A few weeks ago, Transparency International published its annual Corruption Perceptions Index, which reported that South Africa has fallen to 72nd out of the 177 countries surveyed, sliding far from the 43rd position it held a few years ago. With corruption costing the country billions of rands, it’s clear that more must be done by … Read more
Malcolm Gladwell is justly famous for taking ideas from researchers, social scientists, and psychologists, and working them into interesting, informative, and challenging books. In his latest book, he takes on the idea of the unequal battle, the struggles between Davids and Goliaths that we see happening all the time. He asks what is it that … Read more
As South Africa continues to mourn the loss of former ANC leader and South African president Nelson Mandela, the countries tourist infrastructure is girding its loins to cope with the influx of foreign dignitaries, celebrities, officials, and unofficials who are descending on South Africa to memorialise Madiba. According to Sun International’s head of communications Michael … Read more
Given MTN Zakhele’s aborted debut, the good news about today’s listing of Welkom Yizani – Media24’s BEE share offering – is that the platform managed relatively heavy trading (75 000 shares in 517 deals) without any glitches. The bad news is that after a bright start, selling pressure dropped the price from an early peak … Read more
It’s going to be quite a week for South Africans as the nation lays its favourite son to rest. This CNBC Africa Power Lunch video and transcript lists some of the visiting dignitaries – with insights, too, Â from Nelson Mandela’s deputy and subsequent successor Thabo Mbeki. Have also included a lovely tribute by GIBS Dean … Read more
Anti-smoking campaigners have notched up enormous successes in their battle against tobacco companies. In Malaysia the sickly pairs of lungs decorating the box is enough to put you off having a puff, while in the UK it’s increasingly difficult for minors to buy cigarettes. Yet, tobacco companies have continued to produce wonderful returns for their … Read more
Rob Baker is an investment actuary. He worked in traditional roles for 17 years before breaking out on his own. He loves the investment world and is keen to make a living from analysing stocks. Rob is launching a subscription service at R100 a month, offering to share insight into the processes he goes through … Read more
“Defence” is the euphemism politicians use to justify a war machine. A few years ago I had an informal conversation with a since departed cabinet minister. He was doing his best to justifying infamous Arms Deal “investments” and winked when I asked him whether he regarded the increasingly deranged Robert Mugabe as a military threat. … Read more
Nelson Mandela’s Funeral promises to be the greatest memorial ever staged on the continent. More than 140 heads of state will converge on South Africa this week. Double the number who attended the last similar occasion, Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005. Â The Queen of England, whom Mandela called Motlalepula (“the one who brings … Read more
There’s probably nothing harder for a workaholic to do than take time out from work – particularly with an ever-growing pile of things to do in the in-box. But, half an hour spent appreciating your natural surroundings will do wonders for de-stressing and could help ensure you can keep working for longer and perhaps more … Read more