companies

The credit shake-out in developed markets has accelerated an investor shift to emerging markets, says Steve Minnaar of Old Mutual Investment Group SA, with expected faster growth rates and better returns making emerging market equities - including a number of South African firms - increasingly attractive to international investors.

South Africa's stock exchange was established on 8 November 1887, a year after the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand. Today, the JSE boasts around 400 listed companies and a market capitalisation of over R6-trillion, placing it in the top 20 exchanges worldwide.

China's largest bank, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, has purchased a 20% stake in South Africa's Standard Bank for US$5.5-billion, representing the largest foreign direct investment in the country to date.

A high-level South African business delegation will visit India next week to expand trade relations between the two countries and explore investment opportunities.

The delegation will be led by Dr Essop Pahad, Minister in the Office of the Presidency. It will also include senior leaders of industry, trade and commerce as well as representatives from provincial development agencies.

South Africa has launched a public-private partnership that will provide retirement packages for around one million domestic workers across the country.

The South African Business Coalition on HIV/Aids lobbies and partners with the government, spearheads research and pilots best practice in Aids workplace programmes, and empowers companies to respond effectively to the epidemic.

Multichoice Africa's 12-year monopoly over South Africa's pay-TV market has ended. The country's regulator has awarded four new broadcasting licences, setting the stage for a wider range of content and more affordable subscription television services.

Cellular operator MTN has announced plans to build a 5 000km fibre-optic network, which could cost up to R1.3-billion, covering the major centres across South Africa within the next two years.

South Africa, now established as a bridge between the developing and developed worlds, is set to play an increasingly important role as global power shifts from the industrialised countries of the G8 to the new economic powers of the south, writes John Battersby.

Limpopo province will spend R76-million on upgrading the international airport in Polokwane and domestic airports in Giyani and Thohoyandou in preparation for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.