and clerestory windows. This not only creates an optimal environment for athletic performance but also significantly reduces reliance on artificial lighting. “Connectivity was fundamental. The central, covered courtyard acts as the main circulation node, intuitively linking the new sports centre, multi-purpose hall, existing College House, and the outdoor facilities. With a lift providing full step-free access from the lower parking up to the sports hall and hockey field, we've ensured the entire facility is genuinely inclusive and accessible to all,” he said.  Elphick explained that the contemporary material palette was chosen to respectfully reference the red face brick and white plaster bands of the original campus buildings, translating their rhythmic contrast into a modern architectural language. This, combined with providing student and staff accommodation with beautiful views over Durban, ensures the new facility feels both rooted in its context and forward-looking in its purpose.

You’re invited to GrowthCLUB 90-Day Planning Day , a powerful one-day business planning workshop designed to help you refocus, plan effectively and build a clear, actionable 90-day plan to finish 2025 strong. Event Details Date:  Thursday, 20 November 2025 Time:  08:30 – 15:30 Venue:  Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, 63 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban Speaker: Sarah Ferguson  — world-record endurance swimmer and founder of Breathe Conservation Pricing & Offers Standard Ticket:  R4,390 (incl. VAT) Early Bird Special:  Buy 1 ticket and bring a guest FREE Table Offer:  Table of 5 for R8,500 Tickets include all event materials, pre-work templates, refreshments, lunch, and a complimentary follow-up coaching session If you’d like to end the year with clarity, confidence and a solid plan - this day is for you. Represented by Business Mastery (Pty) Ltd 12 Palmiet Drive Westville KwaZulu Natal South Africa Cell: +2771 705 2340 Landline: +27 31 266 2258  Website • Facebook  • LinkedIN  • YouTube • Events

The wait is finally over! The KZN Top Business Woman 2025 event, celebrating the achievements of KwaZulu-Natal’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs, is premiering live on YouTube tonight at 19:00. This is your exclusive chance to witness the brilliance, innovation, and drive of 40 remarkable women shaping the business landscape. From trailblazing start-ups to established enterprises, these women represent the best of KZN’s entrepreneurial spirit. Their journeys are filled with resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Each story offers inspiration, motivation, and valuable insights for anyone looking to make an impact in business. What to Expect: Exclusive Portrait Reveals: See the featured women and learn more about their unique journeys. Inspiring Stories: Hear first-hand how they’ve overcome challenges to achieve success. Business Insights: Gain practical tips and motivation from some of the region’s top entrepreneurs. Networking Opportunities: Connect virtually with like-minded professionals through the live chat. This is more than just an awards event – it’s a celebration of female leadership, innovation, and empowerment. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business enthusiast, or someone looking for inspiration, this premiere is not to be missed. 📺 Watch live on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7FNIS4pVP54?si=EDsJEyu9SbAqQZkP Be inspired. Be motivated. Celebrate excellence.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba met with local Chinese businesses as part of the City’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with Chinese investors in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in Durban. The engagement took place yesterday, 12 November, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. Held under the theme “Creating a conducive environment for business growth through a robust transport and logistics sector,” the session aimed to build on existing relations, identify new investment opportunities, and develop tangible solutions to challenges that may hinder progress. Mayor Xaba said the Municipality has in recent months hosted several delegations from cities across the People’s Republic of China, all seeking to deepen economic relations with eThekwini. “Last month, I had the privilege of leading a delegation to various cities in China to position Durban as an indispensable strategic partner for Chinese businesses in South Africa. Beyond being a port city, Durban serves as an economic gateway linking Asia, Africa, and the Global South. Our strong and multi-layered relationships with key Chinese cities provide a unique framework for partnership across logistics, manufacturing, digital trade, and green technology.” Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Durban, Li Zhigong, described Durban as “a city of energy and opportunity.” He said Chinese-invested companies have been an active force in South Africa’s development, contributing to local employment, infrastructure improvement, and community welfare. “China remains committed to opening its market and sharing developmental opportunities with Africa. The new zero-tariff policy for African countries with diplomatic ties to China reflects this determination. It will help South African goods enter the Chinese market more easily, create new trade channels, and deepen our industrial cooperation,” he said. Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli reaffirmed that eThekwini is open for business and remains committed to partnering with the private sector to position Durban as a destination of choice for investment.

