Business Explainer

LOUIS VUITTON HACKED Luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton is under investigation after a major data breach exposed personal details of nearly 419,000 customers. The leak revealed sensitive information, including names, passport numbers, addresses, contact details, and shopping…

NEW CHINESE BRAND TO ENTER SA Chinese electric vehicle brand iCaur is set to debut in South Africa in early 2026, offering bold, fresh designs aimed at standing out in a growing EV (electronic vehicles) market. A spin-off of the Chery Group and originally called iCar in China,…

BP HAS A NEW CHAIRMAN BP has appointed Albert Manifold, former CRH CEO, as its new chairman in a bold move to win back investor trust. Though he lacks oil industry experience, Manifold’s success in reshaping CRH impressed BP’s board, with his appointment set for October. He…

WOOLIES FOOD SHINES Woolworths is facing a tough season, with its share price dropping over 21% in six months. While its food division continues to shine - delivering strong double-digit growth and winning over more customers - the rest of the business tells a different story.…

SANLAM SEES MILLIONS OF JOBS AHEAD Sanlam is calling for bold investment in Africa’s blue economy to tackle youth unemployment and unlock growth. Teboho Makhabane (pictured) head of ESG at Sanlam Investments, says South Africa’s 30,500 km coastline is a massive, untapped…

WHY TRANSNET HAS BEEN DOWNGRADE S&P Global has downgraded Transnet, citing its worsening finances and growing reliance on government bailouts. The state-owned logistics group is burning through R13.5-billion annually, with no clear plan for recovery. Despite a R51-billion…

ONE IN FIVE DRINKS IS FAKE South Africa’s illicit alcohol trade has ballooned to R25.1-billion, now making up 18% of the total market - nearly one in five drinks consumed is illegal. This shadow economy has cost the country R16.5-billion in lost tax revenue in the past year…

MR PRICE POSTS R9BN QUARTERLY WIN Mr Price has reported strong sales growth, with revenue rising 6.3% to R9-billion in the first quarter of its financial year. The retailer gained market share despite June’s trading challenges, thanks to early winter demand and well-timed…

MULTICHOICE TAKEOVER APPROVED The South African Competition Tribunal has approved Canal+’s takeover of MultiChoice, paving the way for a major shift in Africa’s media landscape. The deal, valued at R125 per share, includes public interest commitments to support local content…

R40BN REVENUE FOR VODACOM Vodacom reported a strong start to the year, with group revenue rising 10.6% to R40-billion for the quarter ending June. The company saw service revenue grow by 13.8%, boosted by strong contract sales in South Africa and a massive 43.8% surge in…

IMPLICATED ABSA EMPLOYEES FACE THE MUSIC Absa is taking firm action after confidential details linked to ex-CEO Arrie Rautenbach’s early retirement were leaked. An independent probe found evidence of misconduct, with implicated employees now facing a formal disciplinary…

SANRAL LANDS R7BN LOAN DEAL Sanral has secured R7-billion in funding from the New Development Bank to support toll road upgrades across key routes like the N2, N3, and N1. This follows the approval of a R16.5-billion borrowing limit, with the loan guaranteed by government. The…

SIBANYE BUYS U.S. REFINERY FOR R1.49BN Sibanye-Stillwater has bought US-based Metallix Refining for R1.49-billion, strengthening its recycling and refining operations. The North Carolina firm recycles precious metals from industrial waste, offering Sibanye advanced technology…

JOHNNIE WALKER OWNER LOSES CEO Diageo, the drinks giant behind Johnnie Walker and Guinness, has announced the sudden exit of CEO Debra Crew. Her departure, described as mutual, leaves Chief Financial Officer Nik Jhangiani as interim CEO while a global search begins. Crew took…

CEO MAKES FINAL WALK Stephanie Weil has stepped down as CEO of Miss South Africa, ending a defining chapter for the pageant. Since 2019, Weil has led a major transformation, shifting the platform towards women’s empowerment and inclusivity. She took over from her late mother…

MTN BETS ON NEW LEADER MTN has appointed David Behr as its new Group Chief Enterprise Business Officer, signalling a major shift in its leadership and strategy. This change comes as the mobile giant merges its enterprise and converged solutions into one streamlined unit.…

WHY MINISTERS ARE GOING TO CHINA Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead a high-level government delegation to China from July 14 to 18 to participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo. Joining him on the visit are 1/ Deputy Minister of International Relations…

GOVERNMENT TELLS MULTICHOICE TO CUT PRICES MultiChoice is under pressure in Ghana after the government ordered a 30% cut to DSTV subscription fees. Authorities argue the price drop is overdue, especially as the Ghanaian currency, cedi, has strengthened by 30%, but DSTV rates…

MTN & CELL C FIGHT EXPLAINED South Africa’s telecoms war has reignited as MTN takes Cell C to the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) over a bold “Now on SA’s Best Network” campaign. MTN says Cell C’s ads are misleading, given that Cell C uses MTN and Vodacom’s networks rather…

ANOTHER CHINESE CARMAKER TO LAUNCH IN SA A stylish new Chinese brand, Lepas, will make its South African debut in 2026, promising to shake up the premium SUV market. Lepas aims to win over younger, tech-savvy drivers with bold design, smart features, and versatile powertrains…