By: Airports Company South Africa IMPORTANT NOTICE: Ongoing International Flight Disruptions 01 MARCH 2026  Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) notes ongoing global flight disruptions due to the evolving situation in the Middle East and the continued closure of United Arab Emirates (UAE) airspace. Travellers scheduled to depart from South African airports (Cape Town International Airport, O.R. Tambo International Airport, and King Shaka International Airport) to the Middle East and the UAE are strongly advised not to proceed to airport precincts until they have confirmed their flight status directly with their respective airlines. For rebooking and assistance, please contact: • Emirates –  www.emirates.com  | +971 600 555 555 • Qatar Airways –  www.qatarairways.com  | +974 4144 5555 | +44 3309 127 416 South African citizens stranded in affected areas should contact the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) or the nearest South African mission: +27 12 351 1000 CICC@dirco.gov.za ACSA continues to monitor developments in coordination with aviation stakeholders. We acknowledge the inconvenience caused and extend our support to all affected travellers. Please rely only on verified information from official sources. Further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available. LinkedIn post can be viewed here . Travellers are advised to not proceed with flights from South Africa to the UAE

There are holidays, and then there are journeys that stay with you forever. In 2026, Your Pass to Travel invites you to experience one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations — Alaska — with a carefully curated cruise and stay package designed for comfort, exploration, and unforgettable moments. From majestic glaciers and dramatic fjords to charming coastal towns and unforgettable wildlife encounters, this is a true bucket-list adventure combining city sophistication with untamed natural beauty. Travel Dates:  29 May – 20 September 2026 From:  R39,500 per person sharing Discover Alaska in 2026 with Your Pass to Travel Your Alaska Experience This exclusive package offers the perfect blend of vibrant city exploration and spectacular cruising, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience from start to finish. Your journey begins with return international flights included, taking you to the dynamic city of Seattle for a four-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Seattle’s waterfront charm, bustling markets, shopping districts, and renowned culinary scene provide the ideal introduction to your Alaskan adventure. All airport and port transfers are arranged for a smooth, stress-free transition from land to sea. You will then embark on a 7-night cruise aboard MSC Poesia, an elegant vessel known for its refined décor, excellent dining, and quality entertainment. As you sail through some of the most scenic waterways in the world, you’ll enjoy the comfort of well-appointed facilities and panoramic views at every turn. Your package also includes port charges and gratuities, ensuring no hidden surprises, as well as all meals onboard, allowing you to indulge in a variety of dining experiences throughout your cruise. The Magic of Alaska Alaska is nature at its most powerful and untouched. Towering glaciers and ancient fjords create awe-inspiring landscapes carved over thousands of years. Watching a glacier up close is both humbling and unforgettable. Wildlife sightings add to the magic, with opportunities to spot whales, bald eagles, sea lions, and other remarkable species in their natural habitat. Charming coastal towns rich in history and frontier spirit offer insight into Alaska’s unique culture, while snow-capped mountains and pristine waters form a dramatic backdrop that feels almost cinematic. Life Onboard While Alaska provides the breathtaking scenery, your cruise ship ensures comfort and entertainment throughout your journey. Enjoy live performances, elegant lounges with panoramic ocean views, spa and wellness facilities, and multiple dining venues catering to a range of tastes. Whether you prefer peaceful mornings taking in glacier views or vibrant evenings filled with entertainment, this experience offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Who Should Travel? This package is ideal for couples seeking a memorable getaway, friends travelling together, families wanting a unique and enriching holiday, nature lovers, photographers, and travellers ready to tick Alaska off their bucket list. Alaska’s cruise season is limited, and peak travel dates between May and September are in high demand. Early booking ensures the best availability and value. For bookings and enquiries: info@yourpasstotravel.co.za +27 67 194 0584 Alaska is more than a destination — it is an experience. Let Your Pass to Travel make it yours in 2026.

