Classic Business

Wayne McCurrie, portfolio manager, FNB Wealth and Investments & Steven Schultz, CEO of Momentum Securities

Nick Hudson, CEO of SANA Partners and part time coordinator of Panda

When the public health crisis eventually subsides, the old structural socio-economic problems will of course still be there, but they will be felt more acutely in the aftermath of the coronavirus hurricane. What should South Africa be doing to prepare for the ‘new normal’ after Covid-19? That is the overarching question that a new book from Jacana Media, Recession, Recovery and Reform: South Africa after Covid-19, seeks to tackle.

Edited by prominent economist, Raymond Parsons, the book comprises a fascinating collection of essays by some of South Africa’s top intellectuals and thought leaders. Michael Avery launched the book on his show last in a wide-ranging conversation about the economy. Is it a new dawn or a false dawn?

Nick Hudson, CEO of SANA Partners and part time coordinator of Panda

Keith Engel, CEO of South African Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT)

Rob Towell, portfolio manager at Sasfin Securities & Maarten Ackerman, chief economist and advisory partner, Citadel

Raymond Parsons, from School of Business and Governance at North West University

Michael Avery’s guest this week is one of the leading voices for the sustainable advancement of women in the corporate and entrepreneurial space in South Africa today. She was the first chairperson of the South African Women Entrepreneurs Network Ltd., an initiative of the Department of Trade & Industry to support women owned SMMEs and was instrumental in the establishment of the SAWEN national strategy, organisation and the constitution.She is, through Business Engage, the founder of the Gender Mainstreaming Awards (www.genderawards.co.za). The awards seek to encourage the private sector to buy-in to achieving more meaningful representation of women in the mainstream of business.

In addition, she is the President of the 30% Club Southern Africa, a global organisation of chairs and other senior business leaders publicly committed to achieving 30% women on boards together with the associated pipeline within a default period of five years. The 30% Club includes high profile companies like Anglo American, Old Mutual, Bloomburg, PwC and Goldman Sachs to name but a few. (www.30percentclub.org.za) Colleen Larsen, CEO of Women in Business Engage, shares her approach to helping woman climb the corporate ladder and smash glass ceilings.

Styli Charalambous, CEO and publisher of Daily Maverick

MTN reported a 120,5% jump in first-half headline earnings per share (HEPS), within guidance and didn’t declare an interim dividend. HEPS were positively impacted by 0 cents relating to the Nigeria fine interest; hyperinflation (excluding impairments) of 10 cents and reversal of the time value loss recognised on the Iran receivable of 8 cents

Group service revenue grew by 9,4%. Revenue +16%. Subscribers +9% MTN’s EBITDA margin improved by 6,4pp to 49,7%. Three years into his role as MTN CFO, Ralph Mupita has already received four CFO Awards, including CFO of the Year. Michael Avery spoke to Mupita, tipped to be the new CEO to replace Rob Shuter, about the pivotal part he’s played in turning MTN around.