PROJECTS USING AFRISAM CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS SHINE AT 24TH CONSTRUCTION WORLD BEST PROJECTS AWARDS AfriSam’s long standing commitment to excellence and innovation in the built environment was once again underscored at the 24th Construction World Best Projects Awards, where several projects using its construction materials were recognised for outstanding achievement. As one of the event’s founding supporters, AfriSam also sponsors the AfriSam Innovation Award for Sustainable Construction recognising the need to encourage and support sustainability. The company’s continued association reflects its dedication to promoting best practice, sustainability and quality in South Africa’s construction industry. H&I’s Malmesbury Bypass -  Special Mention Among the recognised projects was the Malmesbury Bypass in the Western Cape, a large-scale infrastructure initiative being constructed by leading regional contractor H&I. The project received a Special Mention for its contribution to strategic infrastructure development under the National Infrastructure Plan 2050, focusing on the Saldanha–Northern Cape Development Corridor. Commencing in March 2023 and due for completion in January 2026, the project involves 6,7 km of new greenfield road construction, extensive bridges, ramps and an agricultural underpass that will streamline traffic and enhance safety around the town of Malmesbury. AfriSam has partnered with H&I as a key material supplier, providing a range of aggregates and readymix concrete from its Rheebok quarry north of Malmesbury and Peninsula facility. These have been used for fill and layer works, as well as the construction of five post-tensioned twin rib deck bridges and an agricultural underpass. Approximately 14,000 m³ of readymix concrete were supplied for these structures. The project’s technical complexity - from extensive cut-and-fill operations in hilly terrain to the crossing of rivers and wetlands - demonstrates the engineering expertise and material quality required for high-performance infrastructure. Teichmann Structures’ Market Road Bridge, Pietermaritzburg - Special Mention Another highlight was the continuous concrete pour on the Market Road Bridge in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, which earned a Special Mention for precision planning and execution. Constructed by Teichmann Structures under Grinaker LTA’s New England Joint Venture for SANRAL, the bridge is part of a major N3 highway upgrade. AfriSam supplied the 1,300 m³ of readymix concrete required for the 103 m bridge deck, delivered in 218 truckloads during a single overnight pour in April 2025. The pour commenced at 20h00 and concluded in the early hours of the morning, allowing the road to reopen by 06h00 –- all without incidents or delays. This operation stands out for its logistical precision and quality outcome, contributing to one of South Africa’s most important freight corridors. Concor’s Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1 - Highly Commended and Special Mention AfriSam also celebrated recognition for Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1 in Johannesburg, constructed by Concor, which received a Highly Commended Award in the Building Contractors Category and a Special Mention in the AfriSam Innovation Award for Sustainable Construction. The Oxford Parks development is a benchmark for sustainable urban building, showcasing energy efficiency, responsible material selection and innovative design practices aligned with green building principles. AfriSam’s low carbon cementitious products and concrete solutions played a vital role in achieving the project’s sustainability goals. A Legacy of Excellence “AfriSam has supported the Construction World Best Projects Awards from the beginning because we believe in recognising excellence that uplifts the construction industry,” Richard Tomes, AfriSam Sales and Marketing Executive says. “Seeing projects that incorporate our materials being honoured is a source of great pride and proof of the quality and consistency we bring to every partnership.” For 24 years, the company’s sponsorship of the AfriSam Innovation Award for Sustainable Construction has encouraged forward-thinking approaches to infrastructure and building projects - ensuring that sustainability remains a central pillar of construction in South Africa.

During the recent KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference held in Durban, sixteen multi-national and local businesses pledged to invest a total of R70.8 billion in their manufacturing plants and new property developments across the province over the next two years. This is a great buildup towards the 2025 South African Investment Conference . Investment pledges spanned sectors from manufacturing, tourism, automotive, and logistics to property development projects.   SAPPI’s R10.8 Billion Investment and Business Growth   One of the investors is the  locally brewed paper giant, the South African Pulp and Paper Industries Limited (SAPPI) which was founded in 1936 with  headquarters in Johannesburg. The company produces and sells commodity paper products, pulp, dissolving pulp, forest and timber products for the Southern African and international markets.   Sappi pledged a R10.8 billion investment to upgrade and improve the performance of its business, improve profitability, align with its group strategic objectives, and deliver on our sustainability commitments.   Financial Success and Market Performance   Recently the company went through quite noticeable cosmetic adjustments and improvements. In September 2024, the long-serving CEO of Sappi Southern Africa, Mr. Alex Tiel, handed over the baton to the former Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mr. Graeme Wild, to continue taking the business to greater heights. Shares rallied on this move while it reported a better-than-expected earnings performance for its fourth quarter. Healthy demand from customers in North America and South Africa helped, with the group also getting a boost from improving prices for dissolving pulp.   According to the company’s recent financial report, the South African region delivered an excellent quarter with an adjusted EBITDA of ZAR 2,033 million, enabling the region to achieve its third consecutive record performance. The success was largely driven by variable cost savings and favourable selling prices for DP. Sappi’s financial results for the fourth quarter and full year exceeded expectations, and on 6 November 2024, the directors approved a dividend (number 91) of 14 US cents per share, which will be paid to shareholders this month.   As South Africa’s official marketing agency, Brand South Africa takes a keen interest in showcasing local businesses making huge economic strides to better position the country as a competitive investment destination of choice to potential investors.   Sources : https://www.sappi.com/sappi-appoints-graeme-wild-as-chief-executive-officer-of-its-south-african-operations https://www.engineeringnews.co.za   Key Takeaways from the KZN Investment Conference: 8 billion pledged by local and multinational companies. SAPPI’s R10.8 billion commitment strengthens its operations and sustainability. Strong Q4 performance for SAPPI, driven by high demand and cost savings. Brand South Africa takes a keen interest in showcasing local businesses.

