City Power doesn’t owe Eskom R1.075bn – Gordhan wrong?

Pravin Gordhan stated in a written reply to a parliamentary question this week that the City of Johannesburg’s City Power was Eskom’s biggest debtor, owing the power producer R1.075 billion out of the R10.8 billion that municipalities across the country owe Eskom. This statement is a direct contradiction to the message that Parks Tau delivered … Read more

Searching for government’s elusive ‘clean audit’

The Auditor General’s most recent review of local government provided an unsurprising set of poor findings. The findings highlight the challenges facing the government in terms of efficient, effective management. It really all boils down to a lack of skills and leadership in the public sector. Looking to help the government on its path to … Read more

S&P sees more ratings for Nigerian, Kenyan companies

By Carolyn Cohn LONDON (Reuters) – Standard & Poor’s expects to rate a number of Nigerian banks this year and is talking to some Kenyan banks and companies about future credit ratings, its managing director for sub-Saharan Africa said on Monday. Borrowers across the continent are looking to tap international capital markets following successful bond sales by African … Read more

Irish bankers on trial: first case after banking crisis

From Reuters * 3 charged with providing unlawful financial assistance * Deep public anger with bankers after crash * Bank rescue forced Ireland into bailout Irish bankers on trial: first case after banking crisis By Sarah O’Connor DUBLIN, Jan 31 (Reuters) – Ireland put three former bankers on trial on Friday in its first such case since the financial … Read more

Business talent management: How to develop and manage company superstars

The asset management industry seems to alternate between periods of promoting their superstars and over-emphasising the input of the team in astute investment decision-making. The latter usually follows a spate of poaching, with investor funds often leaving with a personality. Other industries experience a similar challenge: as soon as competitors are aware of top talent … Read more

Best blogs 2013: Fixing South Africa’s financial education

Can you educate people to do sensible things with their money? Or is good financial management, like common sense, probably something you are born with?  Prolific Biznews.com blogger Alexx Zarr reckons there’s more to equipping people with the skills to make smart personal financial decisions than putting together a financial education curriculum. Addressing basic literacy … Read more