S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.11 No.52, December 29 2025
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Retail Trading
Expecting good back-to-school period
Lenasia, Gauteng, SA – December started a bit slow, but “picked up nicely”, Manesh Naran, a member of City Fashions Schoolwear, said on Saturday. “Today hasn’t been bad either – better than expected.”
He said the year overall had been tough, and that “next year we’ll be taking it a season at a time”. He is anticipating a good back-to-school period.
City Fashions Schoolwear manufactures school uniforms, track suits, sports shorts and jerseys, and corporate wear. It also retails school shoes.
Mr Price defends purchase of European retail chain
Durban, KZN, SA – Mr Price Group last week defended its decision to buy European retailer NKD Group following criticism by a major shareholder and a fall in share price. On 11 December, 360NE Asset Management wrote: “South African retailers have failed countless times overseas and given the financial history of this acquisition target, Mr Price at least owes its shareholders a detailed explanation before proceeding with the transaction…
“South African retailers have a terrible history of value destructive offshore acquisitions. The worst of these deals share the following characteristics: overvalued, debt-financed, significant size relative to the acquirer’s market capitalisation, underestimating future capex requirements, limited understanding of local markets and competitive dynamics as well as acquiring assets with poor returns on capital. Unfortunately, given the publicly available information, it seems as though Mr Price’s proposed acquisition of NKD shares many of these traits. The board has a fiduciary duty to shareholders and should explain why this is not the case for the NKD acquisition.”
In its reply, Mr Price said “the Group … wishes to re-affirm the strategic rationale for the Transaction and the detailed due diligence process undertaken as articulated in the Announcement, and would like to reiterate that the information disclosure constraints at this time are due to the Transaction being subject to the fulfilment of suspensive conditions, as well as disclosure considerations in terms of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements. While the Transaction is contractually complete, closing of the Transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals, which are the subject of the suspensive conditions.
“Management and the board of directors remain excited about the opportunity that NKD presents to the Mr Price Group and looks forward to sharing further insights in due course. The Group intends to host a capital markets event to provide further detail regarding value retail in Europe, NKD’s positioning and expected medium to long term performance. The Group remains committed to complying with all necessary disclosure considerations and as such, the date of this event is subject to receiving regulatory approvals and securing closing certainty, but is anticipated to be in the latter part of the first quarter of 2026, ahead of the Group’s mandatory year-end reporting closed period.
Shareholders are advised that, as required by applicable regulations, NKD has filed its FY2024 audited financial statements in the ‘Bundesanzeiger’.
“Extensive effort is being made to progress all regulatory and other closing requirements, and the Group remains committed to transparent disclosure and regular engagement with all stakeholders. The Group appreciates the understanding and support of its shareholders and looks forward to sharing more information in support of this carefully considered Transaction in due course.”
Noticeboard
Retirement
Durban, KZN, SA – Ashley Naidoo, General Manager of the Coats division at Berzacks, has taken early retirement as of the end of this year. He is 64.
He had a heart operation earlier this year, and he said he felt he needed “to slow down and enjoy life”.
An article on his career will follow in the January 2026 edition of S&V Footwear & Leather Goods.
They Said It
"We lost a lot of customers this year to branches in other centres. Turnover was down. No bonuses." - Staff member at the branch of Absolute Pets I buy from. An insight for me into an aspect of chain retailing that I’m not usually aware of – overtrading.
Got anything you'd like to share?
Do you have any suggestions, comments or experiences about the industry that you'd like to share with the industry? - tony@svmag.co.za
Birthdays this week
29/12/1944: Andy Woods, Woods’ Tanning, Uitenhage, E. Cape, SA.
29/12/1949: Paul Jacobus Smit, S&S Boutique, Tzaneen, Limpopo, SA.
29/12/1971: Regman Govender, Exodus Marketing, Durban, KZN, SA.
29/12/1981: Ganesh Kadoo, UCL Co Ltd, Dalton, KZN, SA.
31/12/1958: Neil Burnham, Joslyn’s Shoes, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
31/12/1964: Colin Teifel, Harry E. Teifel & Associates, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
01/01/1937: Franco Polia, freelance designer, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
01/01/1946: Stan Smidt, former agent for Bolton Footwear, retired, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
01/01/1947: Chris Ryder, former consultant, retired, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
01/01/1952: Cecele Therese 'Carrots' Doyle, former agent, retired, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
01/01/1965: Selwyn van Aarde, retired, Barker Footwear (now part of Bolton Footwear), Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
01/01/1999: Verushca Esterhuizen, African Leather & Skins, Paarl, W. Cape, SA.