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO UNVEIL STATUES IN HONOUR OF FREEDOM STALWARTS IN ETHEKWINI President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 03 March 2026 preside over the unveiling of landmark statues of struggle icons President Nelson Mandela and former African National Congress President Oliver Reginald Tambo. The 10-metre statues have been installed in prominent and accessible locations in eThekwini Municipality. The statues celebrate the historic contribution made by both leaders to the country’s liberation and democracy and are directed at enhancing the city’s cultural and heritage tourism offering. The unveiling forms part of the municipality’s commitment to promote Durban as a heritage tourism destination. DETAILS OF THE EVENT ARE AS FOLLOWS 1st Statue: Date : Tuesday,03 March 2026 Time : 10h00am (media to arrive at 08h00) Venue : North Beach, OR Tambo Parade, eThekwini 2nd Statue: Time : 11h00 ( Media to arrive at 09h00) Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, eThekwini Address by President Ramaphosa Time: 12h00 ( media to arrive at 10h00) Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Mixed Zone, eThekwini SECOND ENGAGEMENT MEETING OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ETHEKWINI WORKING GROUP Following the unveiling ceremony, President Cyril Ramaphosa will convene a meeting of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) at the Durban ICC. The Presidential eThekwini Working Group, established in April 2024, is a collaborative initiative between The Presidency, the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) to address service delivery challenges, improve infrastructure, stabilise governance, and enhance economic growth in the municipality. The meeting will bring together key stakeholders including business and organised labour leaders, Ministers, Premier Thami Ntuli, Members of the Executive Council (MECs), senior government officials, and the Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Councillor Cyril Xaba. The engagement will take stock of progress made since the establishment of the Working Group and outline the next phase of focused interventions aimed at strengthening economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, and improved service delivery in eThekwini. Details of the meeting are as follows: Date: Tuesday, 03 March 2026 Time: 13h00 (media to arrive at 12h00) Venue: Durban ICC, EThekwini Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to submit their details to Gugu Mdlalose- gugu.mdlalose@durban.gov.za or 072 9444 835 and copy Patience Mtshali - Patience@presidency.gov.za no later than 28 February 2026. No late applications will be accepted. Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA www.thepresidency.gov.za PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO UNVEIL STATUES IN HONOUR OF FREEDOM STALWARTS IN ETHEKWINI

South Africa’s transition toward renewable energy is reshaping the national landscape. Across the country, cranes, graders and concrete mixers are hard at work on wind and solar farms that will supply the next generation of clean power. But beyond the visible turbines and solar panels lies the crucial groundwork that makes every project possible - the specialised civil engineering work that provides the platforms, roads and foundations for a sustainable future. From building access roads and haul routes to pouring reinforced-concrete foundations for turbine towers, civil engineering contractors form the backbone of renewable energy construction. Their expertise ensures that every structure is stable, every site accessible and every cable securely routed. According to the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry (BCCEI), these activities fall squarely within the civil-engineering scope and that means companies performing this work are required by law to register with the Council. “Renewable energy projects depend on solid civil engineering fundamentals,” Natasha Ramsawhook , Legal Advisor at the BCCEI, explains. “Foundations, cable trenches, roads, drainage systems and substations are all civil works that fall within our regulated framework. The companies carrying out this work play a vital role in South Africa’s energy transition and it is essential that they operate within the country’s legal and ethical labour standards.” Before a turbine can turn, civil contractors spend months preparing the terrain. Bulk earthworks, site clearance and compaction ensure stable ground conditions, topsoil must be stripped and stockpiled for rehabilitation, access roads are built to handle trucks carrying 80 plus metre long blades and heavy tower sections.  