TrendySA Online

PRETORIA - The South African Reserve Bank has officially launched two new commemorative circulation coins, celebrating the legacies of Charlotte Maxeke as well as the women of the 1956 Women’s March. The R2 coin featuring Charlotte Maxeke’s profile celebrates her becoming the first black South African woman to obtain a university degree 125 years ago. The design was inspired by the beads she wore in her early years. Addressing the launch, Governor Lesetja Kganyago reflected: “For a black woman at that time, access to higher education was not simply limited; it was almost unimaginable. The barriers before her were legal, social, economic and cultural. That is why her graduation in 1901 … was so extraordinary. It was not only a personal milestone; it was a direct act of defiance against the limits that the authorities and society of her time had placed on black people, and on black women in particular.”   #MilestonesOfFreedom #CharlotteMaxeke #1956WomensMarch #WomenWhoOpe...

CAPE TOWN - Russell Baatjies, Group Chief Executive of Transnet Freight Rail, has been confirmed as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 – Africa's premier gathering for the mining industry – taking place October 14-16 in Cape Town. Baatjies will participate in the Regional Connectivity: Financing Africa's Mineral Infrastructure panel, where he is expected to discuss Transnet's strategy to modernize South Africa's freight rail network, expand private sector participation and strengthen regional logistics corridors to support mining growth and cross-border trade. His participation comes as South Africa accelerates sweeping logistics reforms aimed at removing infrastructure bottlenecks and unlocking greater investment across its mining sector. As the country seeks to mobilize R2 trillion to develop its critical minerals industry – including an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore resources – expanding rail and port capacity has become central to ...

USA - Meta announced the official rollout of advertisements inside the WhatsApp Updates tab—specifically appearing between organic Status updates and within Channels.  The commercial update keeps personal end-to-end encrypted chats completely ad-free, confining promotional content strictly to the discovery-focused status feeds. This new feature will be free for WhatsApp users. Among other new additions, Meta also gave users the option to switch to username profiles from cellphone numbers. Learn more about this new feature on your WhatsApp Account Centre.

PRETORIA - The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 7%. This was announced by Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago on Thursday. The prime lending rate will also stay steady at 10.50%. “Four members preferred a hold, while two favoured an increase of 25 basis points. “The committee agreed that the outlook is uncertain, and with the rate increase at our previous meeting, the policy stance is appropriate for now, with rates somewhat restrictive,” Kganyago said. Turning to growth, the Governor said that while first quarter growth stood “stronger than expected”, the MPC expects sluggish growth through the second and third quarter. “Consumer confidence has fallen sharply, and business confidence has also weakened. Sectoral data show generally lower activity, since the start of the war. Prices for our export commodities have also fallen, although terms of trade are better, given lower prices for imports. “We started th...

PRETORIA - Some 400 00 informal and micro businesses have been captured on the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) Connect System. This is according to Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration Chairperson and Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who briefed the media on Sunday. “Registration of Informal and micro businesses is continuing. To date, more than 400 00 businesses have been captured on the DSBD Connect System, and the implementation of the plan will increase the number of registered businesses. “DSBD, SALGA [South African Local Government Association] and COGTA [the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] are finalising the Project Implementation Plan,” Kubayi said. The system is a digital platform aimed at assisting the department to regulate and support spaza shops while helping small businesses to, among others, access funding and form OEM [Original Equipment Manufacturer] partnerships.

  PRETORIA - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela has considered the submissions before him and has issued a Notice of Intent to Cancel the registration of three private higher education institutions, namely:   City Varsity (Pty) Ltd Damelin (Pty) Ltd ICESA City Campus (Pty) Ltd   This action follows a prolonged pattern of non-compliance with the Higher Education Act (No. 101 of 1997) and the Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions. The decision is therefore undertaken in the interest of protecting students and upholding the integrity of the sector.   *Key Grounds for the Decision*   The Department has an obligation to ensure that private institutions deliver quality education and demonstrate financial sustainability. The decision to issue the Notice of Intent to Cancel is based on the following critical factors:   1.    Failure to submit complete statutory Annual Reports ...

JOHANNESBURG – Walmart announced the grand opening of its first-ever Walmart-branded store on African soil.  The new store, located in Clearwater Mall, Roodepoort, is a feat of speed, and a point of immense pride for the community.  The opening on 22 November marked just 73 days since Walmart announced it would bring the brand to Africa by the end of the 2025 calendar year. Led by an African store manager, and employing more than 80 associates, the store opens its doors just in time for the holiday shopping season. “Opening this first Walmart store in South Africa is about much more than a business milestone; it is a commitment to helping customers save money and live better by consistently delivering the lowest total cost for the basket of products they need,” said Andrea Albright, executive vice president and chief growth officer for Walmart International and operating partner, Massmart. “We’re delivering quality without requiring customers to wait for short-term...

