Godongwana reassures Ithala’s depositors with R2bn guarantee
The minister’s address to the FSCA conference also touched on regulation, South Africa’s G20 presidency, political tensions over the Budget, and economic growth.
Author: Nettalie Viljoen
SA’s path beyond the grey list: key challenges and opportunities ahead
While South Africa is on track to exit the grey list by October, National Treasury emphasises the importance of long-term improvements and continuous progress in financial regulation.
Legal battle over Ithala’s future heats up as liquidation looms
The PA and the repayment administrator accuse Ithala of operating unlawfully – comparing its actions to a Ponzi scheme. Ithala argues the freezing of depositors’ accounts is a calculated manoeuvre designed to collapse its operations.
OUTsurance’s interim results: strong growth amid Irish losses and ESOP transition
Despite the wind-down of OUTsurance’s employee share ownership plan, CEO Marthinus Visser says the transition to a Customer Shareholding Plan will maintain employee motivation.
VAT hike scaled back, but social grants take the biggest hit
With the government now R8.6 billion short, planned social grant increases have been slashed – while Home Affairs and border management also see deep budget cuts.
Sanlam fires on all cylinders, delivering strong earnings and new business
The group recorded double-digit earnings, robust new business volumes, and an increased dividend, all underpinned by its tri-regional focus.
Sanlam advances Assupol integration to strengthen retail mass operations
With the integration of Assupol well under way, Sanlam is working to streamline its operations and enhance its market position.
ASISA rejects proposed ‘dualistic nature’ of CIS portfolios
ASISA warns that reclassifying collective investment scheme portfolios as profit-making schemes will undermine years of established investment policy.
Investors’ costly habit: how behavioural biases are eroding returns
Momentum Investments’ latest Sci-Fi Report reveals how switching funds at the wrong time continues to erode returns, with behaviour tax remaining alarmingly high post-Covid-19.
SARS’s tax collection powers strengthened – will enforcement get tougher?
Taxpayers may struggle to challenge SARS’s authority to repatriate foreign assets after a High Court ruling upheld its powers, potentially paving the way for more assertive tax enforcement.
Still scheming? Cobus Geldenhuis caught in new fraud allegations despite debarment
Despite a 20-year debarment, a R143m fine, and even losing a leg in a motorcycle accident, Cobus Geldenhuis is allegedly still defrauding investors under a new alias.
Rand wobbles, markets react – but Budget delay isn’t a crisis (yet)
Financial planners weigh in on the fallout and why investors should stay calm.
PA report contradicts Ithala and KZN Treasury’s solvency claims
A PA-commissioned solvency report questions Ithala’s financial health, raising concerns about its equity, loan book, and potential shortfall in repaying depositors.
More arrests in Steinhoff saga as executives face justice
The arrest of two more former Steinhoff executives ties back to a fraudulent scheme involving a handwritten note by Markus Jooste.
DBE gets temporary relief from R5m fine, but legal battle over matric results continues
The Department of Basic Education has filed a review application, aiming to have the notice barring the publication of the matric results declared unconstitutional.
VBS scandal: six convicted, 35 arrested – and more to come
Authorities have convicted six individuals in the VBS Mutual Bank fraud case, including former executives and municipal officials. However, with 29 accused still on trial and 43 more suspects under investigation, the case is far from over.
US market dominance: exceptional growth or hidden risk?
PSG Asset Management warns that market complacency, overconcentration in US equities, challenging starting valuations, and potential policy risks could make the next decade challenging for investors.
