BY: TANA MALINGA South Africa’s 2026 National Budget has introduced targeted relief measures for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighted by a significant increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) registration threshold and enhanced capital gains tax exemptions for qualifying business owners. In his Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the VAT registration…
BY:TANA MALINGA As thousands of cyclists prepare for the Cape Town Cycle Tour on 8 March, many are planning how to travel safely with their bicycles to Cape Town. FlySafair, South Africa’s most on-time airline, has released a simple and practical guide to help riders transport their bikes with confidence. Whether you are a first-time…
Standard Bank, the biggest bank in Africa by assets, has become the first African bank to issue Flac notes. The bank acted as Issuer and Arranger to successfully execute a R2bn Flac note issuance structured across four tranches. Flac notes are new regulatory instruments introduced by the South African Reserve Bank to enhance the financial strength…
BY: TANA MALINGA For many South African students, completing a qualification does not always lead to the next chapter of opportunity. Each year, thousands finish their studies but remain unable to graduate due to unpaid university fees from previous academic years. This unpaid balance, known as historical debt, refers to outstanding fees owed to universities…
BY:TANA MALINGA FlySafair has resumed its scheduled flights to and from Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) from 17 February 2026, following the successful refurbishment of the airport’s main runway. The runway had been severely damaged by the devastating floods that struck Limpopo in January. During the disruption, Hoedspruit Airport remained partially operational. Smaller carriers continued operating via…
BY:TANA MALINGA Standard Bank, Africa’s largest bank by assets, has become the first African bank to issue Flac notes. The bank acted as issuer and arranger in the successful execution of a R2 billion Flac note issuance structured across four tranches. Flac notes are new regulatory instruments introduced by the South African Reserve Bank to…
BY:TANA MALINGA Standard Bank has invested R1 billion to enhance its online banking platform, reinforcing the digital banking experience for Business and Commercial Banking (BCB) clients. Launched in October 2024, the upgraded platform forms part of a phased client migration journey. Enhancements are introduced progressively as part of the bank’s broader digital modernisation programme. All…
BY:TANA MALINGA Standard Bank, Africa’s biggest bank by assets, is proud to announce that it has played a significant role in supporting Sanlam Private Equity (SPE) in its acquisition of Medhold, a leading supplier of medical devices and surgical supplies in South Africa and other selected African markets. Medhold offers a diversified portfolio of medical…
BY: TANA MALINGA First National Bank (FNB) continues to strengthen South Africa’s informal and community economy through an R18 billion funding commitment that now supports more than 250,000 entrepreneurs nationwide. In the most recent financial year alone, the bank expanded this portfolio by over R2 billion, enabling more small business owners to access the capital…
BY: TANA MALINGA As South Africa prepares for the National Budget Speech later this month, focus is shifting to whether government commitments to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) will be supported by the funding and practical implementation needed to drive real economic impact.In the 2026 State of the Nation Address delivered last week, President…
