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The Coega Special Economic Zone was awarded SEZ of the Year at the 2nd International SEZ Conference held at the Durban ICC on Thursday. Picture:
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Lionel Messi delivered two crucial assists, setting up Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, to lead Argentina to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in Atlanta, securing their place in the World Cup final.

As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, Edge Financial Group presented donations of R25,000 each to four worthy organisations: NSRI Port Alfred, MIKS Foundation, Missionvale and Animal Welfare Society. The donations reflect Edge’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities in which it
operates.

25 Years of Edge: A Proudly Eastern Cape Journey

Edge Financial Group, founded in 2001 by Edward Gutsche in Port Elizabeth, has grown from a local financial services provider to a trusted partner with regional and national reach.

Small business development minister Stella Ndabeni launches the One National Plan at a business breakfast in Gqeberha on Tuesday. Picture:

New R3.4bn job creation drive targets EC auto SMMEs

A R3.4bn masterplan aims to boost Eastern Cape automotive SMMEs, increase localisation, and create jobs by addressing funding barriers, supporting local suppliers, and tackling corruption in the sector.

ECDC CEO Simpiwe Somdyala.
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ECDC appoints new CEO

Simpiwe Somdyala has been appointed CEO of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, succeeding Ayanda Wakaba. Somdyala brings extensive public administration experience, having previously led the ECRDA and AsgiSA-EC.

Bohlale Buzani
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Kasi Konversations| Beyond ‘KwaMakhi’: bridging a chasm

Township businesses face a critical challenge: surviving the cash-flow gap between receiving large orders and getting paid. Real market access requires accessible working capital, not just opportunities or buyers.

Global Business Solutions CEO Jonathan Goldberg.  SUPPLIED

WORKWISE| Plea bargains in the workplace: LAC clarifies limits

The Labour Appeal Court ruled that disciplinary chairpersons are not bound by workplace plea bargains, but fair procedure requires allowing employees to withdraw guilty pleas if agreed sanctions are rejected.

Pre-owned Chery Tiggo 4 Pro sales have achieved significant growth in first three months of 2026.

Chinese vehicle sales surge 72%

Chinese brands now account for 22% of the market, according to Cars.co.za Industry Report

Petrol prices could rise by more than R2/l, while diesel faces similarly sharp increases in October. Stock photo:

October fuel price shock looms

A steep rise in international petroleum product prices means South African motorists should brace for noticeably higher fuel costs in October

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Entrepreneurs take off on flight of their lives

Twenty Buffalo City entrepreneurs have begun a 10-week business accelerator, receiving mentorship, training, and support through the Entrepreneur 2026 programme, aiming to strengthen operations and unlock growth opportunities.

Airport Company SA’s Bulelani Veto, BCM LED head Xolelwa Mbete, Border-Kei Chamber of Business CEO Lizelle Maurice and Cobus Oelofse from Ilembe Chamber of Commerce urged SMMEs to apply for a six-week accelerator programme this week. Picture:  Sino Majangaza
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SMMEs invited to leap to next level

Entrepreneur 2026 is a 6-week business acceleration initiative aimed at equipping established entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship and support needed to grow sustainably and create jobs

SCOTT ROEBERT

Money maestro | A win for taxpayers, if you know where to look

A recent Supreme Court of Appeal ruling allows certain financing fees to be tax deductible if linked to obtaining finance, benefiting investors, but each case depends on individual circumstances.

SCOTT ROEBERT
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Money maestro | Building wealth is a lot easier to achieve than you think

Building wealth depends on consistently growing the gap between income and expenses, not just earning more. Modern culture encourages spending increases with every raise, which leads to lifestyle inflation and higher stress.

Bohlale Buzani

Kasi Konversations | Does Buffalo City’s indigent policy punish entrepreneurship?

Buffalo City’s indigent policy may unfairly exclude struggling households from support if a member owns a non-trading business, potentially discouraging entrepreneurship among low-income residents seeking better opportunities.

The ELIDZ

Come pitch your prototype, says ELIDZ

ELIDZ has launched a Prototype Development Programme to fast-track innovative SMMEs in key sectors, focusing on economic inclusivity and job creation. Applications close September 18 via the ELIDZ website.

Global Business Solutions CEO Jonathan Goldberg.  SUPPLIED
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Workwise | Zero-Tolerance Doesn’t Mean Automatic Dismissal

The Labour Court ruled that zero-tolerance alcohol policies cannot override fairness. Dismissal for a positive test is not automatic; circumstances, proportionality, and proper procedures must always be considered.

IN THE THICKET OF IT: Ashwell Musonza stands among the plants destined for the new spekboom labyrinth in Stellenbosch
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Solidarity challenges Amazon’s R1.9bn spekboom project

Union questions racial criteria in multinational giant’s E Cape eco-jobs miracle drive

Aspen cites a lack of guaranteed demand for its decision to pull out of government plans for local production of the HIV prevention shot. Picture:
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EC drugmaker Aspen retreats from HIV jab lenacapavir

The drugmaker cites a lack of government purchase commitments as it focuses on Merck’s experimental monthly pill alimatravir instead

Services have broken down in municipalities such as Johannesburg due to mismanagement and corruption, which has resulted in fruitless, wasteful and unauthorised expenditure amounting to billions. Picture:
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BCM in line for share of R5.6bn loan to fix metros

Performance-based incentives and reforms target mismanagement and poor service delivery

More than 3,500 trucks remain outstanding for safety and compliance repairs. Picture:

Thousands of Mercedes and Fuso trucks recalled

The National Consumer Commission has notified consumers of safety and compliance recalls affecting thousands of Mercedes-Benz and Fuso trucks and buses sold in South Africa

Baic employees picketing outside Coega IDZ at the entrance to zone 2
Picture Eugene Coetzee

Numsa suspends historic BAIC strike but tension remains high

Numsa suspended its 11-week strike at BAIC’s Coega plant, but tensions remain. Workers face disputed contract terms as negotiations resume, with wage disparities and regulatory scrutiny at the center.