Once the earthworks are complete, deep concrete foundations are poured to anchor the turbines, while reinforced concrete pads are constructed for substations, transformers and maintenance facilities. Trenches are excavated for electrical and communication cables and storm-water drainage systems are installed to protect against flooding and erosion. Every one of these tasks is defined as civil engineering work and therefore falls under the BCCEI’s scope of regulation. The BCCEI, established under South Africa’s Labour Relations Act, regulates employment conditions within the civil engineering industry through six collective agreements. These cover wages, working hours, benefits and dispute resolution processes. Registration with the BCCEI is not optional - it ensures that companies comply with national labour legislation and it safeguards both employers and employees through transparent standardised practices. Non-compliance can result in financial penalties, back-payments, reputational damage and even disqualification from public tenders. Ramsawhook stresses that registration also brings tangible business benefits. It provides contractors with a Letter of Good Standing, confirming their compliance and improving eligibility for future projects. It also signals to developers and EPC contractors that a company operates ethically and professionally - a key consideration in a sector increasingly funded by international investors who demand strong governance and fair labour compliance. “Compliance isn’t just an administrative exercise,” she says. “It is about building a resilient professional industry that protects workers, upholds standards and supports sustainable growth. When contractors register with the BCCEI, they are strengthening their own businesses and contributing to the stability of South Africa’s renewable energy rollout.” As South Africa moves deeper into its just energy transition, civil engineering contractors are literally laying the foundations for a cleaner more resilient future. Their work enables the power lines, substations and roads that keep renewable-energy projects running - and through the BCCEI, the industry is ensuring that this progress rests on fair labour practices and sound governance. “Our message to contractors is simple,” Ramsawhook concludes. “If your company is performing civil works on renewable energy projects, whether as a main contractor or a subcontractor, you are part of the civil engineering industry and must be registered.” KEEP THE ENERGY FLOWING — AND REGISTER WITH THE BCCEI

By: Tyson Properties Right now, South Africa is entering an extremely interesting time for the property sector. Whether buying or selling the family home or snapping up a bargain buy for rental, those expecting to make substantial investments in property need to be aware of some key potential policy shifts as they move on to or even further up the so-called property ladder, advises Tyson Properties founder and CEO, Chris Tyson. He has identified three key areas as potential game changers:   1.     Scrapping the prime rate: Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago ’s announcement in Davos that it was looking into scrapping or restructuring the prime lending rate in order to modernise the financial system suggests a major realignment which is encouraging but probably less cataclysmic than the uninitiated might think. In short, the announcement surrounding the longevity of the prime rate did not stipulate the timing and talks to an ongoing investigation that could take a year or more.   The prime rate – which is 10.25% following an interest rate cut in November last year – has been the benchmark for the rate that banks offer clients since 2001, reflecting the addition of a standard 3.5% to the base rate offered by the central bank. When applying for a home loan, clients are offered a rate that centres on the prime rate and is then adjusted depending on the cost of funding, risk appetite and creditworthiness. “Doing away with the prime rate will increase competition for loans between lenders and see banks offering more market related options to potential clients. This comes at a time when there is evidence of greater demand for home loans as well as greater enthusiasm on the part of financial institutions to lend. However, in itself, scrapping the prime rate will not materially impact the cost of existing debt. Instead, banks will compete more for loan business using more market related and transparent prices going forward,” he says. Tyson warns that this will however put pressure on consumers to closely guard their credit health – bearing in mind that, on a R2-million bond, banks pocket at least R300 000 for every 1% in additional interest that they charge. With banks already under the watchful eye of the Competition Commission for alleged potential price fixing, the role of credit risk and the cost of lending will play a greater role in negotiations with lenders going forward and pave the way for better deals for first time borrowers. For those already paying off a mortgage, little is likely to change. 2.     The inflation factor Tyson adds that, what is potentially even more significant in the shorter term is how the Reserve Bank’s new 3% inflation goal beds down during 2026 as this will determine further interest rate cuts throughout the rest of the year. “It is this that will revive the market and give both existing and new homeowners ongoing relief. Towards the end of last year, inflation edged above the Reserve Bank’s 3% new target which explains the pause in interest rate cuts at the beginning of the year. If all goes well, inflation is expected to level off during the latter half of 2026 sparking at least two further cuts,” he says. However, even this entails some crystal ball gazing and, if the positive factors that have lent government some leeway on reducing debt and improving fiscal governance lose their edge, there’s the possibility of inflation inching upwards and out of the range for further relief.   