Sappi reports a loss of R3.1 billion, optimistic about 2026.

Loading player...
GUEST: Steve Binnie – CEO, Sappi

Global woodfibre giant Sappi has posted a R3.1 billion annual loss, as weak markets and softer pricing across its key paper and pulp segments weighed on earnings. Despite the headwinds, the group reported Adjusted EBITDA of US$501 million for the year ended 30 September 2025 and remains focused on debt reduction and operational efficiency through its “Back to Basics” strategy.

In this conversation, Sappi CEO Steve Binnie joins Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi to unpack how the group plans to strengthen its balance sheet, cut costs, and extract returns from its recent Somerset Mill expansion in North America a major investment designed to drive future growth in packaging and speciality papers.
6 Nov 2025 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Premier Bakes H1’2026 Operating Profit Surge Of 52.5%

Premier FMCG reported a strong set of interim results, with earnings growth, expanding margins and early benefits emerging from its acquisition of RFG Holdings. CEO Kobus Gertenbach discusses integration progress, consumer spending trends, commodity price dynamics and how Premier plans to sustain growth as it scales into a larger and…
10 Nov 12PM 16 min

South Africa’s Construction Capacity Question

South Africa is betting heavily on infrastructure to drive economic growth, yet concerns remain about project delays, contractor failures, skills shortages and shrinking industry capacity. We speak to Tshidiso Lekgetho, Acting Registrar of the SACPCMP, about the real state of the construction sector, the importance of professionalisation and accountability, and…
10 Nov 11AM 18 min

Vodacom HY Heps Surges 25.7% on Safaricom’s Transformational Impact

Vodacom delivered one of its strongest sets of interim results in recent years, boosted by the consolidation of Safaricom, rapid growth in financial services and expanding digital revenues. CEO Shameel Joosub joins us to discuss the future of African fintech, the evolution of Vodacom beyond traditional telecoms, and whether the…
10 Nov 12PM 11 min

South Africa's R1.16 Trillion Logistics Problem

South Africa's logistics bill is projected to reach a record R1.16 trillion in 2026, equivalent to 14.6% of GDP and the highest logistics cost burden recorded in more than two decades. The latest State of Logistics 2026 for South Africa report paints a picture of a freight system under pressure…
9 Nov 1PM 13 min

Your Vote, Your Wealth: Why Politics Shapes Property Prices

For most South Africans, their home is their largest financial asset. So, what happens when poor governance starts eroding property values? Herschel Jawitz, CEO of Jawitz Properties, joins us to discuss the powerful relationship between local government performance, infrastructure, service delivery and household wealth.
9 Nov 12PM 19 min