Anyone attending this year's Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild auction may be under the illusion that the recession is nothing more than a rumour, as the total sales of R5,2 million topped last year's takings by more than 5%. And considering there was 10% less wine on offer, this was no mean feat. Although just over R800,000 of that went to overseas buyers, another local initiative has caught the attention of the international market. The Itlhabolole Waste Management organisation, borne in a village on the SA-Botswana border and manufacturers of haute couture bags, shoes and clothing from recyclable waste, will be exporting its goods to Germany. Another cause for celebration this week is the drop in the petrol price on Wednesday... However, the vox pops I caught on 5fm last week proved that as pleased as the public is about the drop, they're under the impression that what comes down, must go up and are bracing for another hike next month. Till then, happy savings!

Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor
retailnews@bizcommunity.com
Responses to this column welcomed in our new online editor's column archive.
Image: One of the stylish Itlhabolole Waste Management bags on show at Decorex.