Increased geopolitical and trade tensions could drive something like the oil price higher – with an obvious negative impact on inflation and household disposable income. For this reason, Tyson always advises buyers to create a contingency fund or buffer when setting affordable mortgage repayments. Work on a worst-case scenario and save by either by overpaying your bond when times are good or by paying the required amount and using the remainder to build up a savings fund on the side for tougher time, he advises.   3.     Local government leverage With the local government elections looming and pressure building on municipalities to get their houses in order, this will have important consequences for property owners, according to Tyson. The most obvious implication is that property values are closely impacted by local authorities’ abilities to provide services and ensure the health of local infrastructure. Constant outages – especially when it comes to water – tend to put downward pressure on property prices, leaving the better performing municipalities in the Western Cape leading the charge in this area. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during SONA that a white paper that will look at the structure of local authorities and potentially eliminate small dysfunctional authorities that have neither the funding nor the skills to meet their obligations is just months away and could be a game changer. The same goes for the ongoing drive to ring fence revenues so that, instead of putting ratepayers’ payments into a single pot for general usage, specific payments will go to the relevant areas. So, for example, water revenue will be used for upgrading and maintaining only water related infrastructure – a move that will yield positive outcomes in this department. The flip side, however, is that all households need to factor in rates, electricity and water service increases when determining affordability. See these as part of your bond and budget for the year-on-year, Tyson suggests. You can view the full article on their website here . Investors are advised to keep watch on properties in 2026

By: Super Tyres Super Tyres has announced the promotion of Nytanya Loretz from Operations Manager to General Manager, effective March 2026. The appointment marks an important milestone for the company as it continues to expand its national footprint and strengthen its position in South Africa’s tyre retail sector.   Loretz brings nearly two decades of experience across sales, marketing, operations, and financial management. Throughout her career, she has built high-performing teams, improved operational efficiency, and driven sustainable growth. Her broad expertise and systems-driven leadership style position her well to guide Super Tyres through its next phase of development.   In her new role, Loretz will oversee Sales, Finance, Marketing, and Operations. Her background includes leading regional and national sales teams, developing strategic sales plans, expanding key accounts, and driving consistent revenue growth. She has also played a pivotal role in marketing initiatives, including the development of marketing collateral, customer case studies, product launches, and the successful rollout of Super Tyres’ online shop.   Operationally, Loretz has managed national teams across technical, support, and commercial functions, introducing new systems, streamlining workflows, and driving automation initiatives that have enhanced service delivery. Her financial expertise spans cost analysis, profitability management, ROI evaluation, commission structures, and contract negotiation, ensuring disciplined and sustainable business growth.   Dean Horn, Managing Director of Super Tyres, welcomed the appointment. “Nytanya’s promotion reflects her exceptional leadership, commercial insight, and unwavering commitment to excellence. She has consistently set new benchmarks across our operations, and we are confident that under her guidance, Super Tyres will continue to grow, innovate, and deliver outstanding service to our customers.”   Loretz holds a BCom in Strategic Business Management with multiple distinctions, as well as formal qualifications in marketing, project management, and strategic leadership. She is widely recognised for her focus on people development and her ability to build strong, collaborative teams.   Her appointment also highlights Super Tyres’ commitment to inclusion and transformation within a traditionally male-dominated industry. The company has actively welcomed more women into roles across the business, from tyre fitters to management positions. This approach reflects the company’s belief that diverse perspectives strengthen performance, with women bringing valuable expertise, attention to detail, and strong customer service and leadership capabilities.   Commenting on her promotion, Loretz said she is both proud and excited by the opportunity to lead the business forward. “Super Tyres has a strong heritage built on excellence, integrity, and teamwork. As General Manager, my focus is on empowering our people, delivering exceptional service to our customers, and refining our operations so we continue to grow and innovate. I believe deeply in the potential of our teams and the power of working together with purpose. By building on our strengths and embracing continuous improvement, we can achieve ambitious goals and strengthen our position as a leader in the tyre retail industry.”   Horn said the appointment positions the company for continued growth and service excellence.   “Nytanya’s leadership, integrity, and commitment to our people and customers make her the ideal person to lead Super Tyres into its next chapter. We are confident that under her guidance the company will continue to thrive, strengthen its brand, and reach new heights in service excellence and operational performance, while delivering exceptional value to motorists across South Africa.” Nytanya Loretz -- New General Manager of Super Tyres

