Tag: funding

Despite ongoing challenges such as inconsistent power supply and economic instability, an impressive 83% of small businesses have grown their revenue in the past year, and 90% are optimistic about their future growth. These findings from our 2025 State of Small Business Report may be surprising to most, but they prompt the question: What is driving this optimism? The answer lies in SMEs' bold embrace of technology.

In a decisive move, the judiciary reaffirmed its role in safeguarding constitutional rights. The Gauteng Local Division of the High Court in Johannesburg recently issued an urgent interim relief order against the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) in a case of right to health enforcement.

In today’s dynamic business environment, leadership transitions are inevitable. These changes may result from a C-suite reshuffle, a merger, or an acquisition by a larger group. Regardless of the trigger, periods of transition can destabilise businesses of any size. Smooth business handovers are critical to reducing this instability.

Africa is urbanising rapidly. According to Africa’s Urbanisation Dynamics 2025 OECD report, our cities will house 1.4 billion people by 2050 – twice today’s number. But this growth is happening in cities that lack the financial power to shape their own futures. Most African cities struggle to raise revenue, borrow money or spend capital at scale.

South Africa is undermining its own growth if it doesn’t consider the meaningful impact of private institutions in solving capacity constraints in higher education. The oversubscribed demand for public universities reflects a far more profound systemic issue.

A great pitch can open doors – and a bad one can shut them just as fast. After years of listening to thousands of real-life investor pitches through the Pitch & Polish competition, I have seen the same mistakes derail even the most promising ideas. There are four most common pitching mistakes entrepreneurs make when pitching for funding – and what to do instead if they want their pitch to land.

In an era where the intersection of finance and sustainability is becoming increasingly critical, blended finance stands out as an innovative tool driving economic and environmental objectives. Here is why these financial strategies are gaining traction, particularly in South Africa, and how they're shaping the landscape for investors, governments and society at large.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping global power dynamics, economic frameworks, and security considerations. While it offers immense opportunities, it also raises significant concerns. These include governance, ethical standards, and its potential use in both civilian and military contexts.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa struggle to secure funding. Traditional banks fail to meet their debt capital needs. Fewer than 15% of SMEs access debt funding from banks, excluding overdraft facilities. Alternative lenders also fall short in meeting SME lending demands. The International Finance Corporation estimates a $30 billion (ZAR 550 billion) funding gap for South African SMEs.

The TV licence system is on life support. Less than 20% of South Africans with a licence actually pay. The costs of chasing payments often outweigh the revenue collected. People simply don’t see value in funding a public broadcaster anymore. They have an endless stream of content available elsewhere. That said, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) still matters.