Sinenjabulo Sibeko
This week the markets were buzzing with company results season in full swing. We heard directly from the leaders of some of South Africa’s biggest companies, including MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita and Absa’s Financial Director Deon Raju as they unpacked their performance and outlook.
At the same time, the Constitutional Court heard arguments in the long-running rand manipulation case, a decade-long battle that could reshape how South Africa holds local and international banks accountable.
Beyond the markets, we explored how shifting salary trends are squeezing South African households, why football clubs are rethinking their business models, and what the collapse of Murray & Roberts means for the country’s industrial legacy.
Here are the highlights of the week:
The Rand Manipulation Case Heads To ConCourt
Guest – Harry Scherzer, CEO of Future Forex
The rand manipulation saga reached its highest legal stage this week, with the Constitutional Court reserving judgment on whether the Competition Commission can pursue its case against major banks accused of currency fixing. With banks like FirstRand and Standard Bank claiming reputational damage, we unpack what this means for South Africa’s financial credibility and investor confidence.
MTN Group Surges Back With Strong Results
Guest – Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President & CEO
Telecoms powerhouse MTN has delivered a robust recovery, with EBITDA soaring 60.6% to R46.65bn and service revenue jumping 23.2% to R105.1bn for the half-year to June. CEO Ralph Mupita takes us behind the numbers, explaining how stabilising markets, subscriber growth, and booming fintech revenues are shaping MTN’s next phase.
Fewer Salaries Paid In The R40,000–R100,000 Range
Guest – Elize Kruger, Independent Economist
BankservAfrica’s latest Take-home Pay Index shows a sharp decline in higher-income salaries, reflecting job losses among top earners. Average pay is also down — 1.1% in July and 6.9% since January, a worrying signal for household spending power in a weak economy.
The Business of Football Clubs: Ownership, Revenue & Commercialisation
Guest – Senzo Mbatha, CEO of Menza Group International
Football isn’t just a sport; it’s big business. From ownership structures to sponsorship models, the way clubs are run determines their financial health and competitiveness. Senzo Mbatha, former CEO of Orlando Pirates and Young Africans, unpacks how African clubs are evolving and where the opportunities lie for investors.
Murray & Roberts Shuts Down After 120 Years
Guest – Rob Rose, Editor at Currency
One of South Africa’s most storied construction companies has closed its doors. From the Carlton Centre to Cape Town Stadium, Murray & Roberts built landmarks that shaped the nation but this week, it was forced into liquidation. We explore whether this was the result of bad timing, missteps, or the harsh realities of a changing industry.