By: Bell Equipment South African Articulated Dump Truck (ADT) specialist, Bell Equipment, fully embraces the Internet of Things (IoT) as a means of enhancing fleet management, promoting interoperability on sites, and increasing the safety, efficiency, and productivity of its machines. Bell Product Manager, Brad Castle, explains: “In addition to embracing the IoT, Bell Equipment has chosen to be technology agnostic. This means that the computer system in our Bell ADTs enables our machines to integrate easily with various third-party technologies designed to make operations safer and more productive, such as proximity detection (PDS) and collision avoidance systems (CAS). “In addition to this, Bell ADTs have a technologically advanced platform with access to our Bell Fleetm@tic® telematics system. This gives fleet owners and operations managers a complete picture of their machine health and productivity from one user-friendly interface. “The simplicity and accessibility of Fleetm@tic® is a game changer,” says Brad. “Customers have a secure login and password, which enables them to monitor their machines from anywhere at any time, and they can generate reports to be delivered daily, weekly or monthly.It ’s a highly effective tool to identify bottlenecks, balance workloads and schedule proactive maintenance to minimize unplanned downtime.” In terms of safety, Fleetm@tic® provides real-time tracking of a machine’s location, speed,and operating status. For asset management, geofencing enables owners to set safe zones, speed limits, and prohibit tipping in hazardous or prohibited areas. Alerts are automatically issued for fault codes, unsafe tipping and driving violations. Productivity of Bell ADTs is tracked by monitoring metrics including laden and unladen cycles, payloads and fuel burn. Autonomous and PDS-ready platform According to Brad, Bell was one of the first OEMs to offer an ADT ready for Level 9 PDS and CAS solutions in response to changes to South Africa’s mining legislation regarding trackless mobile machines that came into effect in December 2022. PDS improves the operator’s awareness by detecting potential collision threats and warning the operator visually and audibly, whereas CAS intervenes by either slowing the vehicle down or stopping it to prevent or at least reduce the severity of collisions between equipped vehicles and equipped pedestrians.  Brad says that this paved the way for autonomous Bell ADTs and, thanks to being technology agnostic, Bell can work with numerous service providers, which meet the ISO requirements, to offer customers fully remote controlled, supervised autonomous and complete autonomous solutions, depending on their requirements. “We have already successfully integrated with several different systems through offering a combination of adaptable hardware, simulation tools and shared testing facilities to service providers to support our customers implementing third party technologies.” “The Bell-designed gateway controller can be retrofitted to current and older-generation ADTs to provide a network interface for system control. Installations can be easily completed on site at the customers operation,” says Brad. Read the full article on their website here .

By: Dylan Naidoo   When thinking about drinking bottles made for kids, we usually think of small, sipper bottles that easily fit inside those net pockets on the side of school bags, or inside lunchboxes. Whatever the bottle is, one central problem has always been apparent, wet schoolbags. It’s one of the reasons why during my school years I never took a water bottle, rather opting to take an empty water bottle to school, fill water, and make sure it's empty on my way back home. So yes, you better be as pleased as I was when I realised that aQuellé has finally fixed this long-time issue, with aQuellé Splash.   aQuellé Splash was a new range announced back in 2024, targeted specifically at school children. One of the main selling points of the Splash range is the ‘zero spill cap’, eliminating the big burden amongst countless parents. On top of this, instead of a traditional sipper, the bottle featured their ‘push and sip’ design, making it easy for little ones to use as well. The range features 8 flavours, dubbed as “Featuring eight fun animals, aQuellé Splash makes every sip a delightful experience for children and parents alike.   Overall, the product is impressive, and I wish aQuellé would advertise Splash a lot more. The product is innovative, fixing an existing problem in a well-thought-out fashion, whilst costing the same as regular aQuellé. It is just amazing, but I do wish it was marketed more broadly, like the rest of their range.   So, moms and dads alike, the days of wet schoolbags are finally over. Grab your child an aQuellé Splash and finally rest at ease. aQuellé Splash   Want to WIN a Splash-branded lunch bag? Comment with a 🎒 emoji to stand a chance to win! https://www.facebook.com/aQuelleSA Competition closes on 11 March 2026.  T&Cs apply.

