Bell bets on US data centre boom even as tariff pain persists
Original equipment manufacturer Bell says it is eyeing long-term growth in the US despite persistent tariff uncertainty, while it is seeing a pick-up in local construction activity and expects better demand from mining customers.
R280bn shadow economy: Criminals now control even a quarter of SA’s toys
A report into SA’s illicit economy has found it is worth R280 billion across just 12 consumer industries, with criminal syndicates controlling more than 60% of gambling and tobacco trading, and almost a quarter of local toys and games.
Aspen bets its future on sterile factories after a brutal reset
Africa’s largest drugmaker is eyeing multiple tailwinds for 2027, including a possible extraordinary drug price increase in SA, strong demand for Mounjaro, and a recovery in manufacturing facilities that were restructured after the loss of a major contract.
Aspen ups dividend amid booming Mounjaro demand, sees itself at an ‘inflection point’
Aspen Pharmacare has upped its dividend by 10% and says it is at an “inflection point” after divesting multiple businesses in the Asia-Pacific put it in a net cash position for the first time in 30 years.
Safripol owner KAP rallies as Iran war provides polymers boost
Industrial group KAP’s shares surged on Tuesday after it reported full-year results that included a better-than-expected cut to its debt amid a boost to its polymers business due to the Middle East conflict.
‘There’s nothing there:’ Sea Harvest makes maiden payout even as pilchard nets come up empty
Fishing group Sea Harvest has paid its first-ever interim dividend after disposing of some assets and enjoying a strong result from its core hake business. But it is now concerned about its pilchard catch rates amid a disease outbreak.
New sugar tariff lands between dismayed producers and beverage lobby
The South African Sugar Association has welcomed an increase in the reference price used to determine sugar duties on imports, but regulators also needed to consider the needs of the beverage industry and SA’s commitments to the World Trade Organisation.
Stadio plans new provincial push with cheaper ‘blended’ offer
Private education group Stadio says it is looking to roll out a new, more affordable offering combining distance and contact learning in provinces such as Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and North West.
Northam ups dividend fivefold, says bids will reveal its ‘true value’
Platinum group metals miner Northam, which appears to be a potential acquisition target of Valterra Platinum, has declared a record final payout and returned R6.8 billion to shareholders for 2026.
Stadio hits 56 000 student target, eyes university status
Private higher education group Stadio has reported student growth of 10%, helped by new campuses, including in Durbanville.