SA Fuel Shock 2026: Government Responds

Independent management consultant Stephan J. Lamprecht argues that South Africa’s real growth potential lies in targeted, sustained investment into SMMEs. We unpack the fragmented support ecosystem, the reforms needed to unlock scale, and how a coherent economic narrative can drive meaningful small-business growth.

Simon Blaire breaks down the latest PNet Job Market Trends Report, showing how AI skills have shifted from niche to mainstream across industries. We explore the rise of generative AI and the difference between AI development and AI application skills.

We explore how the Middle East conflict is driving up fertilizer, diesel, and freight costs across South Africa’s agricultural value chain. Nkhensani Mashimbyi from Absa AgriBusiness explains the risks for producers, the knock-on effects for food inflation, and where export opportunities—especially in citrus—remain strong.

André Lourens, an economist from the Minerals Council SA, unpacks February’s 9.7% surge in mining production, driven by PGMs, gold, and manganese—and why iron ore and coal remain weak. We also examine easing input costs in February, the expected spike from March.

With the FIFA World Cup approaching, Mthobisi Mthimkhulu from Allan Gray, draws parallels between football strategy and investing. We discuss long‑term planning, emotional discipline, diversification, and how consistent decision‑making compounds over time.