I’m test driving a car that turns heads everywhere I go. Whether I’m pulling up at the Radisson Hotel Durban Umhlanga or just rolling into the gym parking lot, it’s clear that being behind the wheel of a big, bold SUV has its perks. Hyundai’s new 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid is definitely one of those cars that loves the spotlight. Step inside and the good impressions keep coming. The cabin feels solid and classy, with clean lines and high-quality materials all around. The curved twin 12.3-inch screens stretch across the dash, giving it a sleek, modern vibe with a luxurious finish. Hybrid Power This is the first hybrid Santa Fe to hit South African roads, and it’s a great debut. Under the bonnet sits a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor. Together they deliver 175 kW and 367 Nm through a six-speed automatic gearbox to all four wheels. On the road, the system feels smooth and effortless. The electric motor fills in the gaps, ironing out turbo lag and making pull-offs quiet and refined even my dogs didn’t notice when I started the car in the driveway. When you push it harder, the petrol engine gets a bit more vocal and the hybrid setup starts to show its limits, but overall it’s impressively calm and polished. Gear shifts are seamless, and the ride feels confident and composed. Space-wise, the Santa Fe ticks all the right boxes for families. There are seven seats, loads of legroom, and still, plenty of space for luggage. The big dual pane panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light and adds to the airy, open feel. Comfort and convenience are high on the list too. There’s wireless phone charging, heated and ventilated front seats, and even heated second-row seats for those chilly mornings. Everything feels thought out and designed to make life easier. Hyundai has really nailed it with this one. The new Santa Fe Hybrid is a big SUV that’s ready for the future, combining space, safety, tech, and efficiency in one seriously good-looking package. If you’re after a seven-seater that stands out and keeps fuel costs down, this one’s worth a test drive. #HYUNDAISANTAFE #grantadlam

The Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) will undertake an inspection in loco on Thursday, 13November 2025, visiting key sites across the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. This inspection will highlight progress on flagship initiatives aimed at revitalising tourism, regenerating theinner city, and advancing critical water and environmental infrastructure, including the Southern Aqueduct and Umlazi Canal Expansion Project. It is a collaborative effort with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry Non-Profit Company, representing the voice of business through the PeWG, which serves as a key partner in this initiative. This engagement offers media an opportunity to witness first-hand the tangible impact of PeWG interventions, engage with key stakeholders, and explore both the successes and address challenges impacting on service delivery. Media are invited to cover the following highlights: • Photo opportunity at the start of the closed stakeholder briefing. • Site tour of projects across the municipality. • Press briefing detailing progress across key sectors, support for local businesses, and the full programme for the day. The details of the visit are as follows: Date: Thursday, 13 November 2025 Time: 08:30 – 16:00 (Accredited media will receive a detailed itinerary) Assembly Point: Moses Mabhida Stadium, followed by site visits across eThekwini. Journalists wishing to cover the proceedings are requested to RSVP by 15:00 on Tuesday, 11 November 2025 to: Ishmael Selemale – Ishmael@gcis.gov.za OR Lihle Nxumalo – Lihle@gcis.gov.za

