Business Archives - Page 2 of 4

NAFCOC takes fight to Parliament over IDC’s alleged bias against black entrepreneurs and violation of its developmental mandate

14Feb

By News SANo Comments

Business

NAFCOC takes fight to Parliament over IDC’s alleged bias against black entrepreneurs and violation of its developmental mandate

By Special Correspondent: The National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) has turned to Parliament, demanding that the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) be held accountable for what it calls a failure to deliver on its developmental mandate and for discriminating against black-owned businesses. In a strongly worded letter to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, NAFCOC accused the state-owned financier of consistently sidelining township enterprises and black industrialists, while channelling funds to white-owned and privileged companies. The chamber said black businesses are routinely bogged down in red tape when seeking support, undermining efforts to drive inclusive economic growth. Parliament has agreed to meet with NAFCOC ...

NAFCOC hails Ramaphosa’s R2.5bn SMME package as ‘long overdue’ and a vital intervention

14Feb

By News SANo Comments

Business

NAFCOC hails Ramaphosa’s R2.5bn SMME package as ‘long overdue’ and a vital intervention

By Special Correspondent: President Cyril Ramaphosa. (Image: Northern Cape Government website) The National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of expanded funding for small businesses, calling it a vital intervention at a precarious economic moment. Delivering his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), Ramaphosa unveiled a R2.5‑billion initiative to boost job creation and industrialisation. The plan will provide direct funding to about 180,000 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), alongside R1‑billion in guarantees to unlock further financing. Priority will be given to women‑ and youth‑led enterprises, with additional support for supplier development programmes tied to manufactu...

Global Economic Outlook in 2026 and its Implications

13Feb

By News SANo Comments

Business

Global Economic Outlook in 2026 and its Implications

By Prof. Nuwagaba Augustus: Bank of Uganda Deputy Governor A high-angle shot of a leather change purse and some change and a banknote on a wooden surface (Image: Pixels) The global economy is looking interesting in 2026. Global growth is estimated at 2.8%, which is pretty decent. The U.S. economy is expected to continue to drive global growth, with forecasts for 2026 GDP growth estimated at 2.6%, supported by tax cuts, easier financial conditions, and a reduced drag from tariffs. China's GDP is forecast to expand by around 4.5% to 4.8% in 2026. The major driver will be manufacturing and IT equipment, and services. The Eurozone is expected to grow slowly, with forecasts around 1.3%–1.7%. Germany (the largest economy in Europe) is projecte...

THE CHAUKE SISTERS: Turning their mother’s baking into a national empire

14Nov

By News SANo Comments

Business

THE CHAUKE SISTERS: Turning their mother’s baking into a national empire

By Sitha Maliwa: ABOVE: Rhulani (left) and Rirhandzu Chauke (far right), co-owners of Conza’s Biscuits, with Maanda Milubi, Director Enterprise and Supplier Development, Tiger Brands. Conza’s Biscuits is one of the township-based, women-owned businesses that Tiger Brands has supported. (Image: supplied) In the heart of Soweto, in a tiny kitchen warmed by the smell of vanilla and ambition, a single mother once stood over five battered baking pans, determined to change the course of her family’s life. That woman was Constance Chauke - and the seed she planted in 2004 has grown into one of South Africa’s most inspiring SMME success stories: Conza’s Biscuits. What began as a survival strategy has risen, against the odds, into a beloved national brand now touching homes, re...

BEYOND THE MINES: RCDT’s 10-year journey of empowering Rustenburg

13Nov

By News SANo Comments

Business

BEYOND THE MINES: RCDT’s 10-year journey of empowering Rustenburg

By Sitha Maliwa: A decade ago, the Rustenburg Community Development Trust (RCDT) was founded on a bold vision to transform mining-linked communities into self-sustaining powerhouses of innovation, skills, and enterprise. Today, that vision stands tall. As RCDT prepares to host its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 27 November at the RCDT Hub in Paardekraal, the organisation marks 10 years of transformative community impact that has reshaped lives across Rustenburg’s 65 villages. This is no ordinary AGM. It’s a celebration of progress, resilience, and a renewed promise to build a Rustenburg that thrives beyond the mines. From humble beginnings in 2014 to a thriving network that has reached over 50,000 beneficiaries, RCDT’s journey reads like a blueprint for sust...