03/01/1946: Johannes Kruger, Perfect Shoes, Keetmanshoop, Namibia.
03/01/1948: Dave Lloyd, retired, formerly Bata SA, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
04/01/1956: Allison Gans, GW Cowie & Co. (closed), Pinetown, KZN, SA.
In memoriam this week
30/12/2016: Michael O’Connor (b. 11/12/1951), Jensen Belts (closed), Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
31/12/2003: Peter Craythorne (b. 28/02/1935), BUSM (closed)/Woodheads, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
31/12/2000: Nols Jonker (b. 10/06/1944), Watson Shoes, Great Brak River, W. Cape, SA.
01/01/2012: Balduin Heimann (b. 30/06/1932), agent, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
01/01/2021: Alvin Reginal Naidoo (b. 27/02/1970), Angel Footwear, Durban, KZN, SA.
04/01/2004: Rob Gowie (b. 01/07/1938), GW Reynolds/Rob Gowie Components/ Fashion Components/ Plasticone (all closed), Pinetown, KZN, SA.
Have you let us know about your birthday, or the birthdays of your colleagues? Our readers love this section, so please become part of it. This also applies to the In Memoriam section. Help us remember former colleagues.
Directory entries updated last week
City Fashions Schoolwear (City Fashion Manufacturers cc), Lenasia, Gauteng, SA.
 
Exchange rates
Note: For previous rates, see HERE
1. SA Rand (ZAR)/Lesotho Loti (LSL)/Namibian Dollar (NAD)/Swazi Lilangeni (SZL)
Source: http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
CNY ¥ |
| 05/07/2025 |
R20.70 |
R24.00 |
R17.58 |
R 2.45 |
| 12/07/2025 |
R20.93 |
R24.18 |
R17.90 |
R 2.49 |
| 19/07/2025 |
R20.60 |
R23.78 |
R17.72 |
R 2.46 |
| 28/07/2025 |
R20.82 |
R23.90 |
R17.81 |
R 2.48 |
| 04/08/2025 |
R20.79 |
R23.87 |
R17.98 |
R 2.50 |
| 09/08/2025 |
R20.62 |
R23.85 |
R17.74 |
R 2.49 |
| 17/08/2025 |
R20.59 |
R23.85 |
R17.60 |
R 2.45 |
| 24/08/2025 |
R20.44 |
R23.55 |
R17.43 |
R 2.43 |
| 30/08/2025 |
R20.62 |
R23.83 |
R17.65 |
R 2.47 |
| 06/09/2025 |
R20.59 |
R23.70 |
R17.57 |
R 2.46 |
| 13/09/2025 |
R20.38 |
R23.54 |
R17.37 |
R 2.43 |
| 20/09/2025 |
R20.36 |
R23.38 |
R17.33 |
R 2.43 |
| 27/09/2025 |
R20.30 |
R23.23 |
R17.34 |
R 2.43 |
| 04/10/2025 |
R20.21 |
R23.20 |
R17.22 |
R 2.41 |
| 11/10/2025 |
R20.26 |
R23.32 |
R17.46 |
R 2.44 |
| 20/10/2025 |
R20.19 |
R23.22 |
R17.31 |
R 2.43 |
| 25/10/2025 |
R20.10 |
R23.00 |
R17.25 |
R 2.42 |
| 01/11/2025 |
R20.06 |
R22.78 |
R17.32 |
R 2.43 |
| 08/11/2025 |
R20.02 |
R22.77 |
R17.30 |
R 2.43 |
| 14/11/2025 |
R19.89 |
R22.53 |
R17.12 |
R 2.41 |
| 22/11/2025 |
R19.99 |
R22.74 |
R17.37 |
R 2.44 |
| 29/11/2025 |
R19.86 |
R22.68 |
R17.13 |
R 2.42 |
| 06/12/2025 |
R19.70 |
R22.57 |
R16.92 |
R 2.39 |
| 13/12/2025 |
R19.76 |
R22.55 |
R16.84 |
R 2.38 |
| 20/12/2025 |
R19.64 |
R22.44 |
R16.77 |
R 2.38 |
| 29/12/2025 |
R19.66 |
R22.52 |
R16.70 |
R 2.38 |
2. Botswana Pula
Source: http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
CNY ¥ |
| 05/07/2025 |
15.58 |
18.07 |
13.23 |
1.84 |
| 12/07/2025 |
14.77 |
17.07 |
12.64 |
1.76 |
