IOL Logo
Friday, May 16, 2025

Latest News & Developments

consumers

Consumer dissatisfaction with financial service providers revealed in FSCA report

The FSCA's 2025 Complaints Management Industry Review Report reveals significant consumer dissatisfaction with complaint handling processes among financial service providers, with 67% of respondents expressing discontent. The report highlights the need for improved communication and transparency in complaint resolution

Business Report Economy
Yogashen Pillay|Published

Retail sales rise modestly as consumers seek value amidst economic challenges

South Africa's retail sector demonstrated resilience in 2024, with FMCG spending reaching R637 billion despite economic pressures. While private labels showed strong growth and festive season sales surged, the technology sector faced challenges. NIQ's latest analysis reveals changing consumer behaviours and emerging retail trends

Business Report
Siphelele Dludla|Published

Understanding internet pricing: How to find the cheapest ISP in South Africa

Discover how choosing the right ISP can enhance your connectivity and save you money in South Africa.

Business Advice
Dhivana Rajgopaul|Published

Revealed: How South Africans are spending their money in 2025

A comprehensive DebtBusters study reveals surprising spending patterns across South African income groups, with the lowest earners spending 50% on groceries while high-income households prioritise insurance and retirement savings.

Business Advice
Dhivana Rajgopaul|Published

Redefining what is “smart” about devices

Human mobile Devices are poised for growth in South Africa.

Business Report Economy
Opinion|Published

The rise of South Africa's working class: a decade of growth

A recent study reveals that South Africa's working class has grown significantly, doubling their spending power and becoming a crucial consumer group

Mercury
Mercury Reporter|Published

From rural village to fashion success: DUT student's entrepreneurial journey

From humble beginnings in rural Impendle to winning international competitions, DUT student Luyanda Majozi's streetwear brand Enigmatic Cotton is revolutionising local fashion while creating employment opportunities. Discover how this 22-year-old entrepreneur is building a global fashion empire while pursuing his studies.

Business Report Entrepreneurs
Ashley Lechman|Published

Understanding banking fees in South Africa: What you need to know

From monthly fees to transaction costs: Our comprehensive comparison of South Africa's major banks reveals striking differences in banking charges, helping you make an informed choice for your financial needs. Plus, discover which bank ranks highest in customer satisfaction for 2024.

Business Advice
Dhivana Rajgopaul|Published

Is HONOR Redefining what Matters in Smartphones?

Mzansi mindsets are however changing. South Africans are becoming more practical about their tech choices, questioning whether paying a mega-Rand price for a device is truly necessary.

The Star Partnered
Editorial|Published

SA rand makes slight gain against US dollar

Ancho Capital said that markets were weighed down by losses in technology and mining sector stocks.

Business Report Markets
Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa faces avian flu threat: Urgent call for vaccination

South African Poultry Association has raised warning flags South Africa is facing a grave risk from the potential spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Business Report Economy
Yogashen Pillay|Published

Government pledges support for small-scale sugarcane farmers

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen commits to supporting over 24,000 black small-scale sugarcane farmers, with SA Canegrowers welcoming a R1. 09 billion empowerment initiative aimed at transforming South Africa's sugar industry. The programme has already benefited thousands of farmers in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga

Business Report Economy
Yogashen Pillay|Published

African Development Bank and Standard Bank unite to support SMMEs and boost trade

The agreement includes a R3. 6 billion investment in a social bond and a $200 million Risk Participation Agreement (RPA) for Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (SBSA).

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

Stor-Age delivers positive operational performance

The portfolio achieved an average rental rate increase of 4. 1% year-on-year.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

State steps in to regulate healthcare tariffs to cut medical sector size

The South African government is implementing new measures to regulate healthcare pricing through a draft block exemption, following recommendations from the Health Market Inquiry. The framework aims to address rising costs and overutilisation in private healthcare while ensuring affordable access for more South Africans.

Business Report Economy
Banele Ginindza|Published

Why are food prices so high? Inside South Africa's grocery wars

Detailed comparison of South Africa's major retailers reveals price gaps of up to R200 on basic groceries, plus expert insights on future food costs and inflation impacts.

Business Advice
Dhivana Rajgopaul|Published

Cosatu calls for progressive Budget alternatives ahead of March 12 Parliament return

Cosatu welcomes Cabinet's decision to reconsider the 2% VAT hike while emphasising the need for a balanced budget that strengthens public services, stimulates economic growth, and protects the working class. The union federation outlines key priorities ahead of the March 12 Budget presentation.

Business Report Economy
Opinion|Published

Sasol reports challenging financial results as revenues decline

Sasol’s latest financial results reveal a steep decline in revenue and earnings, as the energy powerhouse faces persistent market challenges.

Business Report Companies
Ashley Lechman|Published

Eskom eases load shedding from stage 6 to 4

South Africa got some slight relief on Monday after Eskom announced the end of stage 6 load shedding, lowering the level to stage 4.

Business Report Energy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Musk says all US govt staff must justify their work or lose jobs

Musk, the world's richest person and Trump's biggest donor has led the effort to fire swaths of the government workforce.

Business Report International
Yolande Du Preez|Published

SA’s energy crisis returns as Eskom plunges nation back into stage 6 load shedding

South Africa's brief respite from power cuts ends as Eskom implements Stage 6 load shedding following multiple generation unit failures at major power stations. Energy Minister Ramokgopa apologises to the nation and addresses sabotage speculation.

Business Report Energy
Ashley Lechman|Published

Proposed VAT increase could push South Africans deeper into debt crisis

Financial experts warn that a potential VAT increase could devastate South African households already struggling with rising living costs and mounting debt. The postponement of the Budget Speech has left the nation anxious about possible tax hikes.

Business Report Economy
Ashley Lechman|Published

AVBOB under fire for controversial R4,000 funeral payout after 22 years of premiums

AVBOB faces backlash as a woman reveals her shocking R4,000 funeral payout after 22 years of contributions.

Personal Finance Insurance
Xolile Mtembu|Published

PSA condemns AfriForum's call for foreign intervention in South Africa

The Public Servants Association (PSA) said in a statement that they strongly condemned the irresponsible actions by AfriForum and its allies in calling for foreign intervention in South Africa’s domestic affairs.

Business Report Economy
Yogashen Pillay|Published

Competition Tribunal approves Hollard's acquisition of Lombard Insurance

The Competition Tribunal said in a statement on Thursday that it had approved the proposed merger in which The Hollard Insurance Company Ltd (“Hollard”) intends to acquire part of Lombard Insurance Company Ltd.

Business Report Economy
Yogashen Pillay|Published