Business News Leaders

What is Government's fiscal response to Covid-19 lockdown

All eyes are on the special Cabinet meeting today to see what the South African government delivers in the form of a fiscal response to Covid 19. Will it be the fire hose we need to extinguish the fires raging across the economy or more buckets as we’ve seen so…

20 Apr 2020 2AM 26 min

IMF predicts worst economic downturn due to Covid-19

The IMF expects the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to result in the worst recession since the Great Depression. Business Day TV spoke to Montfort Mlachila, the IMF's Senior Resident Representative in SA, for more perspective.

17 Apr 2020 2AM 8 min

How the state is budgeting amidst Covid-19

Government is fast running out of fiscal ammunition to fight the coronavirus impact on the economy. Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan's refusal to top up funds for SAA's Business Rescue process further signals that priorities have had to shift, and with SAA is not one of them, the airline is…

16 Apr 2020 2AM 7 min

Covid-19 has been disastrous for Aviation

In the latest Financial Mail, the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the aviation industry, globally and locally, has been described as nothing short of a disaster. Gary Alfonso speaks to FM Editor Rob Rose and Economic Editor Clair Bisseker, on that and other impacts Covid-19 has had on South…

16 Apr 2020 2AM 13 min

How SA's franchise sector is fighting for survival during Covid-19

Upmarket pizza chain Col'Cacchio is embroiled in a dispute with 18 franchisees over royalty fees. Business Day reports that the pizza franchise, which runs 29 restaurants across the country, is pushing back against the restaurant owners who are trying to back out of their contractual obligations because they can't generate…

16 Apr 2020 2AM 8 min

What is the state of prompt payment during the lockdown?

Getting customers to pay on time is one of the biggest challenges for business owners and when the problem persists too long, it can ultimately shut down a small business. Especially in these tough times when no other revenue is coming in. Business Day TV's Michael Avery speaks to Waheed…

16 Apr 2020 2AM 8 min

Why Trump pulled the plug on WHO Funding

The World Health Organisation has lost about 15% of its funding for the next 60 days. US President Donald Trump decided to withdraw his aid to the body who he accuses of mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus. Defunding will impact the fight against the coronavirus and…

15 Apr 2020 2AM 7 min

How Covid-19 is impacting the Agri sector

The agri sector has not been as hard hit by covid-19 as other sectors in the economy. Business Day TV caught up Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist of the Agri Business Chamber with who has cautioned against the number of challenges that could could potentially weigh on profitability.

15 Apr 2020 2AM 6 min

How retailers are coping with the lockdown

Business Day TV spoke to Sa'ad Chothia from Nedbank CIB about how retailers having been dealing with the lockdown, with particular focus on the ones that do not provide essential services.

15 Apr 2020 2AM 4 min

Sarb cuts rates by 100 basis points to 4.25%

The Sarb's Monetary Policy Committee met earlier than scheduled today and decided to cut the repo rate by another 100 basis points to 4.25%. Business Day TV spoke to Varushka Singh from RMB for further perspective on the decision.

14 Apr 2020 2AM 4 min

Why Capitec withholds annual dividend

A 22% rise in customer growth has given Capitec a boost. As a result, the lender has reported a 19% rise in annual headline earnings. The bank is however an outlier in terms of its growth given that its peers have only managed low single digit growth. The Sarb has…

14 Apr 2020 2AM 13 min

SOE outlook amid SA's economic pressures

South Africa's economic situation is under pressure. The country's set to register a large contraction this year, along with a budget deficit that could possibly exceed 10% of GDP. Business Day TV spoke to Investment banker and former CEO of the South African Post Office Mark Barnes, about what this…

9 Apr 2020 2AM 7 min

Eskom says it will not approach government for more support

Eskom's told investor that it does not need to approach the government for more support, even as the Covid-19-related national shutdown slashes revenue. Business Day TV spoke to Eskom's spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha for more

9 Apr 2020 2AM 5 min

Old Mutual to provide free life cover to healthcare workers

Old Mutual is providing R4 billion worth of free life cover for healthcare workers on the front-lines of the Covid-19 outbreak. Business Day TV spoke to CEO Iain Williamson about the cover, which Old Mutual says is not a product nor a policy, and that no premiums will be recovered…

8 Apr 2020 2AM 4 min

ICASA to release emergency spectrum

ICASA is set to release emergency spectrum to meet a jump in demand for voice and data services, which has been triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Business Day TV spoke to ICASA's spokesperson Paseka Maleka, Telkom's Group Executive for Regulatory Affairs Siyabonga Mahlangu and Dobek Pater from Africa Analysis for…

8 Apr 2020 2AM 12 min

EY eyes pick up in M&A activity in H2

Mergers and acquisitions are expected to pick-up globally in the second-half, according to EY. That's as companies continue to battle headwinds. Business Day TV spoke to the group's Transaction advisory services partner Quintin Hobbs about that outlook.

7 Apr 2020 2AM 5 min

SA corporate's outlook post COVID-19

Independent Scenario Planner Clem Sunter offers insight regarding what corporate South Africa could look like post Covid-19, given the measures that are being implemented to ensure survival.

7 Apr 2020 2AM 4 min

EOH reduces debt in first half

EOH is reducing its wage bill, to stave off the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The move follows that of Mr Price and Woolworths. Business Day TV spoke to EOH Stephan Van Coller about the decision.

7 Apr 2020 2AM 10 min

Why electronic signatures are becoming a necessity

The battle for legitimacy in an online world has increased tenfold since global economies locked down in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic spreading to every country on earth. In SA, a small technology company called Bizzamm, has identified the need for online verification and have offered free electronic signatures…

7 Apr 2020 2AM 4 min

How customers' focus shifts online

Industries are struggling to respond to consumer queries amid increased online conversations. Across all industries, the rate of response to customer posts that require attention dropped by 26.6% after 15 March. Business Day TV caught up with BrandsEye CEO Nic Ray who completed a survey to show how customer queries,…

7 Apr 2020 2AM 10 min