Alec Hogg’s regular column covering investment, economics, moneycraft and, occasionally, something very personal.
By Alec Hogg South Africa is increasingly aligning itself politically with the other BRICS – specifically China, the emerging super-power that invited us into the elite grouping in the first place. We’re certainly reciprocating, not just by refusing the Dalai Lama a visa. It’s almost impossible to import desperately needed professional skills from the West, … Read more
Sir David Attenborough, brother of the late Sir Richard, is one of Britain’s most valuable assets. The country’s national broadcaster knows it well, and in this two minute advert, first flighted in 2011, the BBC highlights his talents. His brother’s death last month was a loss. But Sir David continues to warm our hearts by showcasing our … Read more
From Agence France-Presse The space race to end America’s reliance on Russia escalated this week with a multibillion-dollar NASA award for SpaceX’s Elon Musk and an unexpected joint venture for Blue Origin’s Jeff Bezos. At stake for both Internet tycoons, besides money, are the bragging rights of restoring US access to low-Earth orbit, a path … Read more
By Alec Hogg There’s book learning, academic knowledge. And then there’s smarts, native intelligence, the superior functioning brain. These university of life graduates are not as easy to identify. Until you tune into their sense of humour – the best pointer I know when seeking the quick witted. At the i3 Sanlam Investments / Glacier … Read more
By Alec Hogg Enjoyed a stimulating few hours at the annual Morningstar Conference in Cape Town yesterday. Topped by listening to two low-profile doyens of the money management business, Dave Foord (Foord AM) and Sandy McGregor (Allan Gray). Foord has spent the last 33 years building his successful business by keeping a tight team, focusing … Read more
By Alec Hogg Despite attacks he has endured from unexpected quarters (I mean, come on fellow UCT faculty members….) Tim Noakes is having an impact where it matters most. His books keep flying off the shelves and every day more people regain health and drop kilos by following his advice. Because despite the knockers the … Read more
South Africa’s Treasury is walking a fiscal tightrope, says Futuregrowth’s Wikus Furstenburg, which means there is a good chance of significant tax increases in October’s Mini Budget – if not then, definitely next February. And with the Davis Commission having opened the door for a step change in the State’s tax take, politically vulnerable groupings, … Read more
By Alec Hogg Here’s an interesting thought to start the week, courtesy of the Oracle of Omaha. If a secretary is hired for a job that requires typing at 80 words a minute and she only manages 50, she won’t last long. Similarly if a new salesman doesn’t manage to close the deals, he’ll be … Read more
South Africa’s political leadership has the ability to espouse wonderful ideals. But its ability to execute is pathetic, a fact reflected in the slide in just about every measurement matrix imaginable. From global agency downgrades to the ever sliding exchange rate; stagnant economic growth to the WEF’s Global Competitiveness Report, the trend clear. For everyone, … Read more
By Alec Hogg It was all Oscar Pistorius yesterday. Even my autocue operator made an uncharacteristic slip, distracted by the OP channel in the control room. Biznews.com’s top stories listed as always at the bottom of this mail, reflect that reality. Fortunately, all of my CNBC Africa interviews are recorded. Then transcribed and published on … Read more