JOHANNESBURG - Former cabinet minister Dr Naledi Pandor will deliver the keynote address at the much-anticipated SAIGA Women in Leadership Breakfast, set to take place at the Wits School of Governance in Johannesburg on 08 August 2025. Themed “Empowering Women Shaping the Future of Leadership and Governance,” this important event forms part of Women’s Month and aims to uplift and support women across all sectors of society. Dr Pandor is a respected leader who has spent many years promoting education inclusion and leadership in South Africa. She will possibly share knowledge on how women can overcome challenges and lead with purpose. The event will feature a powerful panel discussion with some of the country’s most influential women in leadership. The discussion will be led by Ayanda Allie, a Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. The panel will include the Public Protector of South Africa Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, Rakshika Danilala the CEO of AAA Consulting, Ayanda M...

AUCKLAND PARK - The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce Mr Maijang Mpherwane as Group Executive: Video Entertainment, effective 01 August 2025. Mr Mpherwane is a highly experienced broadcaster and executive leader with an extensive track record across both the local and international media landscape. His career spans high-impact roles in prominent organisations, combining expertise in content strategy, media investment, and public broadcasting.  He previously held a number of senior positions at the SABC, including Commissioning Editor, Assistant Programmes Manager (SABC 1), Head of SABC 1, and General Manager: General Entertainment Channels. During this period, he oversaw significant achievements, including the launch of flagship productions such as Uzalo and Skeem Saam, and led SABC1’s return as South Africa’s most-watched television channel. Beyond the SABC, Mr Mpherwane served as Head of the Media and Audio-Visual Strategic Business ...

JOHANNESBURG - In recognition of his substantial contribution to South Africa’s business landscape over many decades, Kaizer Chiefs Executive Chairman, Dr. Kaizer Motaung, was bestowed with a second honorary doctorate on Tuesday, this time by Wits University’s Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management. Motaung, a successful businessperson, soccer administrator and philanthropist, delivered a speech that struck a chord with graduates from the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management. He delivered his address after Wits University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce on 15 July at the Wits Great Hall. This honour acknowledges his role in the betterment of South African society, the development of soccer in the country, and uplifting disadvantaged youth, amongst others. Bearing witness were other student achievers "Thank you, Wits University, for honouring our Chairman—an inspiring recognition of his visionary leadership and impact. "The Kaizer Chiefs Family p...

SANDTON - South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, has extended the due date for EMP201 filing and payment to 14 July 2025. EMP201 is a tax return that is submitted by an employer to SARS on a monthly basis. The extension was granted following the higher than expected volumes that were experienced on Monday which caused SARS systems to take longer to respond than expected.  “We recognise that some employers experienced delays in submitting their monthly EMP201’s and as a result we will consider not imposing penalties and interest in relation to employers who would otherwise have been compliant. “This process of payment is governed by paragraphs 2(1) and 14(2) of the Fourth Schedule to the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962, which provides for the payment of Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Skills Development Levy (SDL), and the submission of the EMP201 form within a period of seven days after the end of the month during w...

GAUTENG - Fidelity SecureFire, launched in 2023 as part of the Fidelity Services Group, proudly reaffirms its dedication to delivering world-class private firefighting solutions—offering exceptional value without compromising on safety or quality. Wahl Bartmann, Group CEO of Fidelity Services Group, stated: “By becoming part of the Fidelity SecureFire family, customers gain access to highly trained, professional firefighting teams—on standby 24/7. Our personnel include qualified fire specialists and experienced responders, supported by a fleet of purpose-built emergency vehicles engineered for rapid deployment and high-impact performance.” At the heart of Fidelity SecureFire’s national capability is the Fidelity Fire National Command Centre—a groundbreaking, real-time operations hub that sets a new industry standard. Powered by AI-based risk analysis, predictive incident modelling, and live data monitoring, the centre enables intelligent deployment of resources, anticipatin...

GAUTENG - The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) is expected to pay some R3.3 billion to service the outstanding e-tolls debt. This was announced by Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, during a media briefing on Sunday. E-tolls were scrapped last year following years of discontent from road users in an agreement between the provincial government and National Treasury. The GPG committed to paying some 30% of the historic debt. “... The Gauteng Provincial Government will honour the province’s obligation by paying the second instalment towards the e-tolls debt, as disclosed in the 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.  “The amount due… based on the Memorandum of Agreement, is R3.3 billion in terms of the historic debt. This is the amount that we will be paying to National Treasury as part of our 30% contribution,” Maile said. This will be the provincial government’s second instalment. “On the 30th of September 2024, the Gauteng government m...

