Kosi Bay Lodge fire

THE popular Kosi Bay Lodge outside eManguzi in Zululand was gutted by fire in the early hours of Monday. The main building, including reception, the restaurant and bar, offices and laundry was destroyed. Trees close to the building also caught alight.

Agoa agreement

SOUTH Africa narrowly averted having billions of rands worth of its agricultural products slapped with import tariffs by the US after the two countries mounted a last-ditch effort to ensure Pretoria’s continued participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).

South African and US negotiators struck a late-night deal on Wednesday that will see the resumption of US duty-free meat

Owner Neels Joubert commended his staff for their effort to save 22 chalets. They used water from the swimming pool to douse the dying embers before the arrival of the municipal fire service. Joubert said the cause of the blaze was under investigation. exports to South Africa, after a 15-year hiatus.

The deal comes after a deadline to resolve the last remaining issues around animal health and safety passed on Monday, raising the risk of South Africa losing some of the Agoa benefits for its agricultural exports. The US threatened to exclude South Africa from the trade deal if it did not meet requirements on meat products.