By: Dylan Naidoo   On 25 February 2026, the National Treasury broadcasted the national budget speech. It was hosted in Cape Town and announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.   Introduction of the Speech During the introduction, one of the first aspects mentioned was that, after 17 years, the national debt has begun to stabilise, with debt service cost also falling. This announcement was great news to hear, considering six years ago South Africa was downgraded to junk status by major credit agencies. As such, major milestones have been met:   South Africa has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list South Africa receives its first credit rating upgrade since the last 16 years Borrowing costs have been reduced   Domestic Outlook A projected 1.6% economic growth in 2026, an improvement over 2025 Economic growth is expected to reach 2% by 2028 Minister Enoch Godongwana notes several challenges, including logistics bottleneck, weak infrastructure and the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)   The Fiscal Strategy The new fiscal strategy encompasses four major features: Accelerating public investment; enhancing public spending efficiency; improving spending composition whilst increasing capital investment; and sustaining public finances. This strategy is expected to achieve great results, including reducing the gross debt.   Economic Information for 2026 The Gross tax revenue is revised up by R21.3 billion compared to the 2025 Budget estimate. The government has withdrawn R20 billion in tax increases provisionally included in the May 2025 Budget. The tax-free annual investment limit will increase to R46,000 per year. The limit to retirement fund deductions will be raised to R430,000. The VAT registration threshold for small business has been increased to R2.3 million and applies to small businesses worth R15 million.   Tobacco: Excise duties on tobacco will be increased in line with inflation. This includes: 20-pack of cigarettes rises to R23,58; Pipe tobacco rises by 28 cents per 25 grams; and cigarette tobacco by 87 cents per 50 grams.   Alcohol : Alcohol beverages will also rise due to inflation, which includes: A 340 millilitre can of beer or cider increases by 8 cents.; a 750-millilitre bottle of wine goes up by 15 cents; a 750-millilitre bottle of spirits will increase by R3.20.   Fuel Levy:  Fuel levies will also increase due to inflation, which includes: The general fuel levy increases to 9 cents per litre for petrol and 8 cents per litre for diesel; the carbon fuel levy increases to 5 cents per litre for petrol and 6 cents for diesel; and The Road Accident Fund levy increases by 7 cents per litre.   Infrastructure: In the medium term, public spending on infrastructure will exceed R1 trillion. This is split accordingly: R577.4 billion is spent by state-owned companies and entities; R217.8 billion spent by provinces and R205.7 billion spent by municipalities. The Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) has approved R21.9 billion on five major projects.   Special Appropriation Bill: The introduction of the special appropriation bill includes the following: R5.8 billion for PRASA’s rolling stock fleet renewal programme; R1 billion for South Africa’s share subscription to the international The National Treasury is easing restrictions on the cross-border flows of capital.   More Budget Information The Public Network Grant has been decreased by “about R8.4 billion” over the next three years. R8.5 billion has been added to the contingency reserve. Crypto assets are now governed under the cross-border movement of capital framework. R700 million for the Department of Communications and Digital Technology   Budget Allocation   48.9% (R951.7 billion) of nationally raised revenue to be allocated to the government, along with 41,7% (R810.5 billion) allocated to provinces and 9.4% (R182,3 billion) allocated to local government. R342 million to the provincial equitable share of Grade R teacher’s salary R340 million for the early retirement or voluntary exit programme R319 million for the presidential employment initiative R1.5 billion to the provincial roads’ maintenance grant in 2026/27 Basic education receives R22.7 billion for carry-through costs; R9.9 billion in employee compensation; Early childhood development grant to gain an additional R12.8 billion over the next three years; the increased per child, per-day subsidy of R24 R26 billion towards the HIV/AIDS programme R21.3 billion towards the health sector over a medium term R86.9 billion to support the provision of free basic services R27,7 billion towards performance-based reform of the metro trading services including water, electricity, sanitation and solid waste   Minister Enoch Godongwana ended his speech by thanking the members of the house and is hopeful for the future of the South African economy.   You can access the full transcript of the speech here . Minister Enoch Godongwana at the 2026 Budget Speech

By: Dylan Naidoo   Walmart’s recent press release suggests the store giant may open stores in both KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Western Cape sooner than expected. The announcement comes shortly after Massmart, a Walmart brand and parent company of Game, announced the closure of 20 Game stores across KZN, Gauteng and Western Cape. In the press release, Walmart announced that 21 new Walmart stores will be built in KZN, Gauteng and Western Cape, indicating that the Walmart stores may replace the existing Game stores. This wouldn’t be the first time this has happened, as the Walmart stores in Clearwater and Fourways Mall previously used to be Game stores.   The rise of American store brands in South Africa Walmart has had an eye for the South African market for a long time, first acquiring a majority stake of Massmart back in 2011. Walmart then took full control of Massmart in 2022, securing Game as a store under their control. With growing recognition of Walmart in South Africa, they opened their own physical store in 2025. Walmart is not the only American store entering South Africa, as in 2024 Amazon entered the South African market with their online store, competing with local competition such as Takealot and Bash. This entry has created a worrying problem in that local wholesalers may be at risk against the American giant. This possibility has already been proven with Amazon, mostly undercutting Takealot in pricing and offering free delivery for a majority of their products. The same can be seen with Game, except in this instance, Walmart could potentially completely replace Game.   The new potential Walmart stores Walmart reported great results from their Clearwater and Fourways Mall launch back in 2025. This success was confirmed in their statement: “Since opening our first Walmart store in Clearwater Mall, we have been pleased to see independently published total price comparisons confirming that Walmart has delivered a low-price advantage on a comparable trolley of everyday essentials, including bread, milk, eggs, rice, sunflower oil and sugar.” However, when looking back at the Game store closures, one store of interest was Game at Westwood Mall in Westville, Durban. Considering this Game store is closing and the strategy of Walmart in South Africa, one can speculate this Game store may soon be transformed into a Walmart, marking their entry into KZN.   Walmart’s entry in the South African market can be seen as a wakeup call for local wholesalers. Competition from one of America’s biggest wholesalers is enough to disrupt the market, as seen with Amazon’s e-commerce take over, which now threatens Takealot. With Walmart’s planned expansion to KZN and Western Cape, it is clear that the wholesaler is here to stay and the competition needs to get more driven. Walmart may enter the KZN market soon. Image link here .

