Category: Business
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SA steps up to meet growing global demand for avos
The world can’t get enough avocados, and South African farmers are capitalising on the soaring demand for this popular superfruit. Exports have increased by 63% over the past decade, according to the SA Avocado Growers’ Association. About 74,4000 tonnes of avocados were exported last year, just 9,500 shy of 2018’s record. ITC figures show the…
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Freight failures: Transnet’s rail woes impact SA’s coal exports
Transnet transported 58-million fewer tonnes of coal, iron ore and other commodities in the 2022/3 financial year than it did 10 years ago, with coal making up a third of its freight. The state-owned entity attributes the reduced rail capacity to underinvestment in network rehabilitation, vandalism and sabotage as well as to disputes over locomotive…
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Copper hits new highs as demand, including for renewables, soars
Copper prices have hit new highs over the past month as demand for the metal grows and experts predict a shortage in years to come. Copper is a key material in sectors including telecoms, power generation and construction. It is used in wiring for broadband networks and for transformers and generators in the power production…
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Poll shows SA’s workforce is surprisingly enthusiastic
Anyone who runs a startup or small business understands the value of highly engaged employees. These individuals drive high performance and innovation, which are essential for business growth. However, Gallup’s latest State of the Workplace report shows that fewer than one in four (23%) employees globally are engaged. In the Sub-Saharan African countries included in…
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MultiChoice’s shrinking subscriber base
MultiChoice has lost 11% of its total customer base, ending its financial year with 20.9-million subscribers. The group’s South African subscriber base has fallen by 8% to 8.6-million, according to its latest results. The JSE-listed company has, until now, managed to consistently grow its customer numbers, holding steady through the trials of Covid-19. It blames…
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Job trends: Telecoms keep at it, hospitality workers move fastest
The average South African employee spends 3 years and 1 month in their job before moving on, according to a recent report by online jobs portal Pnet. Roles with higher expertise demands, such as those in business and management, tend to see people staying longer in their jobs (4 years and 10 months on average).
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6% of taxpayers pay 60% of personal income tax in South Africa
But only one in five of the country’s 40-million working-age people earn enough to pay this tax.