| 19/07/2025 |
16.22 |
18.72 |
13.95 |
1.94 |
| 28/07/2025 |
15.81 |
18.16 |
13.53 |
1.88 |
| 04/08/2025 |
15.75 |
18.09 |
13.62 |
1.89 |
| 09/08/2025 |
16.58 |
19.17 |
14.26 |
1.98 |
| 17/08/2025 |
16.57 |
19.22 |
14.18 |
1.97 |
| 24/08/2025 |
16.89 |
19.45 |
14.40 |
2.01 |
| 30/08/2025 |
16.78 |
19.40 |
14.36 |
2.01 |
| 06/09/2025 |
16.45 |
18.93 |
14.04 |
1.96 |
| 13/09/2025 |
16.67 |
19.26 |
14.21 |
1.99 |
| 20/09/2025 |
16.63 |
19.10 |
14.16 |
1.99 |
| 27/09/2025 |
15.68 |
17.94 |
13.40 |
1.87 |
| 04/10/2025 |
16.58 |
19.03 |
14.12 |
1.98 |
| 11/10/2025 |
16.41 |
18.89 |
14.14 |
1.98 |
| 20/10/2025 |
16.57 |
19.06 |
14.21 |
1.99 |
| 25/10/2025 |
16.40 |
18.77 |
14.08 |
1.97 |
| 01/11/2025 |
16.55 |
18.80 |
14.29 |
2.01 |
| 08/11/2025 |
16.60 |
18.87 |
14.34 |
2.01 |
| 14/11/2025 |
16.18 |
18.33 |
13.96 |
1.96 |
| 22/11/2025 |
15.31 |
17.41 |
13.30 |
1.87 |
| 29/11/2025 |
16.57 |
18.92 |
14.29 |
2.01 |
| 06/12/2025 |
15.43 |
17.67 |
13.25 |
1.87 |
| 13/12/2025 |
15.54 |
17.74 |
13.25 |
1.87 |
| 20/12/2025 |
16.46 |
18.80 |
14.05 |
1.99 |
| 29/12/2025 |
15.66 |
17.93 |
13.29 |
1.89 |
3. Malawian Kwacha (MWK) (buying)
Source: https://www.rbm.mw/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
ZAR |
| 05/07/2025 |
2082.80 |
2416.70 |
1717.02 |
100.70 |
| 12/07/2025 |
2065.11 |
2393.71 |
1717.02 |
99.44 |
| 19/07/2025 |
2054.50 |
2372.84 |
1717.02 |
99.43 |
| 28/07/2025 |
2072.89 |
2372.13 |
1717.02 |
99.60 |
| 04/08/2025 |
2043.89 |
2346.49 |
1717.02 |
98.34 |
| 09/08/2025 |
2059.63 |
2374.43 |
1717.02 |
99.76 |
| 17/08/2025 |
2063.52 |
2395.47 |
1717.02 |
100.69 |
| 24/08/2025 |
2050.79 |
2370.89 |
1717.02 |
99.83 |
| 30/08/2025 |
2062.64 |
2386.46 |
1717.02 |
99.78 |
| 06/09/2025 |
2064.05 |
2381.33 |
1717.02 |
99.85 |
| 13/09/2025 |
2074.13 |
2396.36 |
1717.02 |
101.76 |
| 20/09/2025 |
2082.09 |
2388.75 |
1717.02 |
101.85 |
| 27/09/2025 |
2065.29 |
2361.70 |
1717.02 |
101.40 |
| 04/10/2025 |
2072.36 |
2375.84 |
1717.02 |
102.32 |
| 11/10/2025 |
2046.37 |
2350.20 |
1717.02 |
102.44 |
| 20/10/2025 |
Not available this morning |
| 25/10/2025 |
2052.20 |
2355.86 |
1717.02 |
102.09 |
| 01/11/2025 |
2046.37 |
2326.15 |
1717.02 |
102.32 |
| 08/11/2025 |
2039.47 |
2319.07 |
1717.02 |
101.85 |
| 14/11/2025 |
2058.39 |
2325.62 |
1717.02 |
103.72 |
| 22/11/2025 |
2041.06 |
2314.65 |
1717.02 |
102.54 |
| 29/11/2025 |
2048.49 |
2336.76 |
1717.02 |
103.04 |
| 06/12/2025 |
2061.93 |
2360.63 |
1717.02 |
104.35 |
| 13/12/2025 |
2075.72 |
2368.42 |
1717.02 |
104.97 |
| 20/12/2025 |
2072.54 |
2365.59 |
1717.02 |
105.59 |
| 29/12/2025 |
2080.15 |
2385.39 |
1717.02 |
106.07 |
4. Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) (buying)
Source: https://www.boz.zm/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
ZAR |
| 05/07/2025 |
28.57 |
33.11 |
24.25 |
1.37 |
| 12/07/2025 |
27.16 |
31.38 |
23.24 |
1.29 |
| 19/07/2025 |
26.77 |
30.91 |
22.95 |
1.29 |
| 28/07/2025 |
27.37 |
31.38 |
23.36 |
1.31 |
| 04/08/2025 |