LONDON – In an increasingly interconnected global economy, South African companies  are finding a powerful new ally in their quest for international expansion. The Africa  Marketing Initiative (TAMI), a flagship initiative of the South African Chamber United  Kingdom (UK Chamber) Business Hub, is transforming how local enterprises navigate  the complexities of cross-border trade.  By operating as an intercontinental business networking portal, TAMI is designed to  bridge the gap between South African ingenuity and global opportunity. The platform’s  primary mission is to establish eƯicient trade and investment relationships both into  and out of South Africa, creating a seamless conduit for economic development.  Unlocking Global Networks  For many South African firms, the hurdle to international growth is often a lack of  trusted connections. TAMI addresses this by interlinking the 21 South African Foreign  Chambers within the Council of Foreign Chambers of Commerce. This provides local  businesses with direct access to professional networks in major global hubs, including  the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and  Singapore.  The initiative serves as a centralized hub where both large organizations and small-to medium enterprises (SMEs) can connect, collaborate, and explore new commercial  horizons. "There is nothing more powerful for a business seeking growth than to be  introduced into trusted networks within their specific target market," the Chamber  notes, emphasizing the value of collaborative partnership.  In-Country Expertise at Your Fingertips  One of TAMI’s most significant value-adds is its roster of Functional Foundation service  providers. South African companies looking to set up operations abroad can gain  immediate access to high-quality professionals in essential sectors such as banking,  legal support, supply chain and logistics, ICT, and financial services.  These services are further bolstered by Chapter Leaders—professional in-country  facilitators who provide the local business understanding and guidance necessary to  navigate foreign regulatory environments, including tax authorities and immigration  departments.  Tailored Support for Trade Success  To ensure that South African companies don't just enter new markets but thrive in them,  TAMI oƯers specialized tools:  • Regional Research Projects: For a standard fee (typically GBP 2500), businesses  receive a professional scoping activity and a formal Project Completion Report to help  them understand localized market dynamics.  • Facilitated Introductions: TAMI provides one-on-one introduction capabilities,  connecting business owners directly with potential partners or service providers either  in person or through digital channels.  • Knowledge Base: Members can access in-country data sheets containing  demographic and investment information, alongside local "Notice Boards" that highlight  immediate trade opportunities.  A Growing Ecosystem  By promoting the transfer of business knowledge and opportunity, TAMI is fostering a  robust business-to-business ecosystem. As the platform continues to grow, it aims to  ensure the legitimacy and accuracy of all business-related interactions, giving South  African directors and executives the confidence to seize global opportunities.  For South African companies ready to scale, TAMI oƯers more than just a directory; it  provides the systems, controls, and institutional networks required to unlock a global  future.  Contact Annette Christie for further details.   Mobile: +27 (0) 79 174 6839  Email: achristie@sachamber.co.uk   Web: https://southafricanchamber.co.uk/   TRADE SMARTER, THRIVE TOGETHER TAMI: The New Gateway for South African Businesses to Conquer Global Markets

By: Durban Tourism Team Durban proudly joined forces with uShaka Marine World, Protea Hotel Karridene Beach, and the uMhlanga and Durban Central CTO to collectively showcase the depth and diversity of Durban’s tourism and business events offering. Through strategic partnerships and unified representation, we continue to position Durban as a dynamic, world-class destination for meetings, conferences, and incentives. Facebook post can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1bF58cGMbH/ Durban Tourism in collaboration with uShaka Marine World