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MTN CEO’s Salary: R70M Amid Profit Challenges
In 2023, MTN CEO’s salary grabbed headlines when Ralph Mupita earned R70.64 million, a figure that sparked debate across boardrooms and newsrooms alike. This hefty paycheck arrived against a backdrop of profit declines, driven by the Nigerian naira’s sharp devaluation. Yet, MTN’s customer base grew, and its strategic initiatives gained traction. How does a company […]
Why are Makro Stores Usually Outside City Centers?
Why are Makro stores usually outside city centers? It’s a question that sparks curiosity among South African shoppers navigating long drives for bulk deals. Makro’s 22 warehouse stores, often 10 km or more from urban hubs, save the company millions annually in land costs—up to 50% less than city-center plots. This isn’t just about saving […]
Greg Bortz’s Net Worth: From Durban to Dominance
Greg Bortz’s net worth, estimated in the tens of millions, tells a story of sharp instincts and fearless bets. He’s not just a number on a Forbes list. As CEO of Grand Parade Investments (GPI), Bortz turned a struggling firm into a gaming powerhouse, with deals like the R1.6 billion Sun International stake sale padding […]
Who Owns Dragon Energy Drink: Unveiling Kingsley’s Empire
“Over 25% of South Africa’s soft drink market belongs to one player—Kingsley Beverages.” That’s the stat that grabs attention. It’s not just about soda, though. Kingsley Beverages, a global force, answers the question: Who owns Dragon Energy drink? They do. Based in Dubai, with regional hubs in Johannesburg, Peterborough, and Houston, this company has built […]
SRD Extended: Treasury’s Bold Plan to Fund Relief in 2025
South Africa’s National Treasury dropped a bombshell in early 2025: the SRD extended to March 2026, a lifeline for millions still reeling from economic hardship. Picture this—over 9 million people rely on the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant monthly, a figure that’s climbed steadily since its 2020 debut. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, facing a […]
All the Companies Koos Bekker Owns: A Deep Dive
Picture this: a single investment in 2001 turns a modest media company into a global powerhouse, minting billions along the way. That’s the story of Koos Bekker, a South African billionaire who took Naspers from a sleepy newspaper publisher to a tech titan. All the companies Koos Bekker owns—or has a significant stake in—tell a […]
All the Companies Jannie Mouton Owns
All the companies Jannie Mouton owns tell a story of grit, vision, and relentless ambition. Picture this: in 1995, a 48-year-old South African gets fired from his own stockbroking firm. Instead of fading away, he builds an empire worth billions. That’s Jannie Mouton—founder of PSG Group, co-architect of Capitec Bank, and a titan in South […]
Starbucks’ Success in South Africa: A Story of Reinvention
When Starbucks first entered South Africa in 2016, the excitement was palpable. The global coffee giant, known for its iconic green logo and premium offerings, was expected to dominate the local market. However, the initial launch didn’t go as planned. High overhead costs, mismanagement, and a lack of local adaptation led to significant losses. By […]
How Shoprite Became Successful: A Retail Revolution Unleashed
In 1979, a small grocery chain of eight stores in South Africa’s Western Cape changed hands for a modest R1 million. Fast forward to today, and that same company—Shoprite—boasts a market capitalization of R131.65 billion, employs over 152,000 people, and operates 3,152 stores across 10 African countries. How Shoprite became successful isn’t just a story […]
Checkers’ Success Story: From 5 Stores to a Retail Giant
In 1960, Checkers was a tiny chain of five supermarkets, a speck in South Africa’s retail landscape. By 1965, it had exploded to 85 stores, thanks to Raymond Ackerman’s vision. That’s the dawn of Checkers’ success story—a saga of grit, customer obsession, and bold moves. But the tale doesn’t end there. After Ackerman’s exit, Checkers […]