HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Mon 09 March 2026:

Here’s what’s happening in South Africa today:

◼️ South African exports under pressure: Fruit producers are looking to redirect their produce to India or other Middle Eastern countries through Saudi Arabia due to regional conflict. Exporters noted that this diversion may incur $4,000 (R67,189) in surcharges, and citrus, grapes, pome, and stone fruit must meet new phytosanitary requirements.
https://www.news24.com/business/economy/sa-fruit-exporters-pin-hopes-on-india-as-iran-war-disrupts-shipping-20260306-0918

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◼️ How a KZN mom’s farm kitchen built an SA-wide nougat empire: When Gilly Walters first failed at an attempt to make “Mozart’s favourite dessert” for party guests at her home, she did not give up. Countless hours of recipe perfecting, hand-cutting, and local market punting and the first iteration of Wedgewood Nougat was born in 1999. Today, Wedgewood is listed in all major retailers, employs 180 staff, and has seven emporiums around the country. And it all started with never giving up.
https://www.news24.com/southafrica/good-news/how-a-kzn-moms-farm-kitchen-built-an-sa-wide-nougat-empire-20260308-0974

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◼️ Lawyers have a warning for ChatGPT in SA: The most significant ruling came in May 2025, when a Georgia court granted summary judgment in favour of OpenAI in the case of radio host Mark Walters. ChatGPT had falsely stated that Walters was accused of embezzling funds from a gun rights organisation. He sued OpenAI for defamation. The court found OpenAI was not liable, in part because its disclaimers warned users that ChatGPT can produce inaccurate outputs.
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/ai/632341-lawyers-have-a-warning-for-chatgpt-in-south-africa.html

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◼️ Carrim’s bid to testify behind closed doors fails: Carrim filed an application last week to have his testimony for Monday and Tuesday held in camera. However, evidence leader Adila Hassim is opposing the application, saying the commission can protect him. The Madlanga Commission, being held at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, is expected to make the ruling on Monday morning.
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/madlanga-commission-carrim-find-out-if-he-will-testify-behind-closed-doors/

◼️ Another food product pulled from shelves: The affected batches were distributed nationally and sold through major pharmacy retailers, including Dis-Chem and Clicks Group. “The National Consumer Commission (NCC) alerts consumers of the recall of Nutricia Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 (800g) and Nutricia Aptajunior Nutribiotik 3 (800g) products, as notified by Nutricia Southern Africa,” the commission said.
https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/853283/another-food-product-pulled-from-shelves-in-south-africa/

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