Traditionally BLSA would not comment on foreign policy issues. But our government’s stance on the Ukraine conflict is now having serious consequences for our economy and our ability to recover from the other crises our country faces. The US and European markets are particularly important for our manufactured goods, the kind that sees far more…

BLSA has today released an independent report on the prospect of South Africa being grey listed by the Financial Action Task Force. The report, by researchers Intellidex, puts the probability of grey listing at 85% come the FATF plenary in February next year. The researchers estimate that the economic impact of grey listing could be limited or severe depending on how South Africa reacts to grey listing.

BLSA has noted the decision of consulting firm Bain to withdraw its membership.

Business Leadership South Africa today launched a report on solutions to boosting infrastructure investment to drive the economic recovery.

Level four is something of a testing ground to assess Covid-19 readiness for moving to levels three and two, to learn more about the challenges and states of readiness, trade and industry minister Ebrahim Patel told an online webcast with business leaders on Friday organised by Business Leadership South Africa.

As much as the government under President Cyril Ramaphosa focuses on drawing investment into the country, it is in matters such as freeing up the private sector, and in particular SMMEs, where we’ll find shorter, quicker pathways to a better growth outlook for the economy.

In years past, this week’s speech – that doesn’t carry as much weight as the February budget – was primarily seen as a marker in calendars of just when the state would be unofficially going on its summer holidays. It couldn’t be more different now as it will serve as a statement of intent of Ramaphosa’s first administration, and perhaps the constant date changes bear testimony to its importance – we hope.