Kaya Biz

TECH & INNOVATION: Life insurance shifts towards living benefits

Discovery Life’s latest claims data shows a major shift in the industry, with most payouts now going to support clients while they are still alive through illness, disability, or income loss. Advances in AI-driven health screening are also changing outcomes. Deputy CEO Gareth Friedlander explores what this means for financial…

17 Mar 3PM 11 min

SA banks show resilience in a volatile climate

Despite global uncertainty and domestic pressures, South Africa’s major banks have delivered solid earnings growth and maintained strong balance sheets. With improving credit conditions and continued investment in digital innovation, the sector remains robust but risks persist. PwC South Africa’s Rivaan Roopnarain breaks down the key trends shaping the banking…

17 Mar 3PM 21 min

Lexus recall raises safety concerns

More than 100 Lexus vehicles have been recalled in South Africa due to a fault in the automatic transmission system that could pose safety risks. Consumers are being urged to take affected vehicles in for repairs. The National Consumer Commission outlines what drivers need to know and how the recall…

17 Mar 3PM 13 min

Budget 2026 brings rare relief for investors

In a welcome shift, the 2026 Budget introduces no major tax hikes while boosting tax-free savings, retirement contribution limits, and offshore allowances. These changes could significantly benefit long-term investors. Shaun Duddy, head of Retail Product Development at Allan Gray, explains how South Africans can make the most of the new…

17 Mar 3PM 20 min

Old Mutual delivers strong results amid strategic reset

Old Mutual has reported solid growth in profits and dividends, signaling momentum after a strategic reset focused on competitiveness and expansion. But with leadership changes on the horizon and ongoing pressure in key markets, the focus now shifts to execution. CEO Jurie Strydom discusses how the group plans to balance…

17 Mar 3PM 11 min

Eskom tariff hike kicks in from April

South Africans will feel the pinch as electricity tariffs rise by 8.76% from 1 April, with further increases expected from municipalities later in the year. While Eskom points to improved performance and the need to fund infrastructure, questions remain about affordability and whether reliability will truly improve. Energy and finance…

17 Mar 3PM 5 min

When can pension benefits be withheld?

Employers sometimes pursue civil or criminal action against employees accused of fraud or dishonesty, but can pension benefits be withheld while those cases are still pending? The law allows pension funds to withhold benefits in certain circumstances, provided trustees exercise their discretion carefully and fairly. Thato Makoaba, associate at Cliffe…

16 Mar 4PM 12 min

CAREERS CORNER: Rebuilding job prospects after long-term unemployment

Long-term unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most serious labour market challenges, with millions of people out of work for a year or longer. Extended time away from employment can make it harder for job seekers to re-enter the workforce, but experts say there are ways to rebuild confidence and…

16 Mar 4PM 19 min

Skills needed to tackle South Africa’s water crisis

South Africa’s growing water crisis is not only about ageing infrastructure but also about the shortage of skilled professionals to manage and maintain critical systems. Training, technical expertise and workforce development are increasingly seen as key to strengthening water security. Dr Mmaphefo Thwala, Water Sector Manager at EWSETA, joins KayaBiz…

16 Mar 4PM 17 min

MTN returns to profit after difficult year

Africa’s largest telecoms operator, MTN Group, has staged a remarkable turnaround, reporting a profit of R27.4 billion for 2025 after a loss the previous year driven largely by currency volatility in Nigeria. The group has also surpassed 300 million customers and continues to invest heavily in network expansion and digital…

16 Mar 4PM 13 min

COSATU calls for urgent fixes to UIF and social grants

South Africa’s labour federation COSATU is warning that urgent action is needed to support struggling workers and businesses. The organisation is calling for improvements to the UIF Temporary Employment Relief Scheme, expansion of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, and adjustments to social grants to keep pace with inflation. COSATU parliamentary co-ordinator…

16 Mar 4PM 14 min

Sun International reports strong growth

Sun International has reported solid financial results for 2025, driven by strong performance across its diversified portfolio and rapid growth in its digital betting platform, Sunbet. The group also increased both its ordinary and special dividends as confidence in its balance sheet improves. Sun International CEO Ulrik Bengtsson joins KayaBiz…

16 Mar 4PM 6 min

Standard Bank Group Posts Strong 2025 Results

Standard Bank Group has closed 2025 on a strong note, reporting headline earnings of R49.2 billion and a return on equity of 19.3%, hitting the top end of its ROE target range. CEO Simpiwe “Sim” Tshabalala joins us to unpack the drivers behind the bank’s performance, including growth in digital…

12 Mar 4PM 11 min

South Africa’s Mining Sector Off to a Strong Start

Stats SA reports a 4.6% rise in mining output and a 31.7% jump in mineral sales year-on-year for January. Mining analyst Peter Major breaks down which minerals are driving growth, whether gains are linked to prices or volumes, and what these trends mean for investors and the South African economy.

12 Mar 4PM 11 min

INSIDE YOUR POCKET: Retirement Under Pressure: Rising Debt Among Older South Africans

As South Africa’s population ages, more seniors are turning to credit to cover everyday expenses. Andrew Fulton, Director at Eighty20, explores the financial realities for “Humble Elders” and “Comfortable Retirees,” why defaults among seniors are rising, and what this means for families, policymakers, and the broader economy.

12 Mar 4PM 13 min

Sanlam Delivers Strong 2025 Results and Pan-African Expansion

South Africa’s leading financial services group, Sanlam, achieved record new business of R496 billion, with net client cash flows more than doubling. CFO Abigail Mukhuba discusses the group’s operational performance, Pan-African growth strategy, strategic acquisitions like Assupol and Shriram Finance, the launch of the ZARU stablecoin, and how the company…

12 Mar 4PM 11 min

Pivot Point: Shaping Africa’s Energy Future

Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, Founder and CEO of RichAfrica Consulting, shares insights on transforming Africa’s natural resource potential into sustainable economic growth. We explore investment opportunities in oil and gas, the Orange Basin, Namibia’s energy policy, ESG strategies, and how African countries can better leverage natural resources for long-term development.

12 Mar 4PM 38 min

FlySafair Fuel Surcharge

Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, explained the airline’s temporary fuel surcharge following a 70% spike in jet fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The surcharge applies to flights departing on or before 12 May 2026 and will be reviewed regularly to ensure fairness and transparency for…

11 Mar 3PM 9 min

INSIDE YOUR BUSINESS: VAT Ruling & Business Certainty

Dr Dumisani Jantjies, lead macroeconomic and fiscal analyst at the University of Johannesburg, explained the implications of the Western Cape High Court ruling that halted immediate VAT changes. The decision ensures tax adjustments must go through Parliament, offering businesses greater predictability and potentially affecting other indirect taxes like fuel levies.

11 Mar 3PM 17 min

Mo & K Essence – Mother-Daughter Business Journey

Kgomotso and Tlotlang Moloi, founders of Mo & K Essence, shared their journey of building a purpose-driven, mother-daughter business turning wellness into affordable luxury. Their eco-conscious products, from candles to bath salts, reflect intentional living, and the brand has grown into a lifestyle movement with both local and international recognition.

11 Mar 3PM 24 min