SA falls to Haiti’s level in Economic Freedom Index – most to die younger, poorer
SA, a respectable 41st on the Economic Freedom table at the turn of the century, is now down to 93rd of 152 countries surveyed alongside Haiti, Tanzania.
Spotlight
BBBEE codes: Govt trying to force R10m-plus businesses into Black control
Dilemma confronting 83% of SA businesses with turnover of R10m to R50m is sell/give control to Black owners or get downgraded to level 8 on new BBBEE codes.
Brilliant interview: Simon Cowell, “Mr X Factor”, genius music entrepreneur
Simon Cowell turned 55 last Tuesday, a birthday he shares with Desmond Tutu and new SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago. The FT celebrated with this interview.
UNDICTATED: What happens when all the entrepreneurs go on strike?
When that happens, when entrepreneurs finally smell the coffee, who starts the businesses whose taxes keep everyone else so contented? Ayn Rand might have been onto something after all.
Lesetja Kganyago: In studio with new SARB Governor – on his 49th birthday
When new SARB boss Lesetja Kganyago left the CNBC Africa studio I felt comfortable that the country’s central bank – and its currency – are in good hands.
Trevor Manuel goes banking – joins Rothschild Group
This morning’s news that one of South Africa’s most admired politicians has switched to the private sector is to be welcomed. It reflects a maturing of our young democracy. My first meeting with Trevor Manuel was in 1992 at what was then Shell House, where he worked in the ANC’s modestly furnished Economic Planning department … Read more
Brilliant analysis: Iron ore supercycle over – implications for mining stocks
When the Financial Times of London gets its teeth into a subject, you can be sure the result will be of the highest quality. In this brilliant analysis, two of the newspaper’s mining writers take a close look at what they see as the ending of the iron ore supercycle. The implication for most diversified … Read more
Lucy Kellaway: Richard Branson “as much as you like” holiday offer a dud
I love Lucy Kellaway’s work. And mostly agree with her arguments. But not today. Ms Kellaway offers the counter to Richard Branson’s decision that those who work close to him at Virgin can in future decide to take holidays whenever they like. She reckons in the real world employees made this offer will take even less … Read more
Higher taxes coming – rich being targeted
South Africa’s Treasury is walking a fiscal tightrope, says Futuregrowth’s Wikus Furstenberg, which means there is a good chance of significant tax increases in October’s Mini Budget
What crisis? Rob Davies shrugs off SA corporate flight, says foreigners investing
Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies is charged with growing the industrial base of South Africa. I have been keen to catch up with him, specifically to hear his plan to combat the growing number of SA corporates who are taking their investments away from home. His response in today’s interview was illuminating. Davies said … Read more