Business News Leaders

WATCH: World Bank expects Sub-Saharan Africa to expand by 3.3% in 2021

The World Bank has lifted its 2021 growth forecast for Sub-Saharan Africa by 1% to 3.3%. The global lender has cited elevated commodity prices, the relaxation of stringent pandemic measures and a recovery in global trade. Alishia Seckam spoke to Albert Zeufack, the World Bank's Chief Economist on Africa for…

6 Oct 2021 1PM 8 min

WATCH: ‘Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth’

It’s clear that financial planning has never been more important. Why? Well, we’re making more financial decisions: Most modern pension plans are structured so that the risk of performance is borne by the employee. What’s more, many small to medium size businesses opt for group RA schemes which require employees…

6 Oct 2021 8AM 24 min

Watch: Local bonds lose steam in September

U.S tapering concerns and with the Evergrande crisis have weighed on the bond market, with the All Bond Index losing 1.9%. Alishia Seckam discussed this in more detail with RMB’s Michelle Wohlberg.

5 Oct 2021 2PM 3 min

WATCH: Numsa embarks on national strike

The National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) has embarked on industrial action following a deadlock in negotiations for a new wage deal. The union is demanding an 8% increase for workers across the board while employers are offering 4.4%. Alishia Seckam spoke to Phakamile Hlubi-Majola for more detail.

5 Oct 2021 2PM 5 min

WATCH: Equites bounces back from Covid-19 impact

Equites Property Fund has bounced back from the impact of Covid-19. The industrial logistics park owner says its half year distribution and net asset value per share have recovered to pre pandemic levels, underpinned by resilient property portfolios in South Africa and the UK. Alishia Seckam spoke to CEO Andrea…

5 Oct 2021 2PM 7 min

WATCH: Making miners future fit

South Africa’s economy was once again saved to a large extent through the pandemic or at least cushioned by the mining industry…commodities may have recently come off the boil tanks to China’s crackdowns but t5he last 2 years have seen sustained high prices for PGM’s, iron ore, coal, manganese chrome,…

5 Oct 2021 7AM 27 min

WATCH: Why policy uncertainty rose in the third quarter

Policy uncertainty increased in the third quarter as civil unrest, tighter lockdown restrictions and conflicting policy messages took their toll on business confidence and the investment climate in SA. That’s according to the latest policy uncertainty index released by the North West University (NWU) Business School. Alishia Seckam spoke to…

4 Oct 2021 1PM 6 min

WATCH: Why TFG is investing in SA

Fashion and lifestyle retailer TFG has acquired local bedding company Granny Goose and associated manufacturer Cotton Traders as part of its drive to invest on home ground. Alishia Seckam spoke to TFG group retail director Shani Naidoo about the move and how it’s likely to support the SA economy

4 Oct 2021 1PM 7 min

WATCH: Animal Spirits

That was one forgettable September The all share experienced its worst monthly decline since late October 2020, falling more than 4%, driven by losses in precious metals, industrial metals and resources, which plunged 15.9%, 14.2% and 12.48%, respectively. It seems the market is much more worried about inflation now overshooting…

4 Oct 2021 7AM 21 min

Watch: Why factory activity lost some momentum in September

Activity in the manufacturing industry eased in September with the Absa PMI reading coming in at 56.8 index points which is down from 57.9 index points in August. The index however is still above the key 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction. Business Day TV discussed some of the…

1 Oct 2021 10AM 8 min

WATCH: The week in perspective

"Dressed like Dirk Diggler the signs were ominous as the president cleared his throat to address the nation…eyes darting around looking for that jar of Vaseline…but it was mostly good news for the economy. The move will offer some relief to industries hard hit by the government’s stop-start restrictions, which…

1 Oct 2021 7AM 26 min

Watch: Where to from here for Ascendis Health

High debt levels, restructuring costs, rising finance charges as well as the Covid-19 pandemic have weighed on Ascendis Health's annual performance as its loss per share from total operations widened to 226.5c. But the firm is now charting a course with slimmed down operations after a restructuring plan left it…

30 Sep 2021 1PM 7 min

Watch: Nimble business model helps boost Bidcorp

Global food services company Bidcorp says its decentralised model is proving nimble during Covid-19 as profits have surged during its full year. But, the news hasn't been all good from the firm, Bidcorp has revealed that it's having to deal with fraudulent activity at its Chinese unit. Alishia Seckam caught…

30 Sep 2021 1PM 8 min

Watch: How Capitec has managed to grow its active client base

Capitec has increased its active client base by 15%. The lender says this is due to a successful digital strategy. Alishia Seckam spoke to Capitec CEO Gerrie Fourie to find out more.

30 Sep 2021 1PM 7 min

WATCH:COP26 TURNING THE TIDE

Welcome, 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. Joining Michael is Minister Barbara Creecy, of Forestry and Fisheries and Environmental Affairs; Olivia Rumble, director at Climate…

30 Sep 2021 7AM 26 min

Watch: Value stocks gain traction in 2021

Value stocks appear to have found favour with investors after a long run for growth stocks, and the Fed’s hawkish shift last week has been cited for that transition. Alishia Seckam unpacked this with Omri Thomas from Abax Investments.

29 Sep 2021 2PM 5 min

WATCH: South Africa’s green transition in focus

Climate envoys are assessing South Africa’s coal retirement plan for funding and think-tank Meridian Economics has proposed that cheap loans could fund the green transition if the closure of coal-fired power stations are advanced. Alishia Seckam spoke to Emily Tyler from Meridian Economics for more detail.

29 Sep 2021 2PM 7 min

WATCH: Redefine says physical stores will remain mainstay of shopping activity

The pandemic has supported a rise in online purchases but Redefine Properties believes that brick and mortar stores will remain the mainstay of shopping activity. Alishia Seckam discussed the post-pandemic retail landscape with Nashil Chotoki, National Retail Asset Manager for Redefine Properties

29 Sep 2021 2PM 5 min

WATCH: Special Economic Zones scrambling for investment

SOUTH Africa’s Special Economic Zones (SEZ) are scrambling for investment, following the harsh 18-month lockdown period due to Covid-19, which led tenants to negotiate rental holidays and other special concessions. Despite massive pressure on the country’s budget, there are state resources on offer, although sometimes these are unappreciated, poorly understood…

29 Sep 2021 7AM 27 min

Watch: IDC narrows loss to R33 million

The Industrial Development Corporation has narrowed its annual loss to R33 million rand from R3.3 billion previously. The vast improvement is as a result of reduced impairments and write offs. Zinathi Gquma unpacked the performance with IDC CEO TP Nchoncho.

28 Sep 2021 1PM 7 min