GERMISTON  - The City of Ekurhuleni calls property owners who qualify for rates exemption or rebates to apply as the current exemptions and rebates will expire with the current evaluation roll on 30 June 2025. In terms of the city’s Property Rates Policy, the exemptions and rebates lapse with the expiry of the validity period of the valuation roll. This then means even those who currently qualify will be required to re-apply. The following category of property owners qualify for exemptions, rebates or reduction of rates, and are urged to apply: Age/Pensioners: Reduction or a rebate of an amount; Indigent and deemed indigent based on property value; Disability: Grants for individuals with disabilities and medically boarded persons; Sporting bodies used for purposes of amateur sport; Welfare & Humanitarian institutions, animal welfare; and cultural institutions; Public and private schools, universities and colleges, and creches registered as educational institutions; ...

TEMBISA — Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has officially launched a powerful Maths Intervention Programme and handed over 1,000 subject-specific mathematics dictionaries to learners at Tembisa West Secondary School — a strategic investment aimed at improving academic outcomes and building brighter futures. This initiative, delivered in partnership with education NPO Edufearn - Growing Youth Potential, forms part of ACSA’s long-term commitment to driving meaningful change in communities surrounding its airports. Mathematics dictionaries are designed to make complex concepts simpler and more accessible, especially for learners who do not speak English as their home language. With visual explanations, easy-to-understand definitions, and real-world examples, the dictionaries are expected to play a vital role in improving maths performance across the board. Beyond the handover, ACSA is rolling out dedicated maths support for 90 Grade 9 learners in 2025, and continuing suppo...

JOHANNESBURG – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has announced the appointment of Lwazi Mthabela as the Business Manager for Ukhozi FM. Mthabela has over 15 years of experience in the radio and agency environment that spans from sales, advertising strategy, media, and client services. His most recent position, prior to this appointment, was that of Marketing Manager for Ukhozi FM from September 2021. His career highlights include occupying the role of Account Manager at Avusa Media, Account Manager-SAB and Public Sector Account Manager at Gagasi FM. He was later appointed as a Key Account Manager and Commercial lead, at the same station, where he honed his experience in managing key accounts and driving business growth in the radio industry. He has worked with prominent advertising agencies, managing accounts and developing marketing strategies as an Account Manager at TBWA Worldwide and Ogilvy & Mather Durban. Mthabela’s educational background also prov...

SANDTON - Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile , says the province is aiming to secure at least R300 billion in investment pledges at the Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC), to be held in Johannesburg. The MEC was speaking during a media briefing on the state of readiness of the province to host the conference, to be held at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, in Sandton, on 3 April 2025. “Leaders across all tiers of government, including Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, Premier of Gauteng Premier Lesufi, and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, will provide inputs at the conference. The keynote address will be delivered by the Deputy President, who also serves as the Leader of Government Business in South Africa, His Excellency, Paul Mashatile.   “Of equal significance is the large contingent of leaders across the business and government sectors on the African continent, the African diaspora and the globe. With over 50 companies represented, t...

PRETORIA - South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to announce a positive preliminary revenue-collection outcome for the 2024/25 fiscal year. This achievement takes place in a tough economic environment. SARS is a cornerstone of our cherished democracy. Since its establishment, it has collected more than R23.3 trillion to help build a capable state that caters for all. This success is inextricably linked to an efficient and effective revenue administration that discharges its legal mandate to collect all revenue due to the fiscus, foster compliance and facilitate legitimate trade. As an organisation, everything we do, is about the transformational impact we have on the lives of people, which we call our “Higher Purpose”. We are on the road to reimage our organisation into a smart, modern SARS that can be trusted and admired by all, as encapsulated in our Vision 2025–2030. By the end of March 2025, SARS had collected a record gross amount of R2.303 trillion, represen...

Staff Reporter NB: Advertorial   GAUTENG - SD PR&Comms in partnership with TrendySA Online (BK Consulting) is excited to announce a renewed marketing venture to help brands, corporates and organisations reach their full potential. SD PR&Comms now offers the service of Field Promoters for activation and events. The service aims to promote brands, bring about awareness and sales leads to the client. The service will offer Promoters temporary employment to at least alleviate unemployment for a while. However, we seek long-term solutions with partners and clients to bridge the unemployment gap and sustain employment. Our key location is Johannesburg, Gauteng - other provinces will be subject to budget fulfilments. What SD PR&Comms (Marketing) offers for now: Mall and street activations Brand Awareness  Golf Days Marketing Influencer services  Welcome& Waitering services For enquiries:  Email: sdpr.comms@gmail.com

RANDBURG - The Randburg Magistrates’ Court has struck the assault and attempted murder case against Edwin Sodi from the roll. Sodi was charged in connection with an alleged incident involving domestic violence in March 2022. The State expressed readiness to proceed with the trial, stating that it rejected the complainant’s withdrawal statement due to the widespread scourge of Gender-Based Violence in the country.  The court took into consideration that both complainants were absent in court and that one of them had filed a withdrawal statement. The second complainant indicated that he no longer wished to proceed with the case, subsequently the defence argued that the case be struck off the roll, which was granted by the court.  The NPA remains committed to supporting victims of GBV and will continue in its efforts to combat this scourge.