Nestlé invests R124 million to boost cereal production in Zimbabwe

by Kelebogile Matlou On Monday, Nestlé announced a R124 million investment to expand its cereal manufacturing facility in Harare, Zimbabwe. The investment is aimed at boosting local production capacity by over 35% and supporting domestic and regional markets including Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. This expansion forms part of Nestlé’s long-term Africa for Africa strategy, which…

Three Banks Sanctioned for Failing Anti-Money Laundering Compliance

by Kelebogile Matlou The Prudential Authority a regulator under the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), announced administrative sanctions against HBZ Bank Limited, Citibank South Africa, and the Bank of Taiwan South Africa (BOTSA). The sanctions follow compliance inspections conducted in 2022, revealing that the banks failed to adhere to key requirements of the Financial Intelligence…

Ceasefire or strategic pause? Israel–Iran showdown redefines Middle-East power balance

by Mathipa Phishego  Just about nearly two weeks of escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. A tenuous ceasefire appears to be holding at least in name.  Brokered with assistance from the United States and Qatar, the de-escalation reflects not a resolution, but a recalibration of regional power plays with far-reaching geopolitical implications. U. S. President…

SA Signs R26 Billion World Bank loan for Economic Reform

by Kelebogile Matlou The National Treasury on Monday said the government has signed a R26 Development Policy Loan (DPL) from the World Bank. “DPLs are robust, flexible and quick-disbursing financing instruments that help countries achieve development results by supporting a program of policy and institutional reforms provided through general budget financing.” This agreement reinforces the…