Johannesburg, South Africa — [06 November 2025]:  Sappi, a diversified industrial business that utilises renewable resources to produce woodfibre-based products for global markets, today announced its audited financial results for the year ended 30 September 2025. The global group which has manufacturing operations on 3 continents and sells its products in over 150 countries, is now turning its attention to extracting operational benefits from bedding down a key North American investment while reducing debt.   “Sappi’s immediate focus remains on internal levers within the company’s control,” says Sappi CEO Steve Binnie, adding: “Our ‘Back to Basics’  focus is to reduce debt and strengthening the balance sheet through targeted cost savings initiatives and operational efficiency improvements.”   Financial summary for the period include: The group delivered Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, special items and the plantation fair value price adjustment) of US$501 million for FY2025 and a loss of US$177 million. In March 2025, the company successfully completed a €300 million bond issuance of 4.500% sustainability-linked senior notes due in 2032. A vote of confidence from lenders in Sappi’s sustainability strategy and long-term debt profile. At year end, liquidity remained healthy with cash on hand of US$219 million and US$602 million from unutilised committed revolving credit facilities (RCF) in South Africa and Europe. Strong institutional investor support from long-term anchor shareholders and positive analyst consensus outlook. Geographical performance   South Africa The South African region delivered a satisfactory performance within the context of challenging global paper market conditions, weaker dissolving wood pulp (DWP) pricing, and adverse USD/ZAR exchange rate movements affecting the pulp segment. Domestic containerboard demand were boosted as the citrus season concluded with citrus production significantly higher than last year. South African operations delivered ZAR26.18 billion in revenue with adjusted EBITDA of ZAR5.2 billion for the year.   North America Revenue for the North American operations was $1.73 billion with Adjusted EBITDA of $133m for the year. A key highlight was the completion of the Somerset Mill PM2 conversion and expansion project in North America – a key technology upgrade. Although the start-up was delayed, the technical ramp-up is exceeding expectations with excellent initial market feedback of product quality. Sales volumes for packaging and speciality papers increased 22% compared to the previous year as production at the Somerset Mill stabilised and the PM2 ramp-up progressed through the quarter. Despite the higher sales, segment profitability remained below last year’s levels, primarily due to lower pricing in weak market conditions and higher costs. The cost increase was in line with expectations and reflected operational inefficiencies and limited fixed cost absorption during the transitional PM2 ramp-up phase.   Europe Market conditions in Europe remained challenging with a continuing high level of competition against the backdrop of an oversupplied and weak demand environment. The weak operating conditions have underscored the need for continued proactive measures to strengthen Sappi’s competitive position. Sales volumes in the packaging and speciality papers segment improved by 8% compared to last year driven primarily by increased sales of label paper while paperboard demand remained stable and flexible packaging - especially in the dairy segment - showed gradual signs of recovery. The region delivered revenue of EUR2.03 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of EUR58 million.   Outlook Challenging global macroeconomic conditions and persistent geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt market stability, creating ongoing supply and demand imbalances across our industry. In addition, heightened trade tensions and the resulting realignment of supply chains are introducing additional costs and uncertainty. While these conditions have created a more complex operating environment, Sappi remains confident in the underlying strength of its business and the resilience of its operations.   In support of the leadership team’s commitment to reducing debt, capital expenditure has been adjusted downward to below US$300 million per annum for the next two years, with no expansionary capex anticipated during this period.   Commenting on the outlook for the first financial quarter, Binnie said: “Taking into account the confluence of market factors and the scheduled maintenance shut at the Somerset Mill, we anticipate that the Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of FY2026 will be below that of the fourth quarter of FY2025.”   Binnie concludes: “Sappi is a well-capitalised business with a proven ability to adapt and respond to market cycles. Our recent strategic growth investments in packaging and speciality papers and dissolving wood pulp (DWP) have strengthened our portfolio and position us well to benefit from a market recovery. We remain committed to navigating the current operating environment with discipline and transparency, prioritising cash generation to reenforce our balance sheet and further enhance our financial resilience. ”

KZN Business Sense is a prominent newspaper and online platform serving the business community in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. It provides vital information on market trends, investment opportunities, regulatory changes, and profiles of influential business leaders. ## Key Features - Dual Format: Available in digital and tabloid print formats, catering to diverse readership - Content: In-depth analyses, expert opinions, success stories, and case studies highlighting local businesses - Target Audience: Entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and local business owners - Frequency: Bi-monthly print tabloid and online updates - Distribution: King Shaka International Airport, business chambers, government departments, and online platforms ## Objectives - Inform and empower businesses in KZN - Promote local businesses and innovation - Foster collaboration and networking within the community ## Contact Information - Editorial: Gayle McLennan-Smith ( gayle@mweb.co.za ) - Contact: Grant Adlam (grant@kznchamber.co.za)