While the expansion of mobile broadband and fibre-optic networks are driving growth of ICT services in South Africa, additional infrastructure investment will be needed to keep pace with rapidly rising market demand. Focus on speed South Africa has a set of ambitious targets laid out in its national broadband policy, South Africa Connect, which includes achieving 50% internet coverage with…
Seeking to reduce its dependence on coal-fired power, South Africa is shifting its energy mix toward natural gas and renewables. The country currently consumes around 180bn standard cu feet (scf) of gas per year and remains heavily reliant on imports to satisfy demand. Roughly two-thirds of total consumption is imported from neighbouring Mozambique. With the authorities announcing plans to add 3.1…
A planned easing of visa restrictions has been welcomed by South Africa’s tourism industry, which is looking to boost lower arrival numbers and offset slowing domestic holiday travel. An increasingly stringent visa regime has been cited by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) as an underlying cause of the decline in inbound tourism last year. According to data issued in February, international arrivals…
The 8th annual Africa Energy Indaba will be held on the 16 - 17 February 2016 in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. Host to 11 African Energy Ministers and many energy luminaries, the event is set to provide access to key energy decision makers in Africa. The event comprises a number of conferences and an exhibition to showcase energy products and services to meet Africa's energy demands. Africa…
Taxes levied by the national government of South Africa under the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 (the Act) include the following: Normal tax also known as income tax; Provisional tax, which forms part of income tax; Capital gains tax, which forms part of income tax; Withholding tax on royalties; and Dividends tax. 1. Income Tax South Africa has a residence-based income tax system which…
As the global economic environment challenges businesses and gives rise to acute unemployment, there is a growing need for governments to find more innovative ways of attracting investors. In South Africa there are several tax incentives and allowances geared to attracting investment and promoting employment creation. The Employment Tax Incentive (ETI) came into effect on January 1, 2014 and will…
In conjunction with SizweNtsalubaGobodo, OBG explores the taxation system, examining South Africa’s investor-friendly environment. OBG talks to Victor Sekese, CEO, SizweNtsalubaGobodo, on new tax rules.…
The Company Kumba is a listed iron ore mining company and 70% subsidiary of global diversified miner Anglo American, benefitting from group procurement and mine optimisation strategies. Kumba was formed in a 2001 demerger from South African integrated steel company Iscor and a subsequent demerger of coal mining operations in 2006 to form a separately listed company, Exxaro. Exxaro simultaneously became…
The Company MTN is a multinational telecommunications company, headquartered in South Africa, with operations in 22 countries across Africa and the Middle East. MTN’s offerings include voice services through 2G or GSM networks and data services through 3G networks. Incorporated in 1994 under the name M-Cell, the company was awarded the second national licence in South Africa, commencing commercial…
In spite of the domestic challenges the government must navigate, South Africa maintains a robust diplomatic presence. Its transition from apartheid to democracy resulted in a significant readjustment of its foreign relations in 1994, which saw it join the South African Development Community, the Organisation of African Unity – replaced by the African Union (AU) in 2002 – and the Movement of NonAligned…