Website would not open this morning |
| 09/08/2025 |
27.01 |
31.13 |
23.18 |
1.30 |
| 17/08/2025 |
27.13 |
31.48 |
23.21 |
1.31 |
| 24/08/2025 |
26.97 |
31.16 |
23.22 |
1.31 |
| 30/08/2025 |
27.47 |
31.69 |
23.55 |
1.32 |
| 06/09/2025 |
28.03 |
32.32 |
23.87 |
1.36 |
| 13/09/2025 |
27.88 |
32.25 |
23.81 |
1.36 |
| 20/09/2025 |
27.79 |
32.85 |
23.62 |
1.35 |
| 27/09/2025 |
27.79 |
31.82 |
23.77 |
1.36 |
| 04/10/2025 |
27.90 |
31.98 |
23.77 |
1.37 |
| 11/10/2025 |
26.22 |
30.10 |
22.66 |
1.31 |
| 20/10/2025 |
26.44 |
30.37 |
22.65 |
1.30 |
| 25/10/2025 |
25.81 |
29.69 |
22.25 |
1.28 |
| 01/11/2025 |
25.62 |
29.06 |
22.17 |
1.27 |
| 08/11/2025 |
26.20 |
29.73 |
22.66 |
1.30 |
| 14/11/2025 |
26.25 |
29.67 |
22.54 |
1.31 |
| 22/11/2025 |
26.47 |
30.06 |
22.98 |
1.32 |
| 29/11/2025 |
26.53 |
30.32 |
22.94 |
1.33 |
| 06/12/2025 |
26.84 |
30.76 |
23.05 |
1.36 |
| 13/12/2025 |
26.94 |
30.73 |
22.97 |
1.36 |
| 20/12/2025 |
26.48 |
30.23 |
22.62 |
1.34 |
| 29/12/2025 |
26.51 |
30.35 |
22.48 |
1.34 |
5. Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
Source: Source: https://www.rbz.co.zw/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US$ |
ZAR |
| 05/07/2025 |
ZIG 31.68 |
ZIG 36.78 |
ZIG 26.89 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 12/07/2025 |
ZIG 31.35 |
ZIG 36.40 |
ZIG 26.83 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 19/07/2025 |
ZIG 31.13 |
ZIG 35.96 |
ZIG 26.80 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 28/07/2025 |
ZIG 31.45 |
ZIG 35.98 |
ZIG 26.79 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 04/08/2025 |
ZIG 31.02 |
ZIG 35.58 |
ZIG 26.79 |
ZIG 0.67 |
| 04/08/2025 |
Website would not open on Saturday |
| 17/08/2025 |
ZIG 31.17 |
ZIG 36.22 |
ZIG 26.78 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 24/08/2025 |
ZIG 30.99 |
ZIG 35.83 |
ZIG 26.75 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 30/08/2025 |
ZIG 31.20 |
ZIG 36.10 |
ZIG 26.75 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 06/09/2025 |
ZIG 31.17 |
ZIG 35.93 |
ZIG 26.71 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 13/09/2025 |
ZIG 31.35 |
ZIG 36.23 |
ZIG 26.72 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 20/09/2025 |
ZIG 31.28 |
ZIG 35.99 |
ZIG 26.56 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 27/09/2025 |
ZIG 31.03 |
ZIG 35.48 |
ZIG 26.57 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 04/10/2025 |
ZIG 31.23 |
ZIG 35.81 |
ZIG 26.65 |
ZIG 0.64 |
| 11/10/2025 |
ZIG 30.91 |
ZIG 35.55 |
ZIG 26.71 |
ZIG 0.64 |
| 20/10/2025 |
ZIG 31.06 |
ZIG 35.76 |
ZIG 26.61 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 25/10/2025 |
ZIG 30.77 |
ZIG 35.30 |
ZIG 26.51 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 01/11/2025 |
ZIG 30.52 |
ZIG 34.69 |
ZIG 26.38 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 08/11/2025 |
ZIG 30.44 |
ZIG 34.62 |
ZIG 26.38 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 14/11/2025 |
ZIG 30.66 |
ZIG 34.62 |
ZIG 26.33 |
ZIG 0.64 |
