Business

Political and economic stability, low interest rates, strong consumer spending and a relatively stable rand have lifted South African business confidence to record highs.

Inspiring young entrepreneur Lufefe Nomjana started with a good idea and R40. Today he has expanded his small-scale spinach-bread making business into a range...

South Africa’s olive oil industry is growing. Most of the growers and producers are based in Western Cape, which has the perfect Mediterranean climate to produce the delicate, healthy oil. Given the high quality of the oil, many of them won gold medals in the Olive Oil Awards.
• Kilimo Salama farmers’ safety

Teenagers feeling depressed or suicidal can now reach out for help by SMS. Skilled counsellors from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group will be on hand with help, information and practical advice - and teens in crisis will never get a "busy" signal.

MTN has acquired two telecommunications companies, Arobase Telecom and Afnet, in Cote d'Ivoire, enabling the South African based company - the largest cellphone operator in Africa and the Middle East - to expand its footprint in West Africa.

The New Development Bank (NDB), operated by the BRICS grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has formally opened for business. According to the National Treasury, the country's role in the bank will strengthen its position as a financial centre for the continent.

President Thabo Mbeki has wrapped up a two-day visit to Tunisia with the signing of three cooperation agreements on jobs, culture and health.

Standard Bank has launched JSE-listed currency reference warrants, a first for the South African market, in response to the growing popularity of currency trading in the country.

PC sales in South Africa are soaring according to latest research. And as business confidence increases, there are signs that the new PC market will grow even more.

South African business confidence inched up in June, with the latest economic data and financial market movements indicating that business is stabilising, although companies and consumers remain hesitant.