Business News Leaders

African Bank Holdings swings to profitability

Despite the negative impact that Covid-19 has had on the local economy, African Bank Holdings has returned to profitability. The company which owns 100% of lender, African Bank delivered an after-tax profit after R152m off the back of a 55% decline in bad debts. Business Day TV unpacked the company's…

27 May 2021 2AM 4 min

Net carbon zero by 2050 “unrealistic"

The South African government is forging ahead with its plans to develop and exploit the country’s oil and gas prospects, which have changed dramatically in recent years. In 2019 Total announced a gigantic gas find, the Brulpadda offshore exploration block, and a 2020 find in the adjacent Luiperd block increased…

27 May 2021 2AM 27 min

Pepkor's earnings skyrocket amidst the pandemic

Pepkor had a bumper first half. The retailer has posted a near 51% jump in headline earnings per share from continuing operations due to a solid operational performance and a lower debt level. Business Day TV unpacked the results with CEO Leon Lourens.

27 May 2021 2AM 8 min

19 weighs on Life Healthcare

Covid-19 continues to weigh on Life Healthcare. South Africa’s second-largest private hospital operator has reported a 9.6% slide in interim profit after tax as it grapples with increased costs due to the pandemic. Business Day TV spoke to the group’s CEO, Peter Wharton-Hood to find out if the firm’s balance…

27 May 2021 2AM 7 min

Ekurhuleni’s 2021/22 budget in focus

Ekurhuleni’s MMC for Finance Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has tabled the city's budget for 2021/2022 and Business Day TV caught up with Nkosindiphile Xhakaza to find out how Covid-19 has impacted spending priorities.

26 May 2021 2AM 6 min

Active funds shine as global economy recovers

The passive versus active debate has been raging for many years, but it seems active funds could come out tops going forward as analysts note that expensive markets and the prospect of increased volatility means it will be difficult for passive funds to beat actively managed products. Business Day TV…

26 May 2021 2AM 7 min

Patel’s Pay Plan: a red herring?

Alexis de Tocqueville observed that Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude. In his budget vote speech in the National Assembly, Trade Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel said…

26 May 2021 2AM 25 min

Treasury rejects DA proposal to allow leveraging of pension fund assets

National Treasury has rejected the Democratic Alliance's proposal to amend pension fund laws to allow members to access up to 75% of their retirement savings as a loan guarantee. Business Day TV's Alishia Seckam spoke to Ismail Momoniat, Treasury DDG for Tax and Financial Sector Policy for more insight

25 May 2021 2AM 8 min

Spar's earnings boosted by Irish and Swiss operations

Spar has posted a 52% jump in half-year headline earnings per share driven by strong performances in Ireland and Switzerland. Business Day TV's Alishia Seckam spoke to CEO Brett Botten for his take on the results.

25 May 2021 2AM 8 min

Why the global commodities boom has lost momentum

The global commodities boom hit a wall at the beginning of the week after Chinese officials moved to temper prices and reduce the speculation that has driven markets. Business Day TV's Alishia Seckam discussed the factors at play with RMB's Ettienne van Wyk.

25 May 2021 2AM 5 min

Vaccine Access Across Africa

Covid 19 isn’t the world’s first pandemic and it won’t be the last. And the issue of vaccine access continues to rage. The Aids Healthcare Foundation continues its global ‘Vaccinate Our World’ call-to-action with a virtual press conference held in Johannesburg recently to urge world leaders, vaccine manufacturers, and public…

25 May 2021 2AM 24 min

Acquisitions give Barloworld a boost

Barloworld's new acquisitions have given the company a boost. The group's delivered a 6.5% jump in half-year revenue and headline earnings per share have come in five times higher than the previous period at 367c. Business Day TV's Alishia Seckam caught up with the company's CEO, Dominic Sewela and he…

24 May 2021 2AM 4 min

Netcare recovers as it adapts to Covid-19

Netcare has reported an interim profit from a loss in the previous six months. The private hospital operator attributes the improvement to better management and protocols during the second wave of Covid-19 infections. Business Day TV's Alishia Seckam spoke to CEO Richard Friedland for more detail.

24 May 2021 2AM 8 min

Mobile rings in profit for Telkom

Telkom has posted a 53.4% jump in annual headline earnings per share, driven by its mobile business. Business Day TVs Alishia Seckam unpacked the performance and the company's outlook with Telkom's CEO Sipho Maseko.

24 May 2021 2AM 7 min

South Africa’s TOP 50 brands

Brand Finance Africa released its annual rankings of South Africa’s TOP 50 brands today, which only recorded a 2% (R8.8 billion) decrease in cumulative brand value, from R471.3 billion in 2020 to R462.4 billion in 2021. This resilience is especially evident in the impressive recovery seen on the Johannesburg Stock…

24 May 2021 2AM 27 min

The week in review

Today, Friday May 21, is Tax Freedom Day, when South Africans stop working for the state and start working for themselves. This year it falls two days later than last year, in which it occurred one day later than in 2019. This is alarming because it means the economy contracted…

21 May 2021 2AM 26 min

Dis-Chem resumes dividends

Dis-Chem says it has achieved positive results despite a tough economic environment. The pharmacy group’s posted a near 12% rise in annual earnings and resumed dividend payments. Business Day TV spoke to CFO Rui Morais for more detail.

21 May 2021 2AM 7 min

Tiger Brands resumes dividend despite tough times ahead

Tiger Brands has opted to resume its interim dividend and has declared a payout of R3.20. But the company has warned that trading conditions are likely to remain difficult as the impact of a Covid-19 continues to take its toll. Business Day TV's Alishia Seckam spoke to Tiger Brands CEO…

20 May 2021 2AM 6 min

Reserve Bank leaves rate unchanged

The Reserve Bank has maintained its repurchase rate at a historic low of 3.5%. Governor Lesetja Kganyago says the decision was unanimous, as the Monetary Policy Committee expects inflation to be contained this year. Business Day TV's Alishia Seckam unpacked the decision with Stanlib Chief Economist Kevin Lings.

20 May 2021 2AM 7 min

Democratizing AI

During the pandemic we have heard so much about the enormous promises of technology – and these promises are certainly real. During a discussion Michael Avery had with Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub, he revealed that, using AI and machine learning, the mobile operator could tell your credit risk based on…

20 May 2021 2AM 25 min