Business News Leaders

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

South Africa’s financial market shows resilience

South Africa’s financial market has continued on a path of growth despite a weak economic environment. The country has maintained its lead in the ABSA Financial Markets Index for 2021, largely due to its market depth and access to foreign exchange​. Zinathi Gquma spoke to Anthony Kirui, Head of Markets…

13 Oct 2021 1PM 6 min

Global chip shortage to continue into 2022

The global chip shortage could last longer than expected. Analysts say the deficit could continue into 2022 as demand outweighs supply, leading to major delays in the manufacturing of car parts and consumer electronics. Alishia Seckam spoke to Victor Maphunga from Old Mutual Private Client Securities for his view on…

13 Oct 2021 1PM 3 min

Equites and Eskom’s pension fund form R1.45bn joint venture

Equites Property Fund has entered a R1.45 billion joint venture with Eskom's Pension and Provident Fund. Equites says the deal is in line with its plans to diversify its funding streams. Alishia Seckam spoke to Equites CEO Andrea Taverna-Turisan for more detail

13 Oct 2021 1PM 6 min

SAA - new airline with old problems?

Revamped national carrier South African Airways (SAA) is back in business after a lengthy business rescue process but unions say there are major issues at SAA that need to be addressed and so launched strike action. Alishia Seckam spoke to the chair of the South African Cabin Crew Association, Christopher…

13 Oct 2021 1PM 7 min

Mining, manufacturing’s impact on GDP outlook

Production growth in South Africa’s mining sector eased in August, while activity in the manufacturing sector picked up pace. On an annual basis, mining output rose by 2% and factory activity ticked up by 1.8%. Alishia Seckam discussed the impact these prints could have on growth with RMB's South Africa…

12 Oct 2021 1PM 4 min

Murray and Roberts buys JJ White to bolster presence in North America

Murray and Roberts is expanding its offering in North America. The group has acquired multi-trade contractor, JJ White in a deal worth R425 million . Alishia Seckam discussed the acquisition and its merits in greater detail with Henry Laas, CEO of Murray & Roberts

12 Oct 2021 1PM 7 min

DBSA secures R3billion to fund renewable energy

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has secured a R3 billion loan from Pacific Investment Management. The funds will be used to refinance debt that DBSA has in renewable projects, and will also go towards investing in ventures that are focused on generating additional capacity. Alishia Seckam spoke to…

12 Oct 2021 1PM 5 min

WATCH: From good to great for GUDGU

Capetonians Pieter du Plessis and Viljoen de Kock, from GUDGU, manufacturers of sugar-free cordials have won big in South African’s biggest online pitching competition, winning R1 million in prizes, providing quite a sweet boost for their business. The GUDGU owners will receive R650 000 in cash paid out over two…

12 Oct 2021 7AM 25 min