Alec Hogg’s regular column covering investment, economics, moneycraft and, occasionally, something very personal.
I met Grace Harding on Friday. The bundle of energy who runs the 178-outlet Ocean Basket came through to CNBC Africa to talk about the franchise’s latest global expansion. This time the seafood restaurant business is opening in Saudi Arabia, the 10th country outside its home base. That reminded me about Nando’s. And Spur. South … Read more
Something remarkable is happening in our country. Below the surface, away from the headlines, people are just getting on with it. Making a plan, bending a rule, finding a way. The official statistics have always been, at best, blunt instruments. But now they appear to be completely missing what is there for all to observe. … Read more
We buried a friend yesterday. Funerals have a way of focusing us. And serve as a reminder that too often we live as if by rote. Warren Buffett insists on doing what he loves because, as he puts it, that way he’ll never work a day. And the 83 year old who still tap dances … Read more
During the tough times, things are never quite as bad as they are painted. But living in the middle of it, Â one sometimes needs a voice of reason to provide perspective. In this special podcast, Futuregrowth’s Zain Wilson plays part, offsetting the deepest concerns of pessimists without becoming a senseless Pollyanna. So, yes, we’re technically … Read more
A young man emailed last week vigorously objecting to my criticism of a Cabinet Minister, something which he believes I have no right to do. Not by a long chalk is it the first critical note my work has evoked. Nor will it be the last. But it triggered thoughts about how different this country … Read more
In The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway describes how a man goes bankrupt – gradually, then suddenly. I’ve found it to be the same cycle when growing a business. One progresses gradually and then with a surge that takes time to digest. Today is one of those “suddenly” moments for Biznews. Thanks to the sponsorship … Read more
I like Gareth Cliff, find him smart and innovative, and loved his open letter to the ANC. But mine is increasingly a minority view. After a bright start, his Cliff Central has stuttered. Getting dropped by the Comedy Central TV channel after two months wouldn’t have been part of the game plan. But cheer up … Read more
The passing of Stellenbosch University’s vice chancellor and rector Prof H Russel Botman (61) has evoked considerable reaction. He died in his sleep on Friday night.  He joined the university in 2000 and had held what is effectively the post of CEO for the past seven years. The university’s chancellor, Richemont chairman Johann Rupert described Botman … Read more
By Alec Hogg A quarter million metal sector workers are determined to evoke the same kind of punishment on employers as followers of charismatic  Joseph Mathunjwa did to the platinum companies. Before the NUMSA members kick back next Tuesday, one hopes someone will help them to look past the rhetoric. Lengthy strikes rarely benefit … Read more
I received a good fix of Afro-Optimism yesterday. Breakfast with a good friend who’s having fun building a business north of the Limpopo. Among the benefits, he says, is how those he works with don’t see skin colour, just the skills he brings. That was followed by an interview with one of the US’s top … Read more