Planning Topics
By: Willem OberholzerIN AN increasingly globalised world, international investments play a crucial role in diversifying portfolios, mitigating risks, and seeking growth opportunities beyond one’s domestic market. However, the landscape of international investing is fraught with complexities,…
By: Roger EskinaziSouth Africa’s economy is part of a diverse group of Sub-Saharan African economies known to be more impacted by global markets than their North African counterparts.As such, South Africa’s financial market is susceptible to a broad range of macro- and micro-economic forces.…
If you are a member of a medical scheme in South Africa, you and your listed dependants are entitled to a set of benefits known as prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs), no matter which plan, or option, you are on.PMBs were introduced by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) in 2000, guaranteeing a…
Instead of trying to undo the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill (Bela Bill) into law, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube must surely be preoccupied with finding a solution to a looming crisis that threatens the future of thousands of children.More than 2 400 teacher posts only…
German national carrier Lufthansa Group has launched a new long-haul, non-stop flight from Johannesburg to Munich after a 19-year hiatus in a bid to boost the economies of South Africa and Germany.The inaugural flight landed at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday morning, with the touchdown…
The trend of South Africans seeking new opportunities abroad has been on the rise, with many relocating to countries such as Portugal, New Zealand, the US, the UK and Australia. This growing phenomenon highlights both challenges and opportunities for Financial Planners to adapt their strategies to…
Spring is the season associated with new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s the perfect time of year to act on the saying: ‘out with the old, in with the new’ – not just in terms of your home or mental health but also in terms of how you run your small business. Now is your chance to check-in with…
No matter how big or small, any business can be a target for cyber attackers. While some business owners think they're too small to be noticed, the numbers tell a different story. In 2023 alone, over 343 million people fell victim to cybercrimes, and it doesn't look like it's slowing down.Any…
By: Cor Kraamwinkel, Lenee Green, Lerato Lamola, Margaret Vermaak, and Mieke VlokSars is increasing its scrutiny of crypto traders by issuing tax notices and clarifying exchange control regulations. Traders must immediately comply to avoid penalties.Recent developments have seen the South African…
By Arno Jansen van VuurenIsmael was a great dad, read the Facebook post. Past tense – because at the relatively young age of 45, Ismael suffers a stroke, leaving his wife Nabilah and two young children behind.While Ismael is a fictional character, how this story unfolds reflects the sad reality…
By: Isaac MudauFuneral expenses can be burdensome and overwhelming – this is why funeral polices are the most popular insurance products in South Africa. Funeral policies are designed to offer a financial safety net to families during a very stressful time. They enable people to honour and bury…
By: Thys van ZylThe two-pot retirement system came into effect on Sunday but those who think they will have quick access to withdrawals may be disappointed.It seems that withdrawals may not be able to start until later in September while hitches with the system are sorted out and then it will take…
By: Peter WrenchWith economic growth slowing and households being constantly put under increased pressure, the struggle is real. An ever-shifting economic landscape means that we never quite have a firm footing. Financial security is perhaps the only anchor that helps us maintain stability. But how…
Old Mutual says it is ready for Two-Pot and all rules for funds to be administered have been approved by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).“Old Mutual would like to inform all customers that its Two-Pot implementation process will take place in two phases. This will ensure the system…
By: Darren BritzThe South Gauteng High Court upheld an appeal in a judgement against the South African Revenue Service (Sars), on August 27, 2024, in the matter of TALT vs The Commissioner for The South African Revenue Services. Anyone dealing with Sars, South African tax, or who wants to know the…
By: Schalk Malan The gig economy and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are pivotal to South Africa's economic landscape. With unemployment rates soaring and traditional job opportunities becoming increasingly scarce, more South Africans are turning to freelance work and entrepreneurship. While…
By: Fikile MbhokotaIn South Africa’s consumption-focused culture, where many struggle to make it to month-end and stokvels tend to cash out come December, there are perpetuating cycles of present bias. Preoccupation with the present leaves little room to invest in the future. Shifting to a longer-…
MTN SA CEO Urges corporate South Africa to donate 30,000 devices to underprivileged learnersMTN South Africa’s CEO, Charles Molapisi, has called for business leaders across the country to join a new initiative aimed at closing the digital divide in education.The “Connecting Every Child” initiative…
ACCESS to information can be defined as the right to seek, receive, and impart information held by public bodies. It is an integral part of the fundamental right of freedom of expression, as recognised by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), which states that the…
Nicola MawsonA lower quality of life, longer treatment and recovery times, death and higher medical care costs are among the consequences of postponing a pap smear, blood test or prostrate exam.Information from medical aid schemes shows, in glaring detail, where the health-care sector is making…