Star 2025-07-01

Exxaro Resources' immediate challenges includes South Africa’s rail infrastructure, a decrease in coal demand from Eskom as well as the uncertainty created by the impending expiry of a 90-day import tariff reprieve granted by the US. Trade regulatory uncertainty has moderated since April, positively impacting financial and commodity markets. Equity indices, crude oil prices, and the US dollar rebounded, said Riaan Koppeschaar, CFO of the coal, iron ore mining, and renewable energy group, in a pre-close statement released on Monday. However. the 90-day reprieve on increased US import tariffs on South African goods is set to expire on July 9, 2025. During this period, South African exports to the US are subject to a 10% tariff instead of the previously announced 30%. Koppeschaar noted that while South Africa's real GDP…

South Africa’s financial markets began the week on a cheerfully optimistic note, buoyed by a weakening US dollar and a fresh wave of stability within the Government of National Unity (GNU). In early Monday trading, the rand strengthened by 0.5%, recovering to R17.70 against the US dollar, reversing some of the pressure it faced last week. This upward momentum comes as the greenback continues to lose ground, spurred by an easing of tensions in the Middle East, leading investors to take on more risks rather than retreating to safer havens. Economic data from the South African Reserve Bank unveiled promising figures: money supply growth rose to 6.86% in May, up from 6.12% in April, along with a modest increase in credit growth to 4.98% from 4.60%. Such indicators provide essential…

Astral Foods has announced a major development in its efforts to safeguard its livestock and support the country’s food security. On Monday, the integrated poultry producer revealed that it has received a crucial permit from the Department of Agriculture allowing the vaccination of its broiler breeding stock against the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus, a disease that has caused devastating consequences for poultry industries in Brazil and America. After an extensive application process lasting 18 months, the Director: Animal Health from the Department of Agriculture has granted Astral the much-anticipated approval to implement a vaccination strategy at one of its large broiler breeding farms located in Gauteng. This initiative comes in light of global concerns surrounding the H5 strain of bird flu, which currently represents a significant…

Team of experts and policymakers working diligently to enhance economic stability of South Africa The South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) and the National Treasury are nearing the completion of their joint efforts to review and refine the nation's inflation target strategy. A team consisting of experts and policymakers has been working diligently to formulate recommendations that aim to enhance the economic stability of South Africa, particularly in these challenging times characterised by global uncertainties. “The joint South African Reserve Bank and the National Treasury team is almost done with its work on the inflation target and will soon present its recommendations to the Governor and the Minister of Finance,” the Sarb said in its annual report yesterday. Recently, discussions have emerged regarding whether South Africa’s current inflation target midpoint of…

The newest blockchain activity across Africa is highlighting the dynamism of this technology, with use cases emerging that demonstrate exciting new developmental opportunities beyond its crypto transaction roots. As South Africa prepares to host the first G20 summit in Africa, a key theme set to be discussed throughout both the B20 (Business20) and G20 task teams is inclusive digital development. We’ve already seen announcements from the G20 Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, and Innovation for Sustainable Development stating their priorities, with data governance, quality, privacy, and security top of mind to ensure new technologies are harnessed for improved economies, and better lives. So in a year where blockchain-focused venture capital (VC) in Africa outpaced all-sector venture capital, as revealed in Absa’s recently released 4th edition of the African…

A board’s effectiveness is often judged by the calibre of its directors, the quality of their decisions and the outcomes they deliver. Yet behind every well-functioning board is an unsung enabler: the Company Secretary (CoSec). Far from being a mere administrator, the CoSec is the custodian of governance, the interpreter of legislation, and the quiet force that holds the board together. Their influence shapes not only how the board operates but also how it aligns with its regulatory and ethical obligations. While the statutory duties of the CoSec may include minute-taking, maintaining records, and certifying compliance with rules and legislation, the role goes far beyond these functions. A proficient CoSec provides ongoing governance advisory to the board and its committees, facilitates director induction and training, and ensures that board performance…