| 22/11/2025 |
ZIG 30.37 |
ZIG 34.46 |
ZIG 26.32 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 29/11/2025 |
ZIG 30.34 |
ZIG 34.66 |
ZIG 26.19 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 06/12/2025 |
ZIG 30.46 |
ZIG 34.87 |
ZIG 26.13 |
ZIG 0.64 |
| 13/12/2025 |
ZIG 30.63 |
ZIG 34.96 |
ZIG 26.10 |
ZIG 0.64 |
| 20/12/2025 |
ZIG 30.58 |
ZIG 34.90 |
ZIG 26.09 |
ZIG 0.64 |
| 29/12/2025 |
ZIG 30.58 |
ZIG 35.09 |
ZIG 26.01 |
ZIG 0.64 |
Note: For previous rates, see HERE
ABSA Agri Trends: Hides & skins prices
Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA (19 December 2025) – The current average hide price increased by 0.20% to R2.327/kg from R2.322/kg a week ago. The current price is 0.14% lower than the average price a month ago and was 17.1% lower than the average price a year ago. The range of prices reported was as follows: Minimum price: R2.25 Maximum price: R2.87. Please note: Our methodology weighs the prices we collect according to the number of hides they sell in a month. This is done to make it more representative of the prevailing market price. NB* Hide prices are determined by the average of the RMAA (Red Meat Abattoir Association) and independent companies - Marlene Louw, senior agricultural economist, Nkhensani Mashimbyi, agricultural economist, and Zama Sangweni, agricultural economist, ABSA group.
Note: For previous prices, see HERE
Have a look at these links
We invite businesses to send us links to websites, Facebook pages and the like which they feel would be of interest to others. The links below are from our database:
Inno Textiles (Pty) Ltd, Hammarsdale, KZN, SA. Nonwoven products manufacturer.
Innovative PVC Compounds, Durban, KZN, SA. PVC compound manufacturer.
THIS WEEK LAST YEAR!
Retail
READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.10 No.53, December 30 2024
THIS WEEK FIVE YEARS AGO!!
Business
- Lesotho
-- EllenBee: December up, expecting January lockdown
- Malawi
-- Footwear Centre: Staying afloat in choppy seas
- Namibia
-- Langerhans Pharmacy: Better than expected
-- African Leather Creations: Much the same as 2019
- South Africa
-- Oasis: A Christmas of smaller items
-- Madison's: Poor Black Friday leads to a good December
-- Parktown Stores: Stock shortages a big issue
-- Durban cobbler to close shop after 99 years
Trade Fairs
- Covid continues to hit fairs
READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.6 No.52, Dec 28, 2020
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
All the past S&V Weekly Newsletters from January 2016 onwards are available in the newsletter archive.
VIEW THE ARCHIVE - CLICK HERE
Contact us
News & Classifieds: Tony Dickson, +27 (0)31 209 7505, tony@svmag.co.za
Next newsletter: Monday 05 January, 2026. Ad and editorial deadline Friday 02 January.
SAFLIA enquiries: Tel 0800SAFLIA * Email info@saflia.co.za * Website http://www.saflia.co.za
Our website www.svmag.co.za
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