The Editor's Desk - Thurs 29 Jan 2026: Gold’s record run and the looming Middle East storm

In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg unpacks the sudden death of X commentator Goolam — a polarising “town crier” whose influence shaped South Africa’s political narrative battles. Alec revisits the anomalies raised about the scene, shares context from his own correspondence with Goolam, and asks what it means for truth-telling,…

Gold's Wild Ride: Gold prices experienced extreme volatility this week, surging past $5,600 before dropping back to $5,200. The Rand strengthened to R15.83 against the Dollar. Tech Giants Diverge: Meta: Surged 10% after strong results, defying market expectations. Microsoft: Plunged 10% in a single day, a massive move for the…

The Economist magazine and international investors are shifting their narrative on South Africa as critical shifts in the energy and logistics sectors signal a potential economic turnaround. While the nation has faced decades of decline, recent reforms—including the end of Eskom’s power monopoly and private sector concessions at Durban Port—are…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted the Interim Report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and its recommendations, and he has ordered Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to form a special task team to investigate those identified thus far by the Commission for Investigation…

This webinar introduces Jalech’s Section 12B solar investment opportunity, outlining how investors can leverage tax incentives while earning stable returns from a diversified residential solar portfolio. The session covers the structure of the investment, use of debt to enhance deductions, projected yields, and key risks. With over 3,700 residential systems,…