Business News Leaders

Altron eyes growth opportunities

Technology group Altron is upbeat about its prospects as it pursues a strategy that involves focusing on growth areas such as cloud, data analytics, internet of things, and security. Alishia Seckam spoke to the firm’s CEO Mteto Nyati for more detail on Altron’s prospects

25 Oct 2021 11AM 8 min

The Tokenisation of Assets’ Implications for Financial Markets

We’ve seen some interesting deals in the local market that are pointing to the increased usage of distributed ledger technology in financial markets. Late last year the JSE acquired Globacap, a UK fintech company whose unique distributed ledger technology allows digital registrar services to be reflected in real-time. The JSE…

25 Oct 2021 8AM 26 min

The week in perspective

From a huge leak of documents showing how countries are trying to change a crucial scientific report on how to tackle climate change. The leak reveals Saudi Arabia, Japan and Australia are among countries asking the UN to play down the need to move rapidly away from fossil fuels. It…

22 Oct 2021 7AM 26 min

Omnia offloads 90% stake in Umongo Petroleum

Omnia has agreed to sell its 90% stake in Umongo Petroleum for R1 billion. The chemicals, fertiliser and explosives group says the proceeds will be used to either peruse growth opportunities or return cash to shareholders. Alishia Seckam discussed the disposal with Omnia’s CEO Seelan Gobalsamy

21 Oct 2021 1PM 6 min

Clicks rings up record operating profit

Pharmacy group Clicks has delivered record adjusted operating profit for its 2021 year thanks to a stellar performance from its wholesale business, UPD which benefitted from increased demand from hospitals during SA’s second and third Covid-19 waves. Alishia Seckam spoke to CEO Vikesh Ramsunder for more detail

21 Oct 2021 1PM 5 min

COP26 | RESPONSIBLE INVESTING

You're watching Climate Conversations on Business Watch, as we build up to COP26 to discuss whether we’re turning the tide on climate change brought to you by Investec. So far we’ve spoken to Minister Creecy about what the overall focus is for the South African government heading into this so…

21 Oct 2021 7AM 25 min

Steady demand boosts Balwin Properties

Balwin Properties’ operations are steadily recovering. South Africa's largest sectional title developer was hard hit by the economic fallout from Covid-19, but says it’s now seeing robust demand for apartments. Alishia Seckam unpacked the performance with CEO Steve Brookes

20 Oct 2021 2PM 7 min

Societal impacts of AI in Africa

Africa is currently experiencing a demographic boom that is largely young and urban. Unlike Germany with a median age of roughly 47, the US at 38, or China at 37, the median age in Africa is roughly 19. In addition, this demographic of African youth is expected to double to…

20 Oct 2021 7AM 25 min

Rand gains ground against softer dollar

A softer dollar has given the local unit a boost, helping it recover from a 3-week loss. Zinathi Gquma discussed the currency scene with Varushka Singh from RMB

19 Oct 2021 2PM 6 min

Combined Motor Holdings returns to profitability

Combined Motor Holdings is back in the black. The company, which operates vehicle dealerships, has reported a half year profit of close to R150 million, supported by its retail division. Alishia Seckam unpacked the results with CEO Jebb McIntosh

19 Oct 2021 1PM 8 min

ACSA posts R2.6bn loss as passenger volumes plunge

Airports Company of South Africa has felt the Covid-19 pinch. The company has reported an annual loss of R2.6 billion loss, reflecting the pandemic’s impact on aviation and tourism during the period. Alishia Seckam spoke to ACSA CEO Siphamandla Mthethwa for more detail

19 Oct 2021 1PM 7 min

Reality bites for restaurants

The past year-and-a-half has brought countless challenges for restaurants, from the early days when restaurant operators were forced to think on their feet as sudden shutdown orders brought dine-in business to a halt, to current struggles with cash flow and vaccinations. During the course of the pandemic, restaurants have had…

19 Oct 2021 8AM 27 min

Streamlining efforts boost Calgro M3

Calgro M3’s streamlining efforts are paying off. The affordable housing and memorial parks group returned to profitability during its half year and reported headline earnings per share came in at 42.79 cents. Alishia Seckam unpacked the results with CEO Wikus Lategan

18 Oct 2021 2PM 8 min

Assessing SA's recovery prospects

The International Monetary Fund and World Bank expect South Africa to grow by 5% this year, largely due to the favourable global climate and base effects. Alishia Seckam spoke to Isaah Mhlanga, Chief Economist at Alexander Forbes for his view on the country’s growth trajectory

18 Oct 2021 2PM 7 min

Marketing costs knock Karooooo’s profit

Karooooo, the new holding company for vehicle recovery and fleet management group Cartrack, has reported an 18% rise in revenue on the back of strong subscriber growth but this hasn't filtered through to the firm's bottom line as profit fell by 12% as the company incurred higher marketing costs. Business…

15 Oct 2021 10AM 5 min

The Week in perspective

Three major global problems have dominated headlines and weighed on markets. First, supply-chain snarls are straining everything from USPS delivery to Grape Nuts availability. Second, a chip shortage is slowing production of GM trucks, gaming consoles, and lots more. Third, a surge in ransomware cyberattacks has disrupted a large variety…

15 Oct 2021 9AM 25 min

The Week in perspective

Three major global problems have dominated headlines and weighed on markets. First, supply-chain snarls are straining everything from USPS delivery to Grape Nuts availability. Second, a chip shortage is slowing production of GM trucks, gaming consoles, and lots more. Third, a surge in ransomware cyberattacks has disrupted a large variety…

15 Oct 2021 7AM 25 min

Joffe switches roles at Long4Life

Brian Joffe will be switching roles at Long4Life. He will step down as CEO at the end of February and taking up the Chairman position at the lifestyle-focused firm. Alishia Seckam discussed the changes at the company with Anthony Clark from Small Talk Daily

14 Oct 2021 12PM 4 min

PSG Group is back in the black

PSG Group has returned to profitability. The group's interim headline earnings per share is at R18.04, marking a solid recovery from a previous loss of over R14. Despite the gains PSG has opted not to declare a dividend. Alishia Seckam unpacked the performance with the company's CEO Piet Mouton

14 Oct 2021 12PM 7 min

COP26 | THE CLIMATE FINANCE FIGHT

You’re watching Climate Conversations on Business Watch with Michael Avery, as we build up to COP26 to discuss whether we’re turning the tide on climate change brought to you by Investec .... So far, we’ve spoken to Environmental Affairs Minister Creecy about what the overall focus is for the South…

14 Oct 2021 7AM 25 min