FROM TALK TO ACTION: The 2025 Green Economy Indaba sparks change

16Sep

By News SANo Comments

Business

FROM TALK TO ACTION: The 2025 Green Economy Indaba sparks change

By Sitha Maliwa: The air at the 2025 Nedbank Green Economy Indaba crackled with urgency and hope. Business leaders, young entrepreneurs, and changemakers converged under one roof, not just to talk about sustainability but to declare a new chapter in South Africa’s fight for an inclusive, resilient, and greener future. This was no ordinary conference. It was a battle cry. A rallying point. A space where South Africa’s youth stood tall, proving they are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the architects of today’s solutions. From renewable energy to sustainable farming, from water innovation to green financing, the conversations were fierce, unapologetic, and inspiring. Panels unpacked the Just Transition Framework, probing how inclusivity can be more than a po...

GLOBAL STAGE, LOCAL STORIES: Women Changing the World Awards Arrive in SA

1Sep

By News SANo Comments

Business

GLOBAL STAGE, LOCAL STORIES: Women Changing the World Awards Arrive in SA

By Sitha Maliwa: The winds of change swept through South Africa as history was made at the Garden Venue in Honeydew, where the Women Changing the World Awards touched South African soil for the very first time. At the centre of it all was Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo — narrative therapist, psychosocial specialist, and founder of PHOLA International. Earlier this year, she walked away with not one, but three awards at the global edition of the event. Last week, she returned not as an honouree, but as a host. Her story came full circle, and with it, the stories of countless South African women were lifted to the global stage. The Women Changing the World Awards is no ordinary celebration. Co-founded by Dr. Tererai Trent, the internationally recognised scholar hailed as Oprah ...

NETWORK IMPOSSIBLE: Poor network connectivity stifles women’s entrepreneurship in rural South Africa

28Aug

By News SANo Comments

Business

NETWORK IMPOSSIBLE: Poor network connectivity stifles women’s entrepreneurship in rural South Africa

By NewsSA Staff: Sean and Khanya Shipalana, co-founders of Moropa Telecommunications Poor network signal in South Africa’s rural communities is leaving many women entrepreneurs vulnerable in emergencies and left behind in the digital economy. Across subsistence farming, tourism, and small trading, women entrepreneurs depend on connectivity for the basics of modern business. This includes taking bookings, processing payments, and receiving phone calls. Yet the reality in many rural areas is stark: calls drop, signals vanish, and online platforms remain out of reach for many. “In the rural communities where we operate, a significant number of households are led by women. When they draw courage to start their own businesses to support thei...

HER STORY HER SUCCESS: 100 reasons to believe in women in business

21Aug

By News SANo Comments

Business

HER STORY HER SUCCESS: 100 reasons to believe in women in business

By Melini Moses: When Durban entrepreneur, Shameem Kumandan, started her laundry business, it was out of necessity, not ambition. With little more than a washing machine, a repurposed family car, and the support of her family, she printed pamphlets and delivered orders door-to-door. Humble beginnings Today, that humble backyard operation has grown into a nationally recognised enterprise employing around 60 people. The business is partnering with schools, washing sports kits, and even providing sanitary towels and life skills training for schoolgirls. Kumandan moved into a custom-designed facility, installed large-scale industrial equipment, and won multiple industry awards. Her journey, marked by grit, resourcefulness, and resilience, is now one of 100 ...

GLITZ, GLOW, AND CULTURE: When fashion meets skincare

14Aug

By News SANo Comments

Business

GLITZ, GLOW, AND CULTURE: When fashion meets skincare

By Zee: Okay, friends, gather around because I have some juicy news that’s basically making my inner glow scream! So, apparently, Vaseline Cera-Glow decided to get really fancy and team up with none other than Malondié for their Spring/Summer 2025 launch. Yes, you read that right - skincare and high fashion, walking hand-in-hand down the runway! Can we just take a moment? The theme? “We are the fruits of where we come from.” I mean, already I’m picturing bold prints, juicy colours, and all the vibes of summer in SA. And let me tell you, Londeka Buthelezi, the genius behind Malondié, is bringing her A-game. She’s serving looks inspired by the traditional ‘isigege’ skirt, but like… make it runway-ready. And honestly, the thought of 60 unique pieces divided into...