Sinenjabulo Sibeko
It was a slower week on the JSE results front as we near the end of reporting season.
Still, there were key results from financial services giants like Momentum Group and OUTSurance, as well as the property sector through listed REITs Attacq – owners of the Mall of Africa – and Hyprop Investments, custodians of Rosebank Mall.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Johann Rupert’s Remgro as it prepares to release results in the coming week, a set of numbers expected to shed light on the performance of one of South Africa’s most influential investment groups.
This week, Kaya Biz also reflected on National Wills Week, with striking numbers from Sanlam revealing that 66% of South Africans do not have a will.
The shortfall is universal, cutting across age groups, income brackets, and demographics raising concerns about the state of financial planning in the country.
On a lighter note, YouTube has just celebrated 20 years in Africa.
We reflected on its impact on the creative economy, how it has reshaped how South Africans consume content, and how it is assisting content creators professionalize their platforms into businesses.
Here are the past week’s standout stories:
1. 66% of South Africans do not have wills – What are some of the reasons?
Guest: David Thomson, Senior Legal Adviser at Sanlam Trust
Sanlam’s latest Legacy Survey revealed that two-thirds of South Africans do not have wills. Despite most people acknowledging the importance of estate planning, very few take the necessary steps. We unpacked why this is the case, the risks of dying intestate, and why proper estate planning is essential for protecting families’ financial futures.
2. Inside Your Business – The Gym Economy in South Africa
Guest: Mannee De Wet, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Planet Fitness
From its first club in Benoni in 1995 to becoming a billion-rand business with a national footprint, Planet Fitness has been at the centre of South Africa’s fitness story. We explored how the gym industry has adapted to shifting consumer trends, digital disruption, and a tough economic climate. We also looked at how gyms are finding ways to generate revenue beyond traditional memberships.
3. In Conversation with Zibusiso Mkhwanazi
From starting with just R2 000 in high school to building a R1-billion agency network, Zibusiso “Zibu” Mkhwanazi’s journey is a story of grit and purpose. In this candid conversation, he reflects power of intentional partnerships, the role of faith in business, and how he steered Avatar through the pandemic without a single retrenchment.
4. How Are Adverts Regulated in South Africa?
Guest: Gail Schimmel, CEO of the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB)
Advertising in South Africa is under sharper scrutiny than ever. Gail Schimmel of the ARB explained how consumer complaints are assessed, why “truth in branding” matters, and how watchdogs balance creativity with accountability. We used the high-profile Liqui Fruit ruling as a case study and why every slogan and tagline carries weight.
5. Why Do Commissions of Inquiry Cost So Much?
Guest: Mpumelelo Zikalala, Legal Expert
With the new Madlanga Commission set to cost R148 million in six months, the debate over whether commissions deliver value for money has been reignited. We reflect on South Africa’s billion-rand history of commissions, the lessons learned, and whether alternatives exist to achieve accountability at a lower price tag.
