Banking & Insurance

With El Niño conditions now established, the latest climate risk assessments suggest Southern African agriculture is better prepared for the period ahead. El Niño conditions have now formed in the Pacific Ocean. Climate forecasters indicate a high probability that the event could strengthen significantly over the coming months. Moreover, the existing fragile environment and market conditions make this El Niño event even more worrying.

South Africa’s agricultural sector is under growing pressure to produce more food with fewer resources. Rising input costs, infrastructure strain, and climate volatility are reshaping the risk commercial farming landscape. Margins continue to tighten. As operational buffers shrink, farming businesses are becoming increasingly exposed to production, financial and market vulnerabilities.

Most climate change conversations focus on shifting rain patterns, agricultural yields, or environmental damage. Yet one of its most immediate consequences often goes overlooked: the direct and measurable impact extreme weather events can have on household finances. A Super El Niño is one such event.

South Africa's payments ecosystem has evolved rapidly over the past few years. At the point of sale, a consumer can tap or insert a card, open a banking app and make a PayShap transfer, scan a QR code, or split the purchase across three interest-free instalments using PayJustNow or Payfex. They can also tap their phone to pay via digital wallet.

We have launched our inaugural State of Medical Schemes Report (SOMS). The report brings together the views of medical scheme leaders, new data illustrating the scale of protection provided by medical schemes, and modelling of reforms that could strengthen the sector’s long-term sustainability.

A patient in an underserved community may begin their care at a local clinic. They may then receive a referral to a district hospital, have tests processed elsewhere, and later need specialist treatment or follow-up in another province. At every handover, the next care team needs enough context to understand what has already happened and what should happen next.

On 26 June 2026, the Western Cape High Court, in Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) vs Meiring Citrus (Pty) Ltd, upheld SARS's appeal. The court held that a R10 million self-insurance deduction was not allowable. What began with a R10 million tax deduction claimed in Meiring Citrus' 2017 year of assessment ultimately resulted in years of verifications.

Recent severe weather events across South Africa have once again highlighted the agricultural sector's growing exposure to climate-related risks. While hail has historically been one of the most visible threats, farmers increasingly face a combination of hazards. These include strong winds, heavy rainfall, localised flooding and unseasonal weather patterns. Often, these hazards occur within the same production cycle.

Running a business means managing risk every day. Whether it's protecting assets, managing cash flow or ensuring regulatory compliance, business leaders understand the importance of planning for the unexpected. However, one risk often receives far less attention. It is the possibility of a tax audit.

As South Africa celebrates Women's Month, conversations around financial empowerment, wealth creation and economic participation remain as important as ever. While women continue to make significant strides in the workplace, business and entrepreneurship, achieving financial independence remains a critical component of